The matchup between left wingers and openside flankers will be a key focus for Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt this Saturday night, as the Western Force take on the Queensland Reds.
This insight comes from former Test greats Tim Horan and Cameron Shepherd, who shared their thoughts while previewing the highly anticipated Australian Super Rugby Pacific derby on Stan Sport’s Rugby Heaven.
With a perfect 2-0 record to start the season, the Force has quickly become a talking point in the competition, sitting second on the table at the beginning of round three.
Filipo Daugunu of the Reds bursts through the defence. Getty
Left wingers Filipo Daugunu from the Reds and Dylan Pietsch from the Force have both made an impressive start to the season, contributing offensively and defensively for their teams.
“Filipo’s an incredibly astute addition for the Queensland Reds; he’s got a great grasp of when to drift off his wing and when to maintain his position,” remarked Queensland legend Horan.
“He consistently makes a few steals every game, too.”
Former Force player Shepherd expressed similar sentiments.
“Filipo Daugunu is one of those rare talents who seems to develop new skills each season,” Shepherd commented. “It’s more than just his physical talent; his defensive awareness has improved significantly.”
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Meanwhile, ex-Waratahs winger Pietsch has also made a strong impact at the Force with three tries in two matches, recovering from an injury that cut short his Spring Tour last year.
“He really despises being brought down,” Shepherd noted. “You can see how desperately he’s trying to fend off tackles and keep moving forward. Players like him are crucially valuable coming off the wing.”
Dylan Pietsch of the Force scores a try. Getty
Horan remarked that Pietsch, previously a backrower, possesses both the physique and mentality that suit Test rugby dynamics.
“Moreover, he’s beginning to forge a solid partnership with fly-half Ben Donaldson,” he noted. “It’s essential for your fly-half to comprehend your movements, particularly when you’re stationed wide or making a run off his inside shoulder—there’s certainly more to come from him.”
Fraser McReight of the Reds. Getty
On another note, Fraser McReight delivered a stellar performance for the Reds in his season debut last weekend against Moana Pasifika. Provided he remains injury-free, he is a strong candidate for the No. 7 jersey against the British and Irish Lions—though Carlo Tizzano from the Force is making a compelling case for himself.
The tenacious Perth native put in an exceptional shift with 34 successful tackles against the ACT Brumbies and has also crossed the try line three times in two outings.
Carlo Tizzano of the Force passes the ball. Getty
“I’d say 34 tackles is the most I’ve seen in a Super Rugby match for a long time,” Horan declared. “His performance was exceptional. To make that number of tackles and still be active and fit enough to compete at the breakdown is truly remarkable.”
Shepherd mentioned that Tizzano’s relentless work ethic allows his teammates to flourish.
Carlo Tizzano of the Force warms up. Getty
“It alleviates so much pressure on your inside backs,” Horan asserted. “When Donaldson and (Hamish) Stewart have fewer tackles to contend with, they can focus on their organisation without being fatigued—it’s incredibly important.”
Western Force vs Queensland Reds
SAT 1 March: HBF Park, Perth (kickoff at 7:35pm AEDT)
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep (co-captain), Nic White (co-captain), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Reesjan Pasitoa, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa’agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (captain), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Dre Pakeho, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
Referee: Nic Berry
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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