Passive derby between Reds and Waratahs poor preparation for Ireland test series
Brad Thorn's struggling Reds now have the second-worst defensive record in the Super Rugby competition.
OPINION: What did we really learn from the Waratahs v Reds tryfest at Suncorp Stadium? That Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale will hurt you if you let them run 10 metres without a challenge and that Israel Folau is something else in the air.
In other words, not a lot, because the Reds' defending was so appalling that to label it "schoolboy" would be an insult to schoolboys.
Brad Thorn's side now has the second-worst defensive record in the competition and it was the central theme in a game that provided a lot of highlights but not a lot of substance.
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After some promising early signs, the Reds' season is spiralling downwards and you really have to wonder what the likes of Jordan Petaia got out of Saturday night when he really should be with the Australia under-20s in France.
Reds No 8 Caleb Timu scored one try against the Waratahs in Brisbane and set up another with his size and skill.
Caleb Timu must start for the Wallabies
You could have been fooled into thinking you were watching a physical Reds v Waratahs game until the big No 8 came on. He then showed what real intent looks like, scoring one try and setting up another with his size and skill.
The way he ran over Nick Phipps for his five-pointer was impressive, although the sight of Phipps holding a knee after a contact was a worry for the Wallabies – he has come into some decent form.
But back to Timu. He's large, fast and and can give you a chance of winning that gainline. Considering the Irish will probably pick the workaholic CJ Stander at No 8, the Wallabies back row is going to have to have some genuine dynamism.
Timu at No 8 with David Pocock and Michael Hooper at No 6 and No 7 (although the numbers don't really matter) looks like the Wallabies' best option. Surely Lukhan Tui is too underdone to be considered at blindside?
The Waratahs did what they had to do but their key men – and Wallabies captain Michael Hooper – will be too savvy to read too much into their eight tries with a proper contest coming on Saturday.
Dane Haylett-Petty, centre, impressed during the Rebels' big win over the Blues in Auckland at the weekend.
Rebels win was much more significant for the Wallabies
The Melbourne side were good for about 50 minutes against the Blues in Auckland – certainly not a complete performance but something to really build on after the June Test series. Importantly for the Wallabies though, there were three very good signs.
First, big Adam Coleman confirmed he is back in form. He was held up in one early ball carry but on other occasions he really advanced the ball post contact and got his body position right.
He was ably assisted by Matt Philip, whose form dipped after a strong start to the season but now must be knocking on the Wallabies' door again. Second, Dane Haylett-Petty got some more quality minutes and showed some nice touches, particularly finishing his try and a lovely left-foot kick to free Marika Koroibete down the left for Billy Meakes' second try. Third, Reece Hodge got through another shift at No 10 and he is beginning to look a bit more comfortable there after a performance against the Sunwolves that showed he still had the "L"plates on.
Injured lock Brodie Retallick will sit out the All Blacks' test series opener with France on Saturday night.
Keep an eye on the French in New Zealand on Saturday
The All Blacks will be without injured pair Brodie Retallick and Kieran Read for the first test against the French at Eden Park on Saturday. Add in the fact that Sam Cane and Sam Whitelock are under injury clouds and their pack could be seriously undermanned.
You know where we are going here – the All Blacks are notoriously slow starters each year and, with Sonny Bill Williams already ruled out of the series due to injury, the chances of an upset have increased over the past week or so.
Such is their depth that the All Blacks will still put out a strong side, but the French have the potential to make things awkward in Auckland.
Rob Simmons has been a very important figure for the Waratahs this season and could start for the Wallabies.
Don't be surprised if Simmons starts for Wallabies
Veteran second-rower Rob Simmons has been a very important figure for NSW this year.
The Waratahs score a lot of tries from their lineout and make a lot of metres from the strike moves they use from the set-piece, and there are few better at it than Simmons.
With him in the side you are guaranteed a decent supply of clean ball, and don't underestimate how much coaches love that. He has also upped his work rate and, although he is never going to be the most imposing forward, he is making his tackles and getting off the deck quickly. Simmons shaded his battle with the Reds' Izack Rodda, who blotted his copybook with a silly penalty on half-time.
- SMH
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