MARCH 9th 2024 SUNCORP STADIUM,BRISBANE,AUSTRALIA.
Team Line-ups
Reds
Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott Tom Lyngah, Mac Grealy, Isaac Henry, Josh Flook, Suli Vunivalu, Jock Campbell
Reserves. Josh Nasser, Peni Ravai, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Cormac Daly, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
Chiefs
Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Dyer, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Daniel Rona, Shaun Stevenson, Josh Ioane
Reserves. Tyrone Thompson, Ollie Norris, Reuben O’Neill, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Wallace Sititi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Anton Lienert-Brown
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Reds Squad Updates
Reds pivot Tom Lynagh has shown he is a chip off the old block with his commanding performances in round one and two. This week he faces a huge challenge in the shape of Chiefs play maker Damian McKenzie
Chiefs Squad Updates
Aidan Ross and Samisoni Taukei’aho start in the front row
Josh Ioane comes into fullback, pushing Shaun Stevenson to the wing
Wallace Sititi and Josh Jacomb are set to make their debuts off the bench
Each of the last five meetings between the Reds and Chiefs has been decided by single figure margins
The Chiefs have won eight of their last nine Super Rugby matches away from FMG Stadium, scoring 37 points per game across that span.
Reds Performance Recap
The Reds must still be wondering how they lost last week’s game against the Hurricanes, having emptied the tank completely and producing the kind of gutsy performance that did their reputation under new coach Les Kiss little damage. Still, that golden point defeat was exactly that, a loss, and they must now pick themselves up and go again.
That won’t be easy following the loss of both Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami to head knocks, their spots filled by Jock Campbell and Isaac Henry respectively, with Mac Grealy added to the wing.
Chiefs Performance Recap
The Chiefs, meanwhile, were awesome against the Brumbies, producing the kind of all-round performance that reflects their standing as competition favourites. If they repeat that effort, largely built on a physicality the Brumbies could simply not match, then this looms as a tough night for Queensland. Coach Clayton McMillan has also looked to freshen his side up a touch, with Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona, Cortez Ratima and Simon Parker all earning starts, while hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho also returns to the run-on side.
Analysis of Reds Performance
The Reds have looked quite good in the first two rounds of Super Rugby. There has been enough about them to show that they should surprise a few sides this season.
Against the Waratahs in round one, the Reds were clinical in winning 40-22 at home. Round two was a far bigger challenge as they went up against the Hurricanes in Melbourne.
For the full 80 minutes the Reds held their own against the Canes, just coming up short in a superb match. The 38-33 defeat will hurt but the signs remain promising, and the losing bonus point will help as well.
Analysis of Chiefs Performance
The Chiefs have made a superb start to the 2024 Super Rugby season with two wins in their first two games. In round one, the runners-up from 2023, defeated the Crusaders 33-29 on home soil.
Last week I expected more from the Brumbies in Melbourne, but the Chiefs ran rampant, winning 46-12. It was a very dominant performance and the kind that sends warning signs to all others hoping to challenge this season.
PREDICTION
Hard to look any where but the Chiefs. They looked so good last weekend and will get better as the season goes on.
About Force vs Brumbies
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