NSW Waratahs v Fijian Drua - Fri 28 Feb 2025 7:30pm Allianz Stadium

[fatprop]

Joey Walton wounded, Foketi to inside centre, Henry O’Donnell to start

https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/02/24/revealed-waratahs-set-for-midfield-tweak-as-foketi-opens-up-on-wallabies-ego-hit/

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Was hoping this was the case the the Waratahs A side was named. Big fan of this move.

Foketi is a 12 and O'Donnell a genuine Centre with good size and skill. Overall I think the side improves with this selection.

 

[Derpus]

Doesn't exactly seem to align with the Wallabies needs though eh. No Lancaster and Suallii in a position he almost certainly won't be playing for the Wallabies.

 

[fatprop]

This is always a great game to go to, wonderful, joyful crowd watching the Drua try to beat the shit out of the Tahs and then run support lines from depth like no other side can

If we kick as badly as we did in the first round we will have issues

 

[Rob42]

Doesn't exactly seem to align with the Wallabies needs though eh. No Lancaster and Suallii in a position he almost certainly won't be playing for the Wallabies.

I don't get the whinging about Sua'ali'i being "out of position". He has the chance to play more than 10 games for the Tahs before Wallaby selection. Even if 13 is his best position - and I don't think anyone can say that for sure - a few games at 15 won't hurt.

 

[Derpus]

I don't get the whinging about Sua'ali'i being "out of position". He has the chance to play more than 10 games for the Tahs before Wallaby selection. Even if 13 is his best position - and I don't think anyone can say that for sure - a few games at 15 won't hurt.

You'll know when I'm whinging, believe me.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

I don't think it will stop Schmidt from picking him at 13 if he chooses since he was happy to give him a spot before ever playing a game of Super Rugby. He showed a great ability under the high ball and a few kicks in play were very good for a guy who hasn't been required to do so in few years.

Bit of depth and pressure on positions can only be a good thing. Reilly who was a fairly strong performer last year had to start in the A game on the weekend.

 

[fatprop]

 

[Heavyd]

Looking at ticketek availability current crowd looks like being around 12500-13000 for Friday night. With all the talk about best start to Super Rugby in years, exciting game. more tries, allegedly 10% increase in TV ratings, it all means little to RA if the crowds aren't showing up to games paying their hard earned spinning the turnstyles. What else should they be doing to market these games? What are they doing to encourage Shute Shield and Subbies clubs who are in preseason to encourage them to go? What about SRJU, what offer to families are out there? Once the NRL starts Sunday you wont hear boo about Super Rugby so the window to build momentum is closing. What am I missing or am i way off the mark?

 

[cyclopath]

Dan gives off a very clinical air when interviewed, which I like.
I gotta say that I reckon the Aus Super Rugby head coaching group is as good as I have seen overall. I know we have had some fantastic coaches in the past, but not always such a level of consistency across all franchises as right now.

 

[Crashy]

Not injuring JAS would help...

“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven't got all the details yet, but hopefully that's short-term.”

doesnt sound promising.

Classic Tahs

 

[Strewthcobber]

What about SRJU, what offer to families are out there?

Once again this year, all registered juniour players get free entry to all Waratah home games.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Looking at ticketek availability current crowd looks like being around 12500-13000 for Friday night. With all the talk about best start to Super Rugby in years, exciting game. more tries, allegedly 10% increase in TV ratings, it all means little to RA if the crowds aren't showing up to games paying their hard earned spinning the turnstyles. What else should they be doing to market these games? What are they doing to encourage Shute Shield and Subbies clubs who are in preseason to encourage them to go? What about SRJU, what offer to families are out there? Once the NRL starts Sunday you wont hear boo about Super Rugby so the window to build momentum is closing. What am I missing or am i way off the mark?

It will take more than 1 win and a couple rounds of tries to get people back.

We may talk about all the points but your average Joe doesn't know who brings up fox sports or a news website. Rusted on Rugby people talk about it to other rusted on Rugby people.... It will take consistent winning and Wallaby performances to bring back people and ever push the 25k+ mark.

 

[Dctarget]

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O'Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenlagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Vuate Karawalevu, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini

 

[Dctarget]

Very excited to see how O'Donnell goes, he has some speedy wingers there if he can link up. Big if though, between him, Jorgensen and Lancaster that's some young, inexperienced players.

 

[Derpus]

WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Darby Lancaster, Lalakai Foketi, Henry O'Donnell, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Isaac Kailea, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Triston Reilly

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Meli Derenlagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Vuate Karawalevu, Inia Tabuavou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Mesake Doge, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini

Probably the best front row and bench row we've named since 2014.

 

[barbarian]

We may talk about all the points but your average Joe doesn't know who brings up fox sports or a news website. Rusted on Rugby people talk about it to other rusted on Rugby people.... It will take consistent winning and Wallaby performances to bring back people and ever push the 25k+ mark.

25k is fantasy. That world doesn't exist anymore, they weren't even getting that in 2014 (finals aside).

Anecdotally, I've had multiple people ask me to go to Tahs games this season already. Going with my dad and brother on Friday who haven't been to a game in years. It's happening.

 

[barbarian]

In regards to this game specifically, the Drua is currently $3.70 with the bookmakers with a 9.5 point start.

That seems way out to me. In hot conditions coming off two tight losses I reckon they will be tough to beat.

 

[Braveheart81]

Anecdotally, I've had multiple people ask me to go to Tahs games this season already. Going with my dad and brother on Friday who haven't been to a game in years. It's happening.

My Dad went to round 1 which was his first live game since the 2014 semi-final.

 

[cyclopath]

Not injuring JAS would help...

“Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven't got all the details yet, but hopefully that's short-term.”

doesnt sound promising.

Classic Tahs

Yeah, like anyone would be out for a whole year with a toe injury...