The Ghost of Raelene
David Codey (61)
Think you're right.
Bit thin on Playmakers (McGregor gone). Wonder if they look at a guy like Iona as a backup with Debreczeni apparently going to the Brumbies.
Force 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Bit thin on Playmakers (McGregor gone). Wonder if they look at a guy like Iona as a backup with Debreczeni apparently going to the Brumbies.
Well the Force are specifically referring to Hamish as a specialist 10.
Surely it would be the other way around, 10. Stewart and 12. Kuenzle. That's a physical 10-12 combo but not the most creative.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Interesting, I would've had it the other way around...
Kuenzle, from memory, has the most recent experience playing flyhalf for the Brumbies for most of Super Rugby Au in 2020... but since then he's really impressed as an inside centre.
Stewart (again, from memory - correct me if I'm wrong) has really only been an inside centre the last few years.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Stewart played a bit of 10 in 2021 when O'Connor and Hegarty were injured. I think he probably has more experience at 10 than Kuenzle overall and notably has played there for Cron before (Aus U20s).
The Phoenix
Ward Prentice (10)
He played well in that game Reg, considering how late his call up was.
Tazzmania
Bob Loudon (25)
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I think Stewart can run a team at 10, but the back three need to be willing to get involved and look for extras. He isn't going to spark something creatively like a genuine flyhalf, but he will get the team going on the front foot from first phase ball, and if you've got outside backs who are looking for work and making plays, they'll find the space which is created by playing over the advantage line.
Tazzmania
Bob Loudon (25)
The probable back three of Pulu, Maetele and Tiatia will certainly be able to do that.
7137
Alex Ross (28)
I think a playmaking 9 will work well with him. Like how White played for Hodge for the Wallabies.
dru
David Wilson (68)
Stewart never shone in the fly half role in Qld. The Reds produce quality players in many positions but 10 isn't one. It is entirely possible that in another environment, if Hamish is given room to develop and make errors, his natural ability will come through. He'd very likely be instantly the best defending 10 in Australia. Let's see what he can do from there.
I wish him all the best.
I wish him all the best.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Might see a bit off Hegarty at fullback early on to help with the playmaking and offer Stewart some familiarity.
They'd both be pretty inter-changeable tbh. Both similar players but Kuenzle is definitely larger and a bit of a better ball runner. One upside for the force backline is that there won't be many cracks in your inside channels with those two defending. Stewart especially is a brilliant defender and we'll miss him at the Reds.
Give him a creative 9 and a big 13 and I think that could be a dangerous set of inside backs.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Agree combos an issues. Rona still a chance I guess but doesn't add to the combinations.
9 Fines
10 Stewart
11 Mataele
12 Kuenzel
13 Rona (fingers crossed)
14 Tiatia
15 Hegarty
21 Prior
22 Strachan
23 Pulu
Improvement on last year but once injuries come we are short again. Just look at Flyhalf Reesjan goes down and bang panic stations.
Tazzmania
Bob Loudon (25)
First round NPC NZ about to kick off, following Force players starting for their respective teams
Manasa Maetele starting 14 for Cantebury v Manawatu 5/08/2022
Chase Tiatia starting 15 for Hawkes Bay v Waikato 06/08/2022
Jackson Pugh starting 8 for Auckland v North Harbour 06/08/2022
Manasa Maetele starting 14 for Cantebury v Manawatu 5/08/2022
Chase Tiatia starting 15 for Hawkes Bay v Waikato 06/08/2022
Jackson Pugh starting 8 for Auckland v North Harbour 06/08/2022
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Looks vital at this stage, who else is there in that squad that plays 13? Tapine maybe?
Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
I think we will see Hegarty starting the season at 10 within Tiatia at 15. Not sold by Stewart at 10, didn’t do anything at u20s level and never shown much there for reds either. He’s a very good 12 and should remain there. Agree with those that mentioned Kuenzel as a better 10 option