Reds v Brumbies – who’s got the edge?

Another all-Australian affair will mark the second fixture of the 2013 Super Rugby tournament, as the Reds travel to Canberra to take on the Brumbies.

The Reds will be looking to return to their form of the 2011 Super Rugby season, which saw the Queenslanders became deserved champions.

On the other side of things is the Brumbies, who, with the help of former Springbok coach Jake White, are in the rebuilding phases of the franchise, and completed a successful 2012 season, in which the team finish second in the Australian conference.

Richard Graham’s Reds have the individual quality in their forward and back divisions to unlock any defence, but the combinations of players is what makes the Reds tick.

The duo of Quade Cooper and Will Genia obviously being a key focus of the Reds, and with Cooper returning from a boxing stint and in fine physical form, while Genia has been recovering from an injury, the two should relish the opportunity to reclaim their partnership on the field.

Digby Ioane is undoubtedly one of the most potent attacking weapons in world rugby, and we should be seeing him, and Dom Shipperley, on the end of some elaborate backline moves.

The forwards, with James Slipper at the helm, should pose the usual threat to the Brumbies. Saia Faingaa’s lineout skills could be utilised, as the Reds’ set-pieces have always been a strong point of the team.

The Brumbies will be looking to their new star signing, David Pocock, who joins the Canberra side from the Western Force, in order to add some prowess at the breakdown.

Ben Mowen will need to lead his men, particularly the forward pack, so that a solid platform is made for the likes of Lealiifano, Speight and Jesse Mogg, who had a phenomenal 2012 season.

Clyde Rathbone also makes his return to Australian rugby following his retirement in 2009.

Queenland Reds

1. Greg Holmes, 2. Saia Faingaa , 3. James Slipper (c), 4. Adam Wallace-Harrison, 5. Rob Simmons, 6. Eddie Quirk, 7. Liam Gill, 8. Jake Schatz, 9. Ben Lucas, 10. Quade Cooper, 11. Digby Ioane, 12. Ben Tapuai (vc), 13. Aidan Toua, 14. Dom Shipperley, 15. Mike Harris

Replacements : 16. Albert Anae,17. James Hanson,18. Ed O’Donoghue,19. Jarrad Butler,20. Nick Frisby,21. Jono Lance,22. Chris F’Sautia

Brumbies – 15 Jesse Mogg, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Andrew Smith, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Henry Speight, 10 Matt Toomua, 9 Nic White, 8 Ben Mowen, 7 David Pocock, 6 Peter Kimlin, 5 Scott Fardy, 4 Sam Carter, 3 Dan Palmer, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.

Replacements: 16 Siliva Siliva, 17 Ruaidhri Murphy, 18 Colby Faingaa, 19 Fotu Auelua, 20 Ian Prior, 21 Joseph Tomane, 22 Robbie Coleman.

Rugby Informer’s take: The Reds and Brumbies clash will be an interesting meeting of 2012’s best Australian franchises, and while Pocock’s precence will be known, the Reds’ experience should squeeze them through.  – Reds by 10.

Quade Cooper, Ben Tapuai  and Henry Speight are part of Rugby Informer’s 5 AU backs to watch out for feature. Check it out here.