The Western Force showed their class as they spoiled the Rebels' homecoming at AAMI Park, running out 28-3 victors.
The visitors dominated territory and possession as they cruised to a bonus-point win, setting up their return to home next week perfectly.
So what did we learn?
1. PASITOA STANDS UP
Reesjan Pasiota might end up the most crucial signing of the season, looming as the Force's flyhalf for the future.
You wouldn’t know he’s only played two games as a starter, he looks cool, calm and collected whenever he touches the ball.
The key for Pasitoa is his decision-making, years beyond his experience, not afraid to take the line on and looks seriously damaging when he does.
Tim Horan is already calling for him to be added to the Wallabies squad and whilst it's premature, another performance like that against the Reds next week will go a long way to cementing his status as a bolter.
2. EXECUTION
The Rebels looked dangerous when they got into the Force’s half, however, once again, a lack of execution cost them tonight.
Reece Hodge’s failed kick for touch in the fourth minute set the tone for a side that just never seemed to click, forced to do a ton of defence in a near repeat of Friday’s thriller at Leichhardt. What the Reds did well in that situation was whenever they were down in the Tahs 22, they came away with points. The Rebels turned down two chances to go for three early in the game, with errors gifting the ball back to the opposition.
They then looked to rectify this in the 34th and 37th minute with two penalty attempts that were arguably harder, however, Matt To’omua could only nail one of two as the Force built their lead early.
It meant they were always chasing the scoreboard and could never really get themselves back in the contest as the Force's defence held strong
3. A TALE OF TWO 15
It was a tale of two fullbacks as Reece Hodge had a game to forget as his under-rated opposite number shined.
Hodge still looks like he’s trying to find his feet after injury, making a couple of simple mistakes before he was yellow-carded for a knockdown. A second knockdown saw him issued a red with four minutes to go in the game.
Meanwhile, Force fullback Jake Strachan looked composed at the back, making some really smart choices with the boot before throwing a nice offload to put Pasitoa into space, forcing Hodge’s infringement.
In a youthful backline, Strachan needs more performances like this to stabilise the side if they wish to match it with the likes of the Reds and Brumbies.
4. INJURY TOLL CONTINUES
You have to feel for the Rebels and Kevin Foote as their injury toll grows.
Winger Lachie Anderson was ruled out before the game and hooker Jordan Uelese followed him off after struggling through the first half. Anderson's replacement George Worth was ruled out with a HIA.
They join the likes of Andrew Kellaway, Rob Leota, Pone Fa’amausili, Josh Kemeny and Trevor Leota on the sidelines.
Kellaway was hopeful of being back next week, which would be a major morale boost for a side already running low on numbers.
5. BACKROW BATTLE
Tim Anstee continues to firmly position himself in the number eight Wallabies discussion as he picks up where he left off from last year.
Anstee’s added muscle gives him extra power to get over the advantage line and his high-tempo style suits the Force’s style perfectly.
His awareness and instincts to quickly release the ball and go again from the 5 metre maul created something out of nothing for the first try of the game.
