Ones to watch in 09

[RugbyReg]

Just having a sqizz at the squads for next year, and I'm looking forward to seeing how some of the younger players, yet to play for the Wallabies, step up.

For the Reds:
- Ben Lucas, I thought he should have gone on tour but I think he was injured at the wrong time. Looking at our they used Sheehan, surely they would have been better served taking a youngster? Anyway, its only his 2nd season next year, and we all know the pressures on that.
- Danya Edwards, probably over performed this year? When you consider he started the season in the Academy squad and ended up as the scrum anchor in a decent Reds pack its no wonder he caught the eye. But 09 will be the season he has to show he can hack it in professional rugby. That's week in and week out performing. He'll likely rotate the position with Laurie Weekes, with whomever finishing better a good shot and further rep recognition.

From the Tahs:
- Rob Horne is the stand out. He's been talked about for a while, and proved his worth (in defence and attack) in the Tahs run up to the final. But like Lucas, it will be tougher in his second year. Should form one of the most exciting, and anticipated, centre combinations (with Timana Tahu) in the comp.

For the Brums:
- Josh Holmes. Ok so we know he has talent. Perhaps he's a little precocious. Maybe sitting back and watching the likes of Burgess, Hynes, O'Connor, Cooper, Ione, Pocock etc take their chances this year will stir him into action next year. Apparently Deans is watching him closely.
- Salesi Maafu. Prop, and specifically Tight Head prop, will be one of the most critical positions, from a development perspective, for Australian Rugby over the next few years. 2011 will probably be a year or two too far for Baxter and Dunning, but will it be a year or two to near for the likes of Maafu and Edwards? Maafu must be hoping for an end to the prop rotation the Brumbies have run with in recent years although ultimately its up to him to demand selection.

For the Force:
- Tom Hockings will hopefully be back for a full S14 season and may leapfrog his lock partner and skipper, Nathan Sharpe, into the Wallabies. With Jimmy Horwill fitting into the Wallabies so well, there should be limited fear in introducing another 'rookie' lock. Hockings was fantastic for the Force earlier this year and I just hope he gets back to that level next year.

 

[fatprop]

Is Edwards over his back injury now?

 

[formeropenside]

For the Reds - can Turunui (albeit a Wallaby, just not recently, and still comparatively young) maintain his end of 2008 season form, or will he fade into deserved obscurity? If defensive frailties can be overcome, he could vie with AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) to backup the 13 jersey behind Mortlock. Mind you, thats a big if.

 

[Spook]

Noddy, the rotation of scrum halves and props under Gandalf was annoying to say the least.

Would like to add..

For the Brums:
- Peter Kimlin: Showed a lot of promise in the Australia A. Needs to cement a starting position and smash some rucks. Very good ball carrier
- Ben Alexander: Not even had a run on yet for the Brumbies. Needs to be given preference over Henderson.
- Clyde Rathbone: Does he have his old pace? Is there more to his game?
- Peter Betham: Oz desperately needs good full backs. This bloke has height and speed. Injury ruined 2008 for him.
- Christian Lealiifano: Will he be eclipsed by the likes of Cooper and Beale this year or show he deserves the same sort of hype.
- Matt To'omua: Could he be ready this year for S14?
- Tyrone Smith: Needs to build on a good 2008. Great feet and power.

 

[TOCC]

I think Ben Lucas will have a tussling match with Will Genia for the starting Reds halfback position, i rate Genia pretty highly, he was only 18 in his debut season and injured all of last season.

 

[Lee Grant]

Reds

- Lucas is the main one that we, south of the Tweed, will be looking at. As you say Nod: given the way Sheehan was handled, (and even Cordingley), it would have been better to take Lucas on tour - and you said as much before the squad was picked.

- Ioane - dare we hope that the beginning signs that he showed on tour, that he can do more than run with the pill and stay on his feet with strong leg drive, will continue? I'll be watching for that.

- Agree about the THPs. Vital

- Lock Rob Simmons - has the dimensions, the skill and can get around the park but can he play a power game?

- Hooker Hanson - will there be an injury so he can get a run? I rate him thoughs he's on the small side.


Tahs
The main interest for Tahs fans is will injuries impact in certain positions, especially at lock and 8. But talking about the players:

- Horne - will he avoid the 2nd year yips as his rugby smarts would indicate? Will he get a chance to play 12?

- Tahu - will he show that he can be effective in the S14 in the midfield as he was for Oz A?

- Will young THP Palmer develop on the job as LHP Benn Robinson did in 2007 when Dunning was injured?

- Goalkicker - will the 2009 version do the job and who will it be?


Brumbies

- Will Holmes at last step up to a level commensurate with his skills? 2008 club form would indicate not, but we can hope.

- Matt To'omua - will the youngster get more time this year and indicate that he's on the pathway to higher honours down the track?

- Lock - Sitaleki Timani - Can he produce some of his club form for the Rats at the S14 level?

- Lock - Peter Kimlin - will he get enough game time to prove that he has more to his game than running with the pill. A bit of power, for instance?

- Prop - Ma'afu - agreed.

- Will Rattlebones get back to the form of pre-injury?

- Will prop Ben Alexander become a regular starter and get some time with the 3 jersey on his back?

- Will exciting players from the Sydney Uni front row - LHP Yanuyanutawa and hooker Charles, get any time?


Force

- Will Nick Cummins play well enough to be a Deans project next year?

- Ditto lock Tom Hockings

- Will Rabbit O'Connor become a regular starter - and where?

 

[spectator]

I think Ben Lucas will have a tussling match with Will Genia for the starting Reds halfback position, i rate Genia pretty highly, he was only 18 in his debut season and injured all of last season.

Genia is handy and the tussle will be interesting. Perhaps both to be in line for further honours?

I am looking forward to seeing some good performances out of Saia Fainga'a at hooker, and a fitter Leroy Houston really step up.

 

[PaarlBok]

The new Saffers faces to watch in 2008
Sharks
Jean Deysel - Unlucky not to make the Bok tour in NH. Big Ball carrier and defender nr 7
Keegan Daniels - A bit on the small side but rocked some big CC teams with his speed to the ball and skills.
Halgreave - This U19 SA capt lock look like taking his rightfull place for the Sharks. Big and tall in the lineout department and not far behind Bekker.
Stormers
Joe Pietersen - played a bit S14 rugby in the past but surely as versatile as you get. Can play 15, wing & flyhalf and this Matie sure know the sniff of a tryline. We nearly lost him but look like he'll give it one more try. Not sure if Sereli will be back but Joe should fit in nicely if he dont return.
Midfielders: PJ Vermeulen, Newton & des Fountain. We have a stable one with Jean & Bobo but these youngsters waiting in the wings to get their change.
Scrummies: Duvenhage/Hugo/Hoffmann Hope Bolla retire to give any of them a change. Delport sign a SA 7s contract because he know he wont get another chop with that trio in line.
Andries Fourie: A real live wire hooker and not sure if Schalk Brits will be picked above him. He is small but dynamite and saw him destroyed a Brute pack of forwards when he played from the bench on Newlands with ball in hand.
Wicus Blaauw: You'll remember him for giving a Aus passenger a klap on the plane last year. Stoodhis ground pretty well in the CC against all opposition and a scrummerager de lux.

Bulle
Have a host of 2007 SA U21 youngsters on the up plus a bit older ones.
Francis: Hope this young 10 get a change to stake his place.
Rocco Jansen: Pretty quick winger and will be a biggie of getting a change.
Stegmann: Have already settle in the team and a good replacement for Wikus. Bad news for the Brute opponents is that they also have Dewald Potgieter. pretty explosive blond.
Wilhelm Steenkamp: Hope he can up his 2008 performances and give the Bokke locks a bit of a breather.
Props: Vermeulen look pretty handy fattie.
Chilliboy Ralapelle. Hope he shook of all his injuries and nail the 2 jersey

Lions
Earl Rose. Hope he prove all his critics (myself included) wrong and play to his talent.
Walter Minnaar. This 12 had a good start until injury strike in 2007. Look like a toughie and will combine nicely with his fellow Monna , Jac Fourie
Genl Petoors. Will be good to see him back and sure one of my favourates.
Ashwin Willemse: Can he get back to his form of a few years back.
Jannes Labuschagne. Good to see him back and will play a important part in the Lion setup.

Cheetahs
Corne Uys. Have all the talent to play to S14 level.
JL Potgieter. This year will be a important one for him.
Brussouw. Bok this one.
Jean Botha. Poached from Boland but one strong TH!

 

[Aussie D]

'tahs
- Beau Robinson. Will he surpass Phil Waugh as the number one openside at NSW?
- TPN. Will he throw the ball in accurately, on a regular basis, anywehre beyond 2 in the lineouts?

Brumbies
- Guy Shepherdson. Will he bounce back to '07 form or is he sliding into obscurity?
- Mitchell Chapman. Will he be happier playing alongside Moore again and under the coaching of Friend and vie for higher honours?
- Stephen Moore. Will the move to the Brumbies affect his game? (not that I am slating the Brums Spook, just a fear on their forward performances in the the past rubbing off on him)

Reds
- Peter Hynes. Was 2008 an abberation or will he continue with his excellent form of '08?
- Anthony Fainga'a. Can he cement a regular starting spot for the Reds?
- Saia Fainga'a. Same question as his brother.
- Fullback - will one of the youngsters step up? Vaalu, Toua, Hynes?
- Luafutu. Will he make the 6 jumper his own?
- Higginbottom - Will he make a case for a starting guernsey?

Coaching
After the first year of Robbie Deans as Wallabies coach how will it affect the S14 playing styles, preseason fitness, skills coaching?

 

[barbarian]

Surprised no-one has mentioned big Ratu. Can he live up to the hype as the next Jonah?

 

[RugbyReg]

No, no he can't.

 

[TOCC]

how long did Ratu sign for?
I wouldnt be suprised if he signs with the Reds in the future, my sources tell me he is constantly travelling back to brisbane to visit friends and family.. He was up on here on the weekend just gone actually.

 

[Scarfman]

- Will prop Ben Alexander become a regular starter and get some time with the 3 jersey on his back?

Forgive my ignorance, Lee. Has BA played 3 much? He looks like a tight head but I don't know how much he's played there.

 

[RugbyReg]

A few former Wallabies with a bit to prove as well. I am thinking Greg Holmes, SNK, Gerrard and Staniforth in particular. Are they forgotten men?

 

[spectator]

Couple of young bucks in Qld may get a sniff during pre-season...speaking of Jake Schatz, James Slipper and Luke Morahan. The first two are forwards so any introduction to S 14 will have to be carefully managed but Mooney may test their mettle in the trials as he did on the European tour. Morahan is a smokey for a wing spot.

 

[Cutter]

- Will prop Ben Alexander become a regular starter and get some time with the 3 jersey on his back?

Forgive my ignorance, Lee. Has BA played 3 much? He looks like a tight head but I don't know how much he's played there.

What does a TH look like?

 

[Biffo]

LHP .... cubic

THP .... elongated cube (if you get my meaning)

 

[Cutter]

LHP .... cubic

THP .... elongated cube (if you get my meaning)

You are thinking Hayman and Woodcock. What about Sheridan and Vickery (where its reversed) or Daly and McKenzie where they were both cubes or Blades and Harry?

 

[RugbyReg]

If we are stereo typing then I'd say THPs are shorter and stockier (as the immovable rock of the scrum) whilst the LHP is taller and stronger in the upper body as he needs to get under his opposite number (a THP) and lift him and work him or squeeze him (with his longer arms). Kind of like Blades and Harry.

 

[Lee Grant]

Forgive my ignorance, Lee. Has BA played 3 much? He looks like a tight head but I don't know how much he's played there.

He played THP in the first two rounds of the Sydney club comp for North Sydney v. Gordon and Easts. Coach Greg Mumm told me that he was switching his props through the grades to see how they went.

Don't know how the experiment worked.

Surprised no-one has mentioned big Ratu. Can he live up to the hype as the next Jonah?

He was certainly a Jonah to the Rats in the first round of the Sydney comp, but anybody who believes journo hype such as that about a new player, is more seriously disturbed than the journo. At least you know the journo is trying to earn a living by writing something a bit different to what his competitors are doing.

Let's see how he goes in the trials. He started out with a hiss and a roar in the TNS but then got injured in an exhibition game in Tonga and was never the same after that.