Three Ireland stars available again as two more face fitness race

I mentioned the Reds gain line %, and it’s incredibly low for a team that carries so much. That absolutely marries up with your passive defence theory. And further, the same Opta data set tells me the Reds rank 9th for dominant tackles (despite having the highest tackle efficiency), and make the highest percentage of tackles above the hips in 50+ pro teams around the world!

This second week finals scenario was always possible, but in the history of Super Rugby, the no.1 team being beaten in the first week is so incredibly rare that it was barely given a conscious thought until last week - and even then it was only because the reigning Champions scraped into 6th on the back of a game and a half of decent form.

If Moana or the Waratahs finished 6th the scenario would still have been possible, but every bit as unlikely.

It’s not a scam or a farce, it’s just been undone by an extraordinary turn of events as the top six was decided..

However the preference in Australia is to use a sliding defence that prioritises staying connected rather than applying intense pressure so I expect more of the same there.

Even though the Reds are out, I’m still wearing my Reds hoodie but well and truly on the Brumbies bandwagon for however long they remain in the competition.

The odds of the Brumbies or Chiefs winning this tournament will balloon out if the Crusaders win on Friday so for once, this Queensland Maroons fan will say go the Blues!