Gnostic's Week 9 Form side

[James Buchanan]

Actually, I think recently we've been getting fairly close to abrogating:

6. Play the ball not the man. Personal comments will be deleted. If you notice that your posts or sections of posts are getting deleted, please take the message. Only a complete knob jockey resorts to personal insults anyway.

 

[Gagger]

And so it descends into a joke once again with the rabid 'tahs men somehow promoting their own even though they were embarrassed across the park and totally man fucked.

Too close to flaming FG.

Formal warning

I've left your post only for context - everyone move on please

 

[Joe Mac]

TPN definitely deserves his spot in that team. Its unfortunate he had so many team mates fall to pieces around him. As usual he played out of his skin.

I also think Christian lealiifano deserves the 12 jersey or at least a bench spot for his performance yesterday

 

[TheTruth]

To say the Tahs front row outperformed the Reds front row is a pretty decent comment. I mean Hanson didn't even start. You cannot tell me he played better than TPN. TPN didn't disgrace himself at all during the game. The same goes for the whole Tahs front row who dominated the Blues scrum. Not only did they achieve success in the scrum but Robinson and Kepu were dynamic around the park. I'm not saying you should all share the opinion but Finsbury Girl's attack on the Tahs as a result was uncalled for.

Robinson dynamic around the park - you have to be kidding - is a great scrummager- Kepu was good srums and around park - TPN only average - guy needs to be fit and is then awesome

 

[GC]

My form 15:

15: Luke Morahan

14: Digby Ioane

13: Anthony Fainga'a

12: James O'Connor

11: Drew Mitchell

10: Quade Cooper

9: Will Genia

8: Scott Higginbotham

7: Beau Robinson

6: Radike Samo

5: James Horwill

4: Sharpie

3: James Slipper

2: TPN

1: Ben Daley

Slipper & Daley were amonst the Reds best players and dominated the Bulls scrum, so it's impossible to leave them out even though the Tahs front row performed well too (as did the Ponies BTW). Sharpie a stand out just better than the very good Simmons.

 

[Ruggo]

Good side Gnostic. It is shame there are petty arguments about bias when the side you named couldn't be further from being bias. What stands out is the quallity on that bench. I thought Simmons would be a shoe in on the back of his performance until Sharpe owned that game yesterday. Could we actually be starting to see real depth?

 

[Slim 293]

I doubt Finsbury Girl would even be on here if her team were playing like they were for the past decade...

A little bit of humility with your team's current success would be nice...

I think the Tahs' fans have a good point... their front row was quite dominant against one of the top teams in the comp featuring an All Black frontrow...

The Reds' forwards were also quite good, but the Tahs 1-3 deserve a bit of recognition for good work in a losing team...

The only other Brumby I would've considered for TOTW would be Giteau, but O'Connor deservedly pips him...

It's no surprise that Giteau has been excellent for the Brumbies the past few weeks while really playing at inside centre...

 

[Slim 293]

Slipper & Daley were amonst the Reds best players and dominated the Bulls scrum, so it's impossible to leave them out even though the Tahs front row performed well too (as did the Ponies BTW). Sharpie a stand out just better than the very good Simmons.

Only Palmer (the Force's LH's continually boring sideways on him), who shouldn't have been subbed at halftime...

Hegarty's set piece was atrocious... and it didn't require a scrum expert to notice how bad Alexander was scrummaging this week compared to the past couple of weeks...

Folded on impact every time... and totally ruined the work that Palmer was doing on the other side...

 

[cyclopath]

Slim, I agree re Giteau. I was talking to a mate yesterday who is a disenchanted Brumbies fan (after the recent coup), and we both observed how much better Giteau has been of late, at 12, in a bit of space. Maybe taking some extra responsibility too. Good to see his talent showing through.
I didn't see the Brumbies game yesterday, so take your word and that of others as to how he went then, but it has been a few games in a row now. Shame about Alexander getting the dreaded hinge going.

 

[fatprop]

I am surprised Samo got so much love, he defended OK, but his ball running (stupid one handed passes and drop balls) and ruck work was average, Kimlin and Dennis would be bettor options.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I expected a bit more from Samo. I thought he got turned around a little too easily in the tackle area at times. Higgers and Robinson both had storming games and more than made up for it.

 

[Elfster]

I think this week it would be hard to pick too many Waratahs as, regardless of how various individuals played and the result, the whole team appeared distracted, lethargic and lacking fitness. Though you would give them and the Rebels some points for not totally capitulating and coming back in some sense...always trying though very trying for their supporters.

For the Tahs, Kepu looked good. TPN didn't look fit and KB (Kurtley Beale) is perhaps not as good at 5/8 as full-back. also they didn't seem to have an effective game plan. Their strength was in the tight, but didn't use that. Also they (like most Australian sides) lacked the physicallity at the breakdown. For the Rebels their forowards weren't as cohesive as previously and they have troubles in the centres - Hilgendorf let them down I think. Their half-back had a subdued game and also they could do with some tackling drills this week.

The reds were a nice complete package. Playing with purpose, enthusiasm and an entertaining vivaciousness. I wish some other Australian sides could watch them and learn some things. Simple backline moves - passing the ball along the back line with players running onto the ball at pace and straight.

The Brumbies regressed from the last few weeks. Everytime they looked as though they would pull away they made silly dumb errors. Their season may be gone, but I think Giteau has really played well in the last few weeks. The Force showed more strike power than recently and if they lose JOC (James O'Connor) they will struggle. He is a good player...probably not a 5/8 nor full back, but he would give all sides some adventurous go forward. But Sharpe seems to be playing better as he gets older. Those line-out wins against the throw were critical. The Force are a team of grifters, but I don't mind watching them. Like the Reds they try to do the simple things well.

As far as the Tahs go, there is some consolation that with two of their losses it has been away against the top two NZ sides. Though I fear they are starting to get the appearance of old; of unimaginative flat track bullies.

 

[Shiggins]

Said it before I'll say it again. For the first time in gits life he is actually under rated. He has been playing some good rugby this year.

Drew had a very good game for the tahs. Very very good. Easily the first pick winger.


Go the force!!!!

 

[Slim 293]

TPN definitely deserves his spot in that team. Its unfortunate he had so many team mates fall to pieces around him. As usual he played out of his skin.

I also think Christian lealiifano deserves the 12 jersey or at least a bench spot for his performance yesterday

I wouldn't rate Lilo's performance better than Giteau's...

While his break to set up Giteau's try was incredible, for everything good he did he'd throw a pass to nobody... one which set up JOC (James O'Connor)'s try...

 

[Slim 293]

Slim, I agree re Giteau. I was talking to a mate yesterday who is a disenchanted Brumbies fan (after the recent coup), and we both observed how much better Giteau has been of late, at 12, in a bit of space. Maybe taking some extra responsibility too. Good to see his talent showing through.
I didn't see the Brumbies game yesterday, so take your word and that of others as to how he went then, but it has been a few games in a row now. Shame about Alexander getting the dreaded hinge going.

Alexander formed an upside down horseshoe on every scrum... and it was just so friggin' obvious it was going to happen everytime...

At one point you could see who I think was Kimlin really trying to exert some extra force behind him...

Thankfully the Brumbies are going to have Moore, Edmonds, and I think possibly Elsom and Chapman all back for the SA tour...

 

[Ruggo]

I wouldn't rate Lilo's performance better than Giteau's...

While his break to set up Giteau's try was incredible, for everything good he did he'd throw a pass to nobody... one which set up JOC (James O'Connor)'s try...

What I have liked about Gits the last few weeks is that he has really stepped up in leading his side around and he is slowly
becomming more effective.

I mean no disrespect to the Tahs front row but don't forget the Blues were missing Woodcock.

 

[Big Red]

To say the Tahs front row outperformed the Reds front row is a pretty decent comment. I mean Hanson didn't even start. You cannot tell me he played better than TPN. TPN didn't disgrace himself at all during the game. The same goes for the whole Tahs front row who dominated the Blues scrum. Not only did they achieve success in the scrum but Robinson and Kepu were dynamic around the park. I'm not saying you should all share the opinion but Finsbury Girl's attack on the Tahs as a result was uncalled for.

Tahs dominated a Blues scrum that was understrength (no Woodcock) and the Reds dominated a Bulls scrum which was beefed up in the second half to full strength. Given that, 2 tries off set piece in second half and 100% lineout stat while Hanson was on is a pretty good result. TPN is definitely not fit and was not up to his best in Auckland. The 2 Qld rakes are definately the form no. 2's whichever way you rate them!
Possible reason ACT scrum and Alexander had such a bad day may well rest with the rookie Hooker also.
Agree that Lucas is proving to be Super Sub! Had a major impact on the game off the bench.
Also agree Finsbury Girl's attack not called for.

 

[cyclopath]

What I have liked about Gits the last few weeks is that he has really stepped up in leading his side around and he is slowly
becomming more effective.

I mean no disrespect to the Tahs front row but don't forget the Blues were missing Woodcock.

Apparently he's a myth, though.
In all seriousness, it makes a difference, but the Blues front row were no mugs without him.
Nice to see some Aus front rows doing quite well for a change.

 

[fatprop]

an unfit Nau is still the best 2 in the country

 

[qwerty51]

Woodcock missing means the Blues had a stronger front row.. he is a myth.