@Nepia Ideally if Coles starts I would have Aumua on the bench. The kid needs opportunities at Super level to show what he has and I think it's kind of pointless having Riccitelli there considering he isn't an impactful kind of player.

On the other hand, if Coles was injured I would have Riccitelli starting and Aumua on the bench due to suitability.

@Stargazer Oh right I got my information from the Canes website. Thanks for this.

@Nepia Ffs and he has Riccitelli as an impact sub. Is the guy broken or something?

@Wurzel And they wonder why people are switching off from this form of the game. I am a passionate fan and even I'm getting sick of how devalued this competition is now. We want to see the best playing week in and week out, especially considering this is historically one of the biggest games on the calendar.

More communication from the Canes would be nice, absolutely disrespecting their fans by naming such a shit lineup and providing absolutely no reasoning behind it. What is the point of benching Perenara, it still means he has to take two weeks off. Wouldn't it be smarter to take him out altogether and then use that as one of his rest weeks. Does Plumtree have anything between the ears? I'm a bit worried at this stage tbh when he thinks we are going to be competitive this weekend.

@ShadowTrooper Very true, Jordie Barrett's boot was a savour on Saturday. A bit of a worry now if he goes down considering Marshall is broken. I suppose we have Skudder in the ranks but I'm not sure whether or not he is ready to play.

Positives to take out of the game

1. We showed alot of patience with ball in hand when things weren't flowing and both of the tries we scored were off periods of sustained pressure.
2. Ardie looks like he has continued that 2018 form and was easily the best Cane on the park.
3. Our scrum actually performed quite well, though we will find out on Saturday where we are truly at in that regard.

Negatives:

1. Our dicipline on defence really prevented us from getting any real ascendency in the game.
2. Our pack looks way too small for Super Rugby. We only competed this week because the Tahs seem to be in the same boat. Looked more assured when Walker-Leawere came on.
3. Fletcher Smith - I like this kid but he had a shocker debut for the Canes. His kicking game was very average and doesn't seem to have much power from the boot.

Changes I would make for next week.

1. We need to start Coles. He is our captain and shows the way with his nitty gritty style of play. If he starts then Aumua comes onto the bench for impact purposes.
2. Start Walker-Leawere. We will need size against the Crusaders if we are to bank points in Chch.
3. Drop Goosen, he is too small for Super and is shocking under the high ball. I think this will be offset anyway with Proctor returning and Aso moving back to the right.
4. Convince Beauden to return a week early.

Well played Rebels, enjoy the much needed bye next week.

Brumbies exceptional at mauling.

Decent performance by Quade. Maddocks is looking classy on the right flank. Have to say it's been a fairly enjoyable game to watch, promising signs for the Aussie conference.