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Super Rugby AU Grand Final - Reds v Brumbies - Saturday 8th May 2021

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Greg Davis (50)
Finally we know who will be in the Final, a repeat of last years opponents but will this year bring a different result?

I think there will be a lot of interest about player injuries this week, with Paisami out, what happens to the Reds backline?

For the Brumbies is Samu going to be fit, he certainly required a lot of ice on his knee.

How big will the crowd be at Lang Park? I would love to see at least 40,000 in the crowd for this match to get some homefield advantage happening, it would also be a good warm up for 50,000 to the Reds home Trans Tasman final later in the year:) .

It will also be interesting to see who is the referee for the game, is there any chance of having Amy Perrett in charge?

What ever he result, and no matter the winner this should be an awesome game between two great teams.

Reds by 2, 28-26
 

Wilson

David Codey (61)
For the Brumbies is Samu going to be fit, he certainly required a lot of ice on his knee.


Slipper didn't look in a great way after he went of either. If he doesn't play he's arguably a bigger loss - the Brumbies scrum depth not matching up to the reds has been a big part of the comebacks this year.

Edit: Christy Doran also has Fainga’a in doubt.

Test trio James Slipper, Folau Fainga’a and Pete Samu, who was seen clutching his knee on the ground, each departed early and must be in doubt for the final.
“I’d suggest all three of them are of concern, but I’ll have to talk to the doctor and medical staff and see where we get to. Slips has done that medial before, so he tweaked and we’ll see what grade that is and see where we get to.”
 

Rebels3

Jim Lenehan (48)
Looking at the stats, field territory will decide the match. In 21 SRAU matches so far this year only on 3 occasions has the team that’s kicked less during the game won the match. Last night coincidently was the third time.
 

Zero_Cool

Arch Winning (36)
Yeah, this might be another Tupou wrecking crew job. Reds will dominate the scrum, Brumbies should have the advantage at lineout (although I think the Reds might have started to figure that out).
Valetini will have some big key moments, but he'll disappear for stretches, while McReight will make us all forget who that last World Class Brumbies 7 was...

Reds come out hard and KO the Brumbies in the first half. Reds by 15+
 
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Brumby Runner

David Wilson (68)
Yeah, this might be another Tupou wrecking crew job. Reds will dominate the scrum, Brumbies should have the advantage at lineout (although I think the Reds might have started to figure that out).
Valetini will have some big key moments, but he'll disappear for stretches, while McReight will make us all forget who that last World Class Brumbies 7 was.

Reds come out hard and KO the Brumbies in the first half. Reds by 15+

In the words of one forgettable Reds fan, if the Reds don't win this in a canter then time to show BT the door.
 

Up the Guts

Steve Williams (59)
Yeah, this might be another Tupou wrecking crew job. Reds will dominate the scrum, Brumbies should have the advantage at lineout (although I think the Reds might have started to figure that out).
Valetini will have some big key moments, but he'll disappear for stretches, while McReight will make us all forget who that last World Class Brumbies 7 was.

Reds come out hard and KO the Brumbies in the first half. Reds by 15+
I don’t understand why Valetini is in the heads of so many Reds supporters. Relax fellas, he’ll likely be in the backrow alongside Wilson not in place of him.
 

TSR

Mark Ella (57)
I don’t understand why Valetini is in the heads of so many Reds supporters. Relax fellas, he’ll likely be in the backrow alongside Wilson not in place of him.
I’m not sure that’s necessarily true. I won’t be surprised if Rennie still picks a more lineout orientated forward at 6 and, if so, it may well be Wilson, not Valetini, who misses out.

I’m not sure it is just Reds supporters who have been critical of Valetini though. If you look across the pages I think there are plenty who’ve had concerns around his historic work rate. Personally I think the historical criticism is valid, but it isn’t anymore. He and McReight have been the outstanding backrowers this season and Valetini has got better as the season has progressed. I’m still a big fan of Wilson and I think he too has been superb this year, even if he does lack penetration at times. But if one of them makes way I would expect it will be more likely to be him based on current form. Not that his is bad, but Valetini’s is better. But I am also mindful that we still have the TT to get through and I think those games will count for double. And, just quietly, I’m keen to see him rip in there too.

In any case, returning to this game itself, limiting Valetini’s impact will be one of the key pillar’s of the game plan of the Reds want to win. If we do that I think guys like Wilson, ASY (Angus Scott-Young)/Wright and our centres/wingers will have big roles to play. I thought it was noticeable in the last Reds v Brumbies fixture that Petaia was one guy who stepped up and really hit and drove Valetini. Not too many guys are capable of that at the moment.
 

TSR

Mark Ella (57)
PS and he is much more in my head due to the threat he poses on Saturday.

From a Wallaby fan perspective I’m rejoicing in his progress.
 
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