A number 8 on your back
- Thread starter Moses
- Start date
- Status
S
Squeak
Guest
Seriously tough year for Dennis. We all rave about the Force back row, but Dennis has had to wait to prove himself behind Palu, Waugh, Mowen, Mumm, McCutcheon and Alcock. He showed himself to be everything McCalman is tonight, and if he pisses his girlfriend off he still has Gerrard and Palu to answer to.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
So his GF is Mo'onia Gerrard? Well played sir. She's farking gorgeous.
S
Squeak
Guest
I know a bloke that used to see Finnegans sister. Braver man than me.
S
Skippy
Guest
He's a good player... will maybe get a run in tri nations until Rocky returns. Won't make WC but I can see him figuring in the next 2-3 years. As a no 8? I will reserve my judgement after a few more games especially against stronger opposition. One run against what was a pretty poor opposition playing in a game that had no bearing on their season... in a team winning by 40 points, is not a great measuring stick. But yeah, he's a good player, pretty handy in all areas but not exceptional in any. But I like that in a player, and so does Deans I think, because it gives him something to work with and improve.
Langthorne
Phil Hardcastle (33)
Why, did she look like Owen?
Nusadan
Chilla Wilson (44)
or have a body like his....
#1 Tah
Chilla Wilson (44)
Whats that, Skip?
T
TOCC
Guest
I don't think much can be taken from this game, the two teams went out playing like it was touch foot all to start with, Dennis needs a go in s tight game against a opposition who put up a fight
G
GC
Guest
Good game from Dennis. He's no Read though.
As for a Wobs wider squad bolter - Shatz could be there. Right build for the job. Damaging in defence. A couple of years of in Super Rugby. Must be only 20. He is the future IMO.
As for a Wobs wider squad bolter - Shatz could be there. Right build for the job. Damaging in defence. A couple of years of in Super Rugby. Must be only 20. He is the future IMO.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
Dennis is a quality player with some good pace. I can't help but see both him and Mowen as more 6's than 8's though.
I thought he played very well. Poor opposition? Well, he can only play what's there, and for large parts of the game, the in-tight defence from both sides was pretty willing. And he was right in that.
I am getting a bit tired of thread after thread turning into "Player xyz had a blinder and should be in the Wallaby squad" after one, or a few good games. So I won't go there.
What I will say is that the requirements of a back-rower will be a bit different in Super Rugby, as compared to a Test v Samoa, as compared to a 3N Test, or even a quarter final in the RWC v England. 7s are 7s, a bit. But 6s and 8s might play different games, and sometimes a faster, aggressive 8 might serve better than a big lump; sometimes Higgers running wide is the go (a la Adam Thompson), but sometimes we want him using his strength in close more. So sure, a guy like Dennis could play 8 with effect, both at Super level and in some Internationals. But realistically, there are a few ahead of him this season.
I am getting a bit tired of thread after thread turning into "Player xyz had a blinder and should be in the Wallaby squad" after one, or a few good games. So I won't go there.
What I will say is that the requirements of a back-rower will be a bit different in Super Rugby, as compared to a Test v Samoa, as compared to a 3N Test, or even a quarter final in the RWC v England. 7s are 7s, a bit. But 6s and 8s might play different games, and sometimes a faster, aggressive 8 might serve better than a big lump; sometimes Higgers running wide is the go (a la Adam Thompson), but sometimes we want him using his strength in close more. So sure, a guy like Dennis could play 8 with effect, both at Super level and in some Internationals. But realistically, there are a few ahead of him this season.
G
GC
Guest
Which part of my post implies that?
Dennis has been a fringe player for the Tahs for most of the season too. Both had their first game at 8 this season, didn't they?
Scotty
David Codey (61)
T
TOCC
Guest
Being minor premiers one would think that reds squads members are more likely to have displayed better form at a certain point during 2011....
You obviously aren't going to have many players displaying good form and skills in a losing team are you?
Its the reason the Tahs have made up the bulk of the Wallabies squad the past 5-6 years..
Gnostic
Mark Ella (57)
How has Dennis been a finge player this year? Palu has been out virtaully all year and he was starting 6 in this period with Mowen at 8. When Palu was available he dropped to the bench but has not been out of the 22 all year. How is that fringe?
As for what separates Dennis and Mowen they are matched on most points but the clincher is the fact that for much of the season Mowen called the Tahs lineouts and puts huge pressure on the opposition ball. Dennis is a true lineout option but has never achieved the turnovers that Mowen has.
Huge game from Dennis last night, IMO the best he has played for the Tahs. As for the assertion that the Ponies were not a real test, this was a resurgent side playing much better than they did in the first 3/4 of the season. Add to that Chapman and Vaea have never been the issue with the Ponies and they were totally outclassed by the Tahs backrow.
As for what separates Dennis and Mowen they are matched on most points but the clincher is the fact that for much of the season Mowen called the Tahs lineouts and puts huge pressure on the opposition ball. Dennis is a true lineout option but has never achieved the turnovers that Mowen has.
Huge game from Dennis last night, IMO the best he has played for the Tahs. As for the assertion that the Ponies were not a real test, this was a resurgent side playing much better than they did in the first 3/4 of the season. Add to that Chapman and Vaea have never been the issue with the Ponies and they were totally outclassed by the Tahs backrow.
- Status