Chiefs vs Reds R9 Sat Apr 13th

[emuarse]

Both the Reds and the Chiefs have a bye for Round 8.
Currently the Chiefs are in 2nd position, and the Reds are 4th in the Super 15 standings, with the Bulls, like other teams in the NZ and SA conferences, having an extra game up their sleeve.
The Reds are currently 3 points behind the chiefs, so when they meet points will be Chiefs 29, Reds 26.
If the Reds can overcome the Chiefs, they will be either level on points ( win to reds - no bonus points, chiefs - 1 bonus point for losing by less than 8), or 1 or 2 points ahead.

What is the injury situation going to be for the Reds? Will Samo, Ioane, Harris, Lucas etc be available for selection be back? Is Gills' thumb injury just minor? If all are match fit, which side will play against the physical Chiefs?

 

[tranquility]

Amazing to consider we are in this position given the bodies we have had out.

Gill is the biggest head ache though, most other positions we can cover like for like (minus Kev and Will). Liam is a massive point of difference for our pack. In saying all this, I have been pretty happy with what Jared has brought to the side and will back him to do it again. Although another option would be to put Samo at 8 and Jake to 7.

 

[Scoey]

The starting XV we ran out against the Clan with the only change being bringing Ioane in for Moz is our strongest XV.

Holmes/Hanson/Slipper
Horwill/Simmons
Quirk/Gill/Schatz
Genia/Cooper
Tapaui/Fainga'a
Iaone/Lance/Shipperley

Bench: Anae, Fainga'a, O'Donohue, Butler, Lucas, Morahan, Toua

If we can string two halves like our first against the Clan this will be a cracker of a game! I almost feel hard done by having to wait a week and a half for it!

 

[something]

^maybe CFS for Toua but apart from that it's looking sweet! Purely because CFS can cover centre & wing whereas Morahan & Toua both cover FB & Wing..

If taps goes down throw Finger to 12 & CFS to 13

 

[No4918]

Toua played 13 vs the Brums in round 1 and at Suncorp last year.

 

[Scoey]

Moz plays 13 well also. But yeah I forgot about CFS. I'd be happy with either on the bench!

 

[something]

I didn't realise either of them played 13.. thats cool then, the three of them are pretty similar in my books. None of them have really been firing this year so hoping that they will hit their stride soon. All three have enormous potential

 

[Penguin]

I think we might see Beau back on the bench for Butler, if not for the Chiefs then the Brumbies. He should bring a lot more impact to the team.

 

[tranquility]

I agree, and think Beau is a massivley important cog to our side. However I have seen enough of Butler, from the bits he has played to believe that he will be a very good backrower.

 

[Scoey]

This thread so far has been a glorious testament to our depth we've developed!

I hope we make the most of it this year as another Championship would be the best ticket to retaining the bulk of this "depth". If we don't do well, we could well lose a lot of players sadly.

 

[emuarse]

This thread so far has been a glorious testament to our depth we've developed!

I hope we make the most of it this year as another Championship would be the best ticket to retaining the bulk of this "depth". If we don't do well, we could well lose a lot of players sadly.

Agreed.
If we retain our main stream players e.g. Horwell, Ginea, Cooper, Ioane, Gill, Slippers, etc then the others will want to stay as well to enjoy that winning feeling.
In some cases players are accepting reduced wages because of the salary cap, which is a really good attitude.
How the Waratahs have so many Wallabies (was it 14 last year?) and can still afford to get Folau and stay under the salary cap is truly amazing accounting.
The Force are hopeful of acquiring Hanson and Morahan for 2014.
So the battle is not only happening on the field - its also happening off the field.

 

[Dan54]

I would reckon this clash is seroiusly worth waiting for, both teams are quite sismilar in that they have plenty of exciting players, and both are blessed with pretty good depth. I actually think if the tighties are as even as I suspect they will be, the Gill/Cane clash could be worth watching alone!

 

[Scoey]

It's perfectly set up up too Dan54 with both teams having the bye - they should both be fresh, it gives both teams an extra week to sort out niggling injuries and it gives both coaching staffs ( <-is that even a word??) an extra week to formulate a game plan and to counter the obvious game plan/s from the oppo. Drool worthy!

 

[emuarse]

Its the 2011 winner of Super 15 playing the 2012 winner.
The Reds seem to have the knocker on the Chiefs, having won their recent games.
Although having said that, the Highlanders had the knocker on the Reds until last weekend

 

[Jets]

What is the injury situation going to be for the Reds? Will Samo, Ioane, Harris, Lucas etc be available for selection be back? Is Gills' thumb injury just minor? If all are match fit, which side will play against the physical Chiefs?

Ben is trying to get a run for Sunnybank on the weekend. I doubt it will happen but I guess that means he's ok.

 

[qwerty51]

How the Waratahs have so many Wallabies (was it 14 last year?) and can still afford to get Folau and stay under the salary cap is truly amazing accounting.

ARU gave us Folau as a gift. Hooper replaced Elsom/Alcock, Betham was very cheap before ITM Cup.

 

[Scotty]

ARU gave us Folau as a gift. Hooper replaced Elsom/Alcock, Betham was very cheap before ITM Cup.

The ARU loves gifting ex-Qld leaguies to the Tahs, don't they?

 

[Brisbok]

The ARU loves gifting ex-Qld leaguies to the Tahs, don't they?

I have no doubt that you'll find that it's the Tahs that approach the ARU for the gift and not the other way around.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

I'd say that this game will be very similar in intensity and excitement as the Crusaders vs the Stormers was last weekend, and one that will be a must see.

I think Sanchez will be the difference that allows the Reds to win in a tight match.

The backrow contest should be a ripper.

 

[Braveheart81]

I have no doubt that you'll find that it's the Tahs that approach the ARU for the gift and not the other way around.

The Waratahs have the advantage that as Sydney is the biggest market, it can be used as a bargaining chip with the ARU because engaging fans in Sydney is critical to the financial success of Australian rugby.

By the same token, the Waratahs have the disadvantage that Sydney fans are incredibly fickle and desert the team at the drop of a hat if results are average.

Personally I'd prefer is Sydney had better fans who turned up in higher numbers through thick and thin and we didn't need so many helping hands from the ARU. That said, I'm really enjoying watching Folau play this year. Hopefully that continues next year.