Will the Vikings make it to the finals this year and take the big prize? Or do they still need some improvement in skills and/or personnel to finish on top?
I see two issues that are causing some angst; THP and No 7.
Since Les Makin's absence Tom Ross has had to step up to start in the scrum. That has been a huge ask for a 20 year old and he has been a little inconsistent come scrum time. Will Makin be back later in the season, or has he gone for the year?
As a No 7, Michael Oakman-Hunt is a very good No 6. Hard hitting defender and strong runner with the ball. But he doesn't give the Vikings a lot of presence at the breakdown. I think they desperately need a proper No 7 who can put pressure on opposition ball and be more effective at securing own ball at the breakdown. The Vikings seem to play most of all their games chasing the opposition. What they do with the ball when they get it indicates to me that they will threaten any other side if they can win a bit more ball from the breakdown.
Is there a No 7 hanging around who could be brought in? If nobody local, how about someone like Kitone Ale from the Marlins? Is it too late?
The good things I've been impressed with are many. Veaa Fefita looks to be an up and coming LHP capable of playing at this level and maybe above. Tom Ross of course but especially with another couple of years experience in him.
Darcy Swain I think will end up a Wallaby. Has all the skills needed and is a genuine hard man in defence. Unlike a lot of Locks, some of whom are Wallabies, he doesn't go to ground at the first touch of a tackler but strives to win the tackle collision and continue to make ground.
Valetini has looked like a champion in the making, but unfortunately is now out again with injury.
I was very impressed with B J Edwards' efforts off the bench against NSW Country. Seemed to win the collision, get over the gain line and make plenty of metres with the ball.
Hawera is showing better game management than I've seen before and his passing game is excellent. Will be all the better next year with more emphasis by the Brumbies on an attacking game plan. His goal kicking has been a revelation too.
JJH is showing much improved defensive capabilities to go with his quite good attacking game. Will never be a dominant tackler, but few now get past him. Good signs of development there. Ikitau has been a very good performer in the 13 spot. This could be a combination we will see more of over time. I am also impressed with Simone, who is equally at home at 12 or 13. Has some good creative skills as well as being a talented footballer.
Taliauli and Muirhead are two of the more consistent performers on the wing in the NRC. Both are in good form and will be competing for Super game time again next year.
Hansen at 15 has shown a lot of good things. One for the future too I believe.
I am confident the Vikings will make the finals, but not so sure they have all spots covered sufficiently to take the whole thing out.
