rugbyAU
Bob Davidson (42)
Well they lost...
NSW AAGPS 2024
- Thread starter Joker
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The Chairman
Phil Hardcastle (33)
Power Rankings following trial week 1
Here for the advice
Peter Burge (5)
Will be interested in how the teams change things around for trials in week two. Would be surprised if teams of this weekend are the opening teams - if so maybe a question on the depth of squads - as we all know injuries will sadly play a part !
The Goat
Frank Nicholson (4)
I was Initially confident in my predictions for the upcoming AAGPS rugby season, I thought i properly analysed team performances and player rosters, But obviously not. After multiple upsets from all trial games, i've I adapted my predictions to reflect these amazing circumstances
My predictions are as follows:
I'm amazed by how closely matched the teams are this season. The competition is fierce, with the smallest of margins separating them. After yesterday's standout performances from Shore, St. Ignatius, and Newington, it's become even harder to predict who'll clinch the top spot.
While uncertain about Shore's position, I've tentatively placed them at second. I wouldve placed them tied with scots in my predictions. However, I must admit, I see them as true underdogs in the race for GPS glory. Despite their current ranking, I wouldn't count them out just yet. Their potential to surprise and upset the hierarchy of teams cannot be overlooked. So, while they may sit at second for now, I'm keeping a close eye on Shore, fully aware that they could emerge as formidable contenders as the season progresses.
I've placed Scots at third following their loss against Newington, understanding it's just a trial. However, at this moment, they don't seem like a major threat to St. Joseph's, St. Ignatius, Newington or shore.
My rationale for placing Kings at the bottom of my predictions is quite straightforward. Following up from their incredible squad last year presents a monumental challenge for them. It's undeniable that they face an uphill battle in their quest for GPS glory. However, despite their current standing, I'm not ready to write off Kings just yet. They could very well be underestimated by others, and I wouldn't be surprised if they prove to be a force to be reckoned with as the season unfolds, Cheers.
My predictions are as follows:
I'm amazed by how closely matched the teams are this season. The competition is fierce, with the smallest of margins separating them. After yesterday's standout performances from Shore, St. Ignatius, and Newington, it's become even harder to predict who'll clinch the top spot.
While uncertain about Shore's position, I've tentatively placed them at second. I wouldve placed them tied with scots in my predictions. However, I must admit, I see them as true underdogs in the race for GPS glory. Despite their current ranking, I wouldn't count them out just yet. Their potential to surprise and upset the hierarchy of teams cannot be overlooked. So, while they may sit at second for now, I'm keeping a close eye on Shore, fully aware that they could emerge as formidable contenders as the season progresses.
I've placed Scots at third following their loss against Newington, understanding it's just a trial. However, at this moment, they don't seem like a major threat to St. Joseph's, St. Ignatius, Newington or shore.
My rationale for placing Kings at the bottom of my predictions is quite straightforward. Following up from their incredible squad last year presents a monumental challenge for them. It's undeniable that they face an uphill battle in their quest for GPS glory. However, despite their current standing, I'm not ready to write off Kings just yet. They could very well be underestimated by others, and I wouldn't be surprised if they prove to be a force to be reckoned with as the season unfolds, Cheers.
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Backintheolddays
Billy Sheehan (19)
As a Kings supporter I've been impressed with their form coming from a relatively low base after the highs of last year. I think the coaches have made this a development year with a lot of year 11's and 10's in the Opens squad - probably on par with their year 12 peers in some instances but more upside in the opportunity of the extra year exposure.
The forwards in particular have held their own, aside from some scrummaging issues against Knox, however their defensive frailties in the backs need some attention and they lack zip out wide. If they tighten up their midfield and are happy to grind out games (no flashy Staniforth's or Tonga's to go around) and take the points they may surprise a few this year. Depth will be a real key which they may struggle with. If they get their best XV on the park, and particularly if its wet (let it rain!), they'll go alright.
Stunned at the Scots v New trial outcome - wonder if there is an untold story. In last weeks trial Kings went ok against New who were fresh while Kings had played 40 against Knox. If anything I'd say the Kings forwards shaded New but the spark in the New backs was the difference (from memory three tries of scrum set piece)
The forwards in particular have held their own, aside from some scrummaging issues against Knox, however their defensive frailties in the backs need some attention and they lack zip out wide. If they tighten up their midfield and are happy to grind out games (no flashy Staniforth's or Tonga's to go around) and take the points they may surprise a few this year. Depth will be a real key which they may struggle with. If they get their best XV on the park, and particularly if its wet (let it rain!), they'll go alright.
Stunned at the Scots v New trial outcome - wonder if there is an untold story. In last weeks trial Kings went ok against New who were fresh while Kings had played 40 against Knox. If anything I'd say the Kings forwards shaded New but the spark in the New backs was the difference (from memory three tries of scrum set piece)
GPSwaterboy
Bob McCowan (2)
Any standout individual performances from this weekend?
InsiderScoop
Ward Prentice (10)
My notes after I watched Barker v View. Wet conditions prevented some clear tries and linebreaks from both teams, the expansive view we saw last year is back and it worked well against a big pack. Barker have a fairly large pack that tired out after the 2nd half, however execution was a problem for View in making this advantageous. Barker standouts were 10,14,15. Barker 14 saw plenty of ball and ran plenty of metres, beating defenders in the process. Young Isaac Perkins View 8 was a handful both defensively and on ball. Phoenix Graham, View 4 also amongst the mix, tackles hard, carries harder and well drilled in the lineout. View 5 Dan Smith had a great attacking game, whilst View 6 Daniel Saunders was a handful at the lineout... View will need to improve execution and fluency off of set piece. Defensively lots of lapses, line speed was second to Barkers and spacing seemed a bit off at times, must improve with their smaller pack if they want to put other teams in the GPS on the back foot in defence and slow momentum. View backs played well but only when they had front foot ball from Forwards. They seem to have a good 9,10,12,13 combo and until Max Mason (10) is back View just have to improve there execution off set piece. Would like to see there front row improve defensively and be dominant in contact like 2022 Joeys front row. Despite a scrappy game was pretty impressed, played as a team just a few areas that will improve week to week.
Sounds like Shore and Joeys were dominant and have the execution down pat. Newington should be happy and prove they are a real threat. Despite Scots having some big names out, it may raise some concerns regarding depth and also Scots being reliant on some one off play. Newington must've controlled the park and cut down on errors which happened in a fair few games last season. Haven't heard much out of Kings camp but placing them last should be a real insult to them. Excited as it seems the 10 game season will really move the ladder round this year with each team shaping up pretty evenly. Keen for it to start.
Sounds like Shore and Joeys were dominant and have the execution down pat. Newington should be happy and prove they are a real threat. Despite Scots having some big names out, it may raise some concerns regarding depth and also Scots being reliant on some one off play. Newington must've controlled the park and cut down on errors which happened in a fair few games last season. Haven't heard much out of Kings camp but placing them last should be a real insult to them. Excited as it seems the 10 game season will really move the ladder round this year with each team shaping up pretty evenly. Keen for it to start.
the_merchant
Banned
the 2 best forwards didn’t even play half the game Isaiah and iliyaz all tries, were scored by backs and final score was 12-10 ref didn’t count the kick in final score kicks on video if you’d like proof . Coming from a view supporter.@propsarespeedy any more complaints?
My power rankings after Trial 1. This is just my opinion so please feel free to disagree with me but rankings will certainly change as the season goes on and as I learn more about the teams.
I am also aware that these are trial matches.
Newington: Very impressive scoreline showing dominance over Scots. Newington look strong this year and are certainly contenders for the title if they stay consistent. Wouldn't blame anyone if they were their out-and-out favourites for this year.
Shore: They look like a brilliant rugby team. The vastly improved rugby program has brought drastic changes to how they have performed in the last couple of years. If they can get past Newington and Scots (should Scots perform as we expect them to), then they are certainly in with an enormous chance to attain GPS glory.
Joeys: Can never count out the boys from Hunters Hill. They live and breathe rugby. Did well to overpower Knox on Saturday afternoon. Always in with a chance to clinch the title.
Scots: I don't think any of us predicted that scoreline, regardless of who was in the lineup on the day. I have them as outsiders after this round but this will almost certainly change as the season goes on with having a great lineup on paper. I am certainly not writing off Scots and I still believe they have the best chance to win it this year. This ranking is just reflective of the match just gone by.
Riverview: I wasn't sure what to expect of this game with both View and Barker having been knocked over by Oakhill. From what I hear, it was a hard fought win by View. I'm keen to keep an eye on them for the next couple of weeks.
Kings: Will be difficult to replicate the highs of last season and from what I gather, the Waverley game was scrappy with the turning point being when the Waverley 8 had to go off with a blue card. Would be stupid to write them off after one game, however. Hoping Kings can be stronger than we expect them to be this year.
propsarespeedy
Ted Thorn (20)
Wasn’t trying to discount Newingtons efforts, they did well. I’m just saying it’s pretty ridiculous for Newington to put the 16A’s on those tiny fields, and it’s clear that they do it for a reason. Rugby is meant to be played on an 100 metre long and 70 metre wide field, not a 60 metre long and 30 metre wide field. Furthermore, I know that 2 of the best forwards didn’t play half the game, neither did 4 of Scots top players. Scots flanker Dan Ibrahim was forced to field at centre. If you think it’s fine for Newington to play senior games (15s+) on old boys, fine, but I don’t think it is.
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The Chairman
Phil Hardcastle (33)
Who is the Captain of this years King’s side?
ItsNotPink
Darby Loudon (17)
It's great to be back for another GPS rugby season and I look forward to more exciting commentary on Green & Gold. I will continue to report on the 3rd XV competition in 2024 as I have done in recent years. Its the same format for 2024 with the three 1st XV teams from Grammar, High and TAS together with the 3rd XV teams from Scots, Joeys, Shore, Kings & Riverview.
There are four trial matches in May before the 3rd XV comp starts on 1 June. They play one round of 7 matches for the premiership.
Some interesting trial results yesterday (not all have been reported and some were cancelled):
Grammar 1st XV 17 d St Aloysius 1st XV 12
St Stanislaus 1st XV 24 d Joeys 3rd XV 12
St Gregs 1st XV 19 d Shore 3rd XV 5
Good luck to all teams in 2024 as Scots endeavour to repeat their undefeated premiership in 2023.
ItsNotPink
There are four trial matches in May before the 3rd XV comp starts on 1 June. They play one round of 7 matches for the premiership.
Some interesting trial results yesterday (not all have been reported and some were cancelled):
Grammar 1st XV 17 d St Aloysius 1st XV 12
St Stanislaus 1st XV 24 d Joeys 3rd XV 12
St Gregs 1st XV 19 d Shore 3rd XV 5
Good luck to all teams in 2024 as Scots endeavour to repeat their undefeated premiership in 2023.
ItsNotPink
thesolicitor
Allen Oxlade (6)
Honestly looking at your posts it’s glaring that you are either in the Scot’s 16a’s team or in that year at Scot’s
Doing my HSC
Allen Oxlade (6)
Louis Fenwickle
Backintheolddays
Billy Sheehan (19)
Don't think they've announced captain of rugby as yet however Charlie Baker has been on field captain for the games. Great kid who I expect to get the nod
FastNFurious
Alfred Walker (16)
What happened to the Scots supporters post having a rant about the program? Deleted? I keep hearing grumblings from Scots old boys and disaffected parents. Sounds unhappy and spiteful.
Footy head
Ward Prentice (10)
They put the 16s on the smaller fields because 'The Johno' was too wet and they wanted to keep the fields nice for the 1s and 2s.
-Footyhead
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