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It’s Rugby Union’s State of Origin. It’s red versus blue. Joe Schmidt has his credit card at the ready and it’s time the Aussies put themselves in the shop window.
It’s the Queensland Reds versus the New South Wales Waratahs.
Super Rugby is off to a great start and round five is another piece of evidence making a case for this year’s competition being the greatest show on turf. There are tasty match ups across the competition but all eyes will be on this week’s Aussie derby, with Dan McKellar’s recent comments already setting the kindling alight.
Here are three matchups to keep an eye on Head of this weekend’s all Aussie clash:
Angus Bell v Zane Nonggorr
It’s the battle of the bosh. Angus Bell has the greater highlight reel, but Nonggorr has had a great start to Super Rugby Pacific. Opposition defences are paying big respect to the Queensland tighthead, as soon as he gets his hands on the ball he sucks in two-man tackles time and time again. If the Wallabies are to be a complete 23 man team versus the Lions, Zane Nonggorr needs to take his game to the next level. He has the raw power and size, now he just needs to put it to use against Australia’s favourite son Angus Bell.
Should I Stay or Should I Go
The Clash said it best. This year, Lawson Creighton made the decision to leave the Reds in search of more game time. Buried behind Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin Phillips. With only 5 rounds into SRP, he’s already amassed half as many starts as he did all of last season. The former Queensland standoff never let his side down when given the reigns and has backed his talent with a move to Dan McKellar’s side.
Tom Lynagh, Les Kiss’ preferred option at 10 returns to the lineup making this weeks clash a great showcase for the should I stay or should I go argument . The onus is on Creighton to follow through on his move, while Lynagh needs to show Queenslands’ front office they backed the right man.
Till next time Battle of the Red Scrum Cap
Langi Gleeson being out is a big loss for the Waratahs. His match up versus Harry Wilson would have shaken the stands in Suncorp stadium, so fans in attendance can rest easy.
Seru Uru’s connection with his fellow backrow forwards is one of the most lethal in rugby. Uru, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson just seem to know where each other are at all times. They run near perfect support lines off one another. Their offloads ,at pace, act like heat-seeking missiles and are nigh unstoppable for opposition defenders. It’s an important game for Rob Leota to show his international selectors he can mix it with the Wallabies. Going toe to toe against Harry Wilson and co will go a long way to making a strong case for his inclusion.
I can’t wait for this weekend’s game.
