AIC Rugby 2020

[Echidna]

Feel sorry for the opens.
At the end of the day whilst most will not be happy with the call, have to suck it up.
Best of luck to the Class of 2020 across the AIC schools.
Look forward to seeing some of you on a big screen in the future.

 

[My Arsenal]

They frame it as a responsible decision but it is a cop out. Soft. Like when it rains.

This will have more negative impacts than any protectionist measure they have rationalised in their heads.

I feel for all involved. But this is risk management gone mad.

Agree 100%. Just reactionary. Padua ventured up to Ipswich when it was Covid Central after the Wacol outbreak when there was a real risk. Feel sorry for the boys.

Moving forward I think the AIC should consider having a grand final at least for the Firsts, Seconds and A teams - top two ranked teams playoff for the Premiership - book out Ballymore and make a day of it. Schools have persisted in making the students endure a day of watching swimming or athletics, why not Rugby?

 

[Tbone]

Great idea on the finals series My Arsenal, would love to see it happen. The ending to the season has left a bad taste in the mouths of a lot of people and I really feel for all the boys wanting some sort of closure on the season. Soft decision by those making it.

I will start a debate and name my AIC team of the season. It won't please everyone, but just one mans opinion, as with all selections.

1) Darcy Hammond (MCA)
2) Winsbury (Villa)
3) Lucas Koslovski (MCA)
4) Willie Webster (SPLC)
5) Ethan Lucey (MCA)
6) Lopeti Faifua (SPLC)
7) John Bryant (SLC)
8) Keynan Tauakipulu (SPLC)
9) Jackson Dows (SPC)
10) Harry Whitten (MCA)
11) Dwayne Ludwick (MCA)
12) Charlie Kwok Sun Barker (Iona)
13) Josh Billings (MCA)
14) Will Boland (SPC)
15) Floyd Aubrey (MCA)

16) Ollie Harris (Villa)
17) Jackson Goss (SLC)
18) Saxon Warwick (Iona)
19) Villa 4 (not sure of name)
20) Nick Baker (MCA)
21) Matt Mitchell (MCA)
22) Harry Farimbella (SLC)
23) John Radel (SPLC)

I have picked a team I think if fully fit could beat a GPS 2 team. Gone with Bryant at 7 as there were no real standout 7's this year, Jack Condon (MCA) was probably the best of the lot and will shine next year, but that is a very strong backrow. Baker could easily start too.

I know there will be dissenters but that what a forum is for. Go for it.

 

[drewprint]

Full disclosure - I didn’t see any matches in the Northside conference, and only the SLC games in the South. Don’t know his name but I thought the SLC #7 was consistently excellent. I’d be tempted to have him in there and shift Bryant to #6 or #8.

 

[My Arsenal]

Full disclosure - I didn’t see any matches in the Northside conference, and only the SLC games in the South. Don’t know his name but I thought the SLC #7 was consistently excellent. I’d be tempted to have him in there and shift Bryant to #6 or #8.

The SLC 7 was very strong and Bryant definitely could slot into second row? I saw the slc v splc game their standards were the 6 and 8 - what position was john radel? I had heard he was strong? I thought the villa 3 was strong too but only saw the mca props in the lauries trial.

 

[drewprint]

Yeah the two Peters boys played very well. Big lads too. So my only thought is that with Bryant at 7 it’s a big back row but maybe lacking a bit of speed/mobility?

And yep my standout props on the Southside were the Villa guys too.

I was actually a bit disappointed with the Iona 12 in the SLC match. Huge lump of a lad so I expecting some havoc but it didn’t come. Might have just suffered as the whole team were off the pace that day maybe.

 

[ricky wong 21]

Just a little AIC team prediction:

1. Ollie Harris (Villanova)
2. Adam Winsbury (Villanova)
3. Darcy Hammond (Marist)
4. Ethan Lucey (Marist)
5. John Bryant (St Laurence's)
6. Lopeti Faifua (St Peter's)
7. Jack Condon (Marist)
8. Nick Baker (Marist)
9. Matt Mitchell (Marist)
10. Harry Whitten (Marist)
11. Dwayne Ludwick (Marist)
12. Charlie Kwok Sun Barker (Iona)
13. Josh Billings (Marist)
14. Hunter Dreghorn (Marist)
15. Floyd Aubrey (Marist)
Res:
16. Jackson Goss (St Laurence's)
17. Lucas Koslovski (Marist)
18. Saxon Warwick (Iona)
19. Tom Twaddell (Villanova)
20. Keynan Tauakipulu (St Peter's)
21. Will Lawrance (Villanova)
22. Harry Farrimbella (St Laurence’s)
23. Hamish Muir (Villanova)

Mentions:
Oscar Donoghue (Villanova)
Gus Godwin (Villanova)
John Radel (St Peters)
SLC #7 (name?)

Iona:
In all honesty Iona were one of the more disappointing teams of the south side pool. Iona coming into the season had so much talk on them yet failed to deliver, which is unfortunate considering the quality of players they had this year (Pepe, Kwock Sun-Barker, Begbie, Warwick, and the #7 was rather good as well) just to name a few. The St Peter's game was a very unconvincing win for Iona for the team they had and it was really St Peter's game to lose. The Villanova match was a disaster from start to finish, especially losing Begbie early on with injury. They well and truly crumbled under pressure, they were just lucky it wasn't by more than 12 points if Villanova new how to execute for more than half the game. It was a bitter end for Iona getting rolled by Lauries by 31 points, I was expecting a close finish but it was well and truly a one sided affair. A season of so much potential but to no avail for the Iona, they'll definitely miss the size of Pepe and Kwock Sun-Barker and the erratic game play Begbie brings. The years below are looking very strong though which is good signs for Iona.
Overall: 5/10 for the season

Marist:
Ashgrove clinical as always and it was no different this year putting a score on every team they played. Although, this years team were no where near the calibre that last years team was they still well and truly dominated the north side pool. St Edmund's was never really any doubt, Eddies did put up a fight (to their credit) for probably the first 20 minutes but it was all one way traffic from there - Ashgrove just to clinical. Watching the live stream of St. Pat's there was a genuine thought of an upset! Pat's gave Ashgrove a real scare in the first half and the defence from Pat's was valiant to say the least. Although, I think it came down to match fitness as Ashgrove started to pile on the points by the end of the game. Certainly, not the best Ashgrove performance I've seen but as always they find a way to win well. Similar scenario with Padua the first half was relativity close but at the same time Padua never looked like scoring the whole match. Ashgrove played field position to a tee from the boot of Harry Whitten and the defence a player down was outstanding! Floyd Aubrey is without a doubt an amazing rugby player however, this year I noticed he wasn't just scoring tries but setting them up everywhere, he was the much needed second play maker most of the other schools needed! A short but strong season from Ashgrove as per usual I'm sure they'll keep it going for years to come.
Overall: 8.5/10 for the season

Padua:
If Iona weren't the disappointment of the competition, then Padua definitely were. Obviously, they had numerous injuries I'm guessing between 8 - 10 front line players out. But disregarding injuries Padua just never got firing, yes they the win against Eddies but Eddies aren't exactly the strongest team in the competition this year, as well as only just getting the draw against St Pat's who to their credit showed a lot of guts to get the draw. There's not much to say about Padua other than they truly did miss there front line players - Max Johnson the Queensland lock was a huge loss and Poasi Manu was also a huge out and so many others. Ashgrove well and truly ended their season on a poor note keeping them scoreless. Although, they did show a lot of heart and courage for the crest, I'd say the season was done before it began.
Overall: 5/10 for the season

St. Edmund's:
Well there's not a lot to say about Eddies unfortunately, they just aren't finding the rugby flare from 5-10 years ago. I will give them credit they did make most teams work for their wins this year (Ashgrove probably not so much). They did show some promise in their back line, the fly-half or inside centre in black headgear for Eddies was impressive this year I thought, he showed good potential in a very dire Eddies team. All Eddies can really do is look to the future, I think their year 8 and 10 age groups are fairly strong and could show some competitiveness.
Overall: 3.5/10 for the season

St .Laurence's:
In all honesty I was surprised to see Lauries go undefeated in the south side pool. The loss of their first choice fullback (Torluccio) was massive however, Harry Farrimbella certainly showed his capability at the back. Despite the controversy from the Villanova game Lauries showed a lot of grit to get over the line by two points. On the day I'd say Villa looked more dangerous but like I said before couldn't execute and Lauries were deserved winners in the end, not to mention Harry Farrimbella's outstanding performance in defence at fullback. Adding on to their determination was an infamous come from behind win against St. Peters who were in front for most of the game. I thought the Lauries 9 had a cracker and the whole backrow played very well. St Laurence's although, they weren't the strongest I've seen they definitely showed their passion for crest getting the wins when they looked lost. Iona was a fantastic performance from Lauries, completely out enthused them and the #7 was outstanding, an absolute menace in the rucks! Would have been good game to watch against Ashgrove this week.
Overall: 7/10 for the season

St. Patrick's:
There was a lot of conversation on St. Peter’s being the dark horse of the competition however, I thought St. Pat’s had that spark to cause an upset against any team on their day. Ashgrove was a prime example of St. Pat’s capability to put points on when needed, not to mention a very good defence for majority of the game. St. Pat’s had a very big forward pack this year which certainly helped in go forward and in close defence, fitness in my opinion seemed to be their achillies heel. The big second rower Hayden ward was a great example of getting go forward but seemed to be out of gas not long after. The St. Pats front row although were big boys and good to watch they also didn’t look fit enough to play a full 70 minutes of rugby, this really effected their scrum near the end of the match, which in retrospect was very strong otherwise. St. Pat’s backline was very quick, the centre pairing for Pats was very agile and fast, I thought they looked dangerous when ball was in hand. Although, they didn’t get as far as they’d like, it was pretty obvious that they weren’t push overs and made every school including Ashgrove work for their win. A successful season in my opinion only losing one game, interested to see how Pat’s will go next year.
Overall: 6/10 for the season

St. Peter's:
Before people start scratching heads over the fact that Keynan Tauakipulu is not starting I'll give my honest opinion. Although, Keynan is a great rugby player don't get me wrong... obviously due to his Australian schoolboy credentials. However, watching the live streams it just looked as though he didn't want to be there, it was obvious he showed very little passion for the school. Lopeti Faifua on the other hand, in my opinion played outstanding in the games I watched - absolute menace in the lineouts for St Peter's! The first game against Iona was very hard to watch a times, St. Peter’s were all over them so many times but just couldn’t get over. Credit to Iona to holding them out but it was a game Peter’s will be kicking themselves about. If that wasn’t enough then the Lauries match was a straight up choke. Peter’s were dominating every facet of the game until they took the foot off the throat with poor discipline (red card) and silly penalties that let them back in the contest. Too Peter’s credit they did have a good tough fought win against a strong Villa side. The outside backs for Peter’s were impressive in attack and defence both the 12 Redel and the 13 (unsure of name) however, the Peter’s 10 didn’t seem to be a natural 10, his kicking game was very average in my opinion. A good season from Peter’s compared to last with most of their games going down to the wire and showing true competitiveness.
Overall: 6.5/10 for the season

Villanova:
Another team whose season promised so much but once again couldn’t get over the line (minus covid-19). Villanova was probably one of the stronger schools in the south side pool an showed it numerous times in every game, where they fell short was the outside backs. Gus Godwin the inside centre seemed to be their only attacking option beside Hamish Muir. This let them down severely as poor execution was the story of their season. Although, the number 11 Donoghue was very dangerous the ball struggled to find him a lot of the time. The forward pack for Villa was very strong and basically carried the backs in every game. The set piece was by far one the best out of all the schools. Villas scrum destroyed St. Peter’s scrum and Iona’s and it seemed to be forwards do all the work then the backs just kick it in the opposition 22m and throw away perfect attacking opportunities. Although, Villa were a small team they held their own and showed they’re a threat – would have been good to see Villa against the whole comp. 2020 was a year of what if for Villa, if they passed that one more pass or kicked that goal or got that penalty, the coaching staff I’d assume will definitely work on the fundamentals moving further. It’ll be interesting to see how Villa go in the next few years.

Overall: 7/10 for the season

 

[Tbone]

Full disclosure - I didn’t see any matches in the Northside conference, and only the SLC games in the South. Don’t know his name but I thought the SLC #7 was consistently excellent. I’d be tempted to have him in there and shift Bryant to #6 or #8.

With all due respect and taking in the full disclosure, you can't watch 3 games and be tempted to include a player. The SLC is very good, but Jack Condon was the best 7 in the comp. He is just as much a pest at the breakdown, causing plenty of turnovers and forcing penalties, but far more dangerous with the ball in hand. All of the games are able to be watched on the links supplied by Scout on this thread, so you should watch all of them before making a decision. I did and feel confident he would be picked if selectors were wanting to include a specialist 7. He runs like a centre, have a look at the tries he scored against Pat's and Padua. His defence is also rock solid.

That said I went for Bryant at 7 as he has the size and line breaking ability and is a work horse plus is very strong over the ball. I think his future is as a 7, have a look at Liam Wright. The smaller, speedier 7 may well be on the way out. Michael Hooper may be the last of his kind, but that is an argument for another day.

 

[drewprint]

I didn’t realise so much weight and consideration needed to go into my ‘decision’. You said no #7 had stood out, so I thought I’d mention that, based on a limited amount of games I’d seen, the SLC lad went well. If indeed no one really stood out here as you said, I don’t think it was outlandish to suggest he might be an option. A step too far and an incorrect comment, clearly.

 

[Tbone]

Nice summary Ricky, looks like you put a lot of work into that!

Have to disagree with this statement though;


Marist:
Ashgrove clinical as always and it was no different this year putting a score on every team they played. Although, this years team were no where near the calibre that last years team

I reckon this team was better. The tight 5 for a start were far superior to last years - whereas last year the scrum struggled in a number of games, this years was dominant in every game and that includes the trials against Villa and SLC. Much fitter too and constantly getting over the gain line in attack. All 5 could play the full 70 without needing to be replaced, same could not be said of 2019. Last years back row was probably better but not by much, but the halves this year were better, with Whitten the best 10 in the comp by some margin. Last years centres were obviously outstanding, but the 12 and 13 this year were also very good, with Billings the best 13 running around. The back 3 were the same but a year older and a year better.

Otherwise, great analysis on each schools XV.

 

[Tbone]

I didn’t realise so much weight and consideration needed to go into my ‘decision’. You said no #7 had stood out, so I thought I’d mention that, based on a limited amount of games I’d seen, the SLC lad went well. If indeed no one really stood out here as you said, I don’t think it was outlandish to suggest he might be an option. A step too far and an incorrect comment, clearly.

Well, yeah. I said no standout 7's in the way Braydon Law was in 2017, or Lachlan Howse in 2019, both walk up starts to an AIC team. But if you are going to put a name forward, you need to watch all the games before you do. Seems like common sense really.

 

[ricky wong 21]

Nice summary Ricky, looks like you put a lot of work into that!

Have to disagree with this statement though;


Marist:
Ashgrove clinical as always and it was no different this year putting a score on every team they played. Although, this years team were no where near the calibre that last years team

I reckon this team was better. The tight 5 for a start were far superior to last years - whereas last year the scrum struggled in a number of games, this years was dominant in every game and that includes the trials against Villa and SLC. Much fitter too and constantly getting over the gain line in attack. All 5 could play the full 70 without needing to be replaced, same could not be said of 2019. Last years back row was probably better but not by much, but the halves this year were better, with Whitten the best 10 in the comp by some margin. Last years centres were obviously outstanding, but the 12 and 13 this year were also very good, with Billings the best 13 running around. The back 3 were the same but a year older and a year better.

Otherwise, great analysis on each schools XV.

Cheers Tbone!
I do agree that this years Ashgrove front row is far superior to last years, being more mobile and the props to be significantly taller (I would almost peg them to be second rowers) just getting around the field just seemed easier for them than last year. But obviously with the lack of games it's hard to compare which team dominated more. I thought in terms that the 2019 team had defence that teams just couldn't penetrate and of course the centre paring of Radford and Moller that just gave coaches monster headaches. No disrespect to this years team at all it's just that this years team didn't show the same dominance 2019 did. St. Pat's is a prime example that last year Ashgrove thumped them 40 nil whereas, this year Ashgrove got a real fright and it wasn't till the last 25 minutes when they really clicked into gear. Clearly, this Ashgrove team is great just a tiny bit below last years, wouldn't be a lot in it though. Another thought is that the 2019 team was being compared to the 2017 Ashgrove team throughout last season (that's saying something). I just believe that last years team had a few more individual gems than this year.

 

[Tbone]

Cheers Tbone!
I do agree that this years Ashgrove front row is far superior to last years, being more mobile and the props to be significantly taller (I would almost peg them to be second rowers) just getting around the field just seemed easier for them than last year. But obviously with the lack of games it's hard to compare which team dominated more. I thought in terms that the 2019 team had defence that teams just couldn't penetrate and of course the centre paring of Radford and Moller that just gave coaches monster headaches. No disrespect to this years team at all it's just that this years team didn't show the same dominance 2019 did. St. Pat's is a prime example that last year Ashgrove thumped them 40 nil whereas, this year Ashgrove got a real fright and it wasn't till the last 25 minutes when they really clicked into gear. Clearly, this Ashgrove team is great just a tiny bit below last years, wouldn't be a lot in it though. Another thought is that the 2019 team was being compared to the 2017 Ashgrove team throughout last season (that's saying something). I just believe that last years team had a few more individual gems than this year.

Fair call. The shortened season makes it harder to compare teams. And last years team had all their hard games away from home in front of hostile crowds against probably better teams. Their defence and composure under pressure was brilliant and was what got them home in the end. Apart from the first half against SPC this years team was rarely tested.

Doesn't seem to be any other forthcoming predictions for an AIC team of the year so maybe time to move on to 2021. I have previously stated I think next year will be the closest in many years, with only SPLC and SEC unlikely to compete, but SPLC have shown they are prepared to invest in a first XV so could again be a dark horse. SEC have strong year 10 cohort so will be more competitive and I doubt we will see too many big scores against them. Will still struggle to win but could pull off an upset if they are underestimated.

MCA have 2, 7, 8, 11 and 12 returning, plus a strong 2nds (and 3rds) and an improving 10A's, plus a few injured/unavailable who should be back next year so will definitely be strong again. SLC and Iona have consistently been strong in this age group, as have Villa and Pats, so will make for a very interesting comp.

Thoughts?

 

[Tbone]

Sorry, forgot Padua, who have are also strong in this age group and with Max Johnson and Leighton Whippy leading the pack will be very competitive.

 

[drewprint]

Well, yeah. I said no standout 7's in the way Braydon Law was in 2017, or Lachlan Howse in 2019, both walk up starts to an AIC team. But if you are going to put a name forward, you need to watch all the games before you do. Seems like common sense really.

It was just a loose, friendly, light heartened mention based on your comment. Based on your reaction, I’m not surprised no one else has contributed since.

 

[James Rooke]

Just a little AIC team prediction:

1. Ollie Harris (Villanova)
2. Adam Winsbury (Villanova)
3. Darcy Hammond (Marist)
4. Ethan Lucey (Marist)
5. John Bryant (St Laurence's)
6. Lopeti Faifua (St Peter's)
7. Jack Condon (Marist)
8. Nick Baker (Marist)
9. Matt Mitchell (Marist)
10. Harry Whitten (Marist)
11. Dwayne Ludwick (Marist)
12. Charlie Kwok Sun Barker (Iona)
13. Josh Billings (Marist)
14. Hunter Dreghorn (Marist)
15. Floyd Aubrey (Marist)
Res:
16. Jackson Goss (St Laurence's)
17. Lucas Koslovski (Marist)
18. Saxon Warwick (Iona)
19. Tom Twaddell (Villanova)
20. Keynan Tauakipulu (St Peter's)
21. Will Lawrance (Villanova)
22. Harry Farrimbella (St Laurence’s)
23. Hamish Muir (Villanova)

Mentions:
Oscar Donoghue (Villanova)
Gus Godwin (Villanova)
John Radel (St Peters)
SLC #7 (name?)

Iona:
In all honesty Iona were one of the more disappointing teams of the south side pool. Iona coming into the season had so much talk on them yet failed to deliver, which is unfortunate considering the quality of players they had this year (Pepe, Kwock Sun-Barker, Begbie, Warwick, and the #7 was rather good as well) just to name a few. The St Peter's game was a very unconvincing win for Iona for the team they had and it was really St Peter's game to lose. The Villanova match was a disaster from start to finish, especially losing Begbie early on with injury. They well and truly crumbled under pressure, they were just lucky it wasn't by more than 12 points if Villanova new how to execute for more than half the game. It was a bitter end for Iona getting rolled by Lauries by 31 points, I was expecting a close finish but it was well and truly a one sided affair. A season of so much potential but to no avail for the Iona, they'll definitely miss the size of Pepe and Kwock Sun-Barker and the erratic game play Begbie brings. The years below are looking very strong though which is good signs for Iona.
Overall: 5/10 for the season

Padua:
If Iona weren't the disappointment of the competition, then Padua definitely were. Obviously, they had numerous injuries I'm guessing between 8 - 10 front line players out. But disregarding injuries Padua just never got firing, yes they the win against Eddies but Eddies aren't exactly the strongest team in the competition this year, as well as only just getting the draw against St Pat's who to their credit showed a lot of guts to get the draw. There's not much to say about Padua other than they truly did miss there front line players - Max Johnson the Queensland lock was a huge loss and Poasi Manu was also a huge out and so many others. Ashgrove well and truly ended their season on a poor note keeping them scoreless. Although, they did show a lot of heart and courage for the crest, I'd say the season was done before it began.
Overall: 5/10 for the season

Very good Evaluation of the teams there Ricky, The only change i would make to that team of the season would be to put Leighton Whippy in place of Saxon Warick and Dan Healy from Padua in as a Honorable mention. Whippy is an incredible player who is versatile in both attack and defence, it is going to be great to see those two young lads going head to head at scrum time next year. Iona Vs Padua is going to be a game to watch in 2021. As for the Iona Number 7 his name is Aidan Sutherland. A front runner to captain the 1stXV next year at Iona.

 

[JamesPapallo]

.