Reds v Blues, Round 11 2013, Attack of the Attack?

Anzac clash with potentially massive ramifications for the Reds should they fail to win.

Will we see a repeat of the all out attack from last weekend or something more conservative?

Will any of Samo, Beau Robbo or Harris be back on deck for the Reds?

Meanwhile the Blues will have had a full 2 weeks to prepare for this one and dissect the Reds game.

The Blues attacking stats are better than the Reds in 2013 whilst both sides have leaked an average of around 20 points per game.

Will either sides defence be able to step it up a notch on Friday night?

Or are we in for a free flowing high-scoring tryfest?

Looking forward to this game as well. The Blues defence seemed to have stepped up going from their last game against the Canes and with Graham Henry running the defence (I think) they will hopefully keep improving.

F Saili won't be playing and I think Moala is still suspended so their back-line will be a little disrupted. Maybe big Albert Nikora will make another appearance...

I wonder if Mealamu will start this one as well and perhaps Boric as well?

Well actually, is Saili dropped completely or just benched?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby/news/article.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10879031

I don't know actually. Jackson Willison isn't a bad player but I would prefer having a bit more experience on the field against the Reds - especially defensively.

I think that Shipperley is the better winger, but Davies looks to be in really good form at the moment so I dont mind if he gets another run.

Cant wait for this game! Both teams look to be in good form going into this game, but the Reds should be clear favourites. It’s actually hard to find weaknesses in the Reds game at the moment. Their pick and drive game is arguably the best in the comp. Their maul work is very dangerous. They can play a tight or running rugby. Shades of 2011 right now. The only real downside to their play last week was the number of errors they made. If they can cut out the errors they should get a 4 try bonus point.

As for the Blues, its always a bit to tell which Blues team will turn up. But even if it the good one, I'll back the Reds. They'll be pissed after last week. My only concern is that players are sometimes a bit flat after games tof he magnitude of the Brumbies v Reds game.
Reds by 7.

This is by no means an objective point of view. Your disdain for Davies is pungent. He's scored 3 tries in 2 matches. How many has Shipperley scored this year? Again I'm not saying he's a better winger, but his main job is to score 5 pointers and he's doing that.

There are really obvious flaws in Davies' game (high ball and defense, mainly) but he seems to get himself into the right position to score tries very, very often. If he can shore up on those deficiencies he has the potential to be an incredible player with his quickness but I haven't seen any real improvement based on the last few games in those areas since the test with Samoa. If he can't fix those issues he will sadly always be a very potent strike runner but a liability everywhere else. I want to see him become a complete player because watching him in flight is exhilarating.

Good debate re Rocket. Though as I've said before, look closely and, intercepts aside, you'll see that typically Davies' best work requires even better work from QC in setting him up. Of course, when QC finds the holes and space for his wingers, then raw pace to the line becomes handy . Having said that, I like Jets' point above that top wingers also need exceptional technique and agility to deal with fast incoming cover defenders that are good at spoiling the ball's down movement over the line or forcing the winger into touch, this is when the best wingers really earn their pay, it's not just the pace to get to the chalk.

His finishing definitely needs work. His size and build aren't doing him any favors. I think he weighs about the same as JOC but Rabbit has a much stockier build and lower COG.

And thanks for that! Ahhh, that was one of the sweetest days there ever was to be a Reds fan. Exhilarating: the combination of sensing a moment of team destiny unfolding, and doing so by means of truly champagne rugby.

Is this game on Anzac Day?

Friday I thought.

Yes, it is Friday so the day after.

Will still be a commemoration service held and curtain raiser between defence force teams that kicks off at 5:30pm.

Is a discount ticket offer for Defence Personnel too.