Reds 2011

[Ash]

My only issues with Beau Robinson are that he's not a real fetcher, more of a hard nosed ball running seven who will spend all day running around like a madman, and that he gives away the odd stupid penalty. To be fair, Braid was more of a linkman previously as well, but I thought that Braid scavenged really well last year. I'd like to see if Robinson's scavenging has improved a bit.

Gill, in contrast, is a fetcher, as was Tomiki. I think that the Reds may be OK without an out and out fetcher playing at openside, as they have S. Finger and even Horwill who can pinch the odd ball, but if Beau Robinson is there he will at least need to be some sort of pest at the opposition's ruck. We'll see as the season goes on who provides the best balance for the Reds in the backrow.

 

[TOCC]

If Houston is playing 8 then they need a jumping option at 6. If they move Higgers to 8 they could carry Beau at 6 but I doubt they would do it as they have so many 6 options it would seem like a waste. In saying that Link might think it could be a good option depending on the opposition.

I dont think Fatprop was entertaining the thought of playing Beau at 6 for the Reds, just saying he has filled the 6 position reasonably well in the past..

The Reds barely have enough quality in the openside position to start one openside flanker let alone 2

 

[TOCC]

Yeah, I rate Beau too - from memory, didn't he and Crofty have a bit of go at each other and came up honours even. As a Reds man, I decided then that I didn't like him - probably because he was in a Blue jumper and had some go... now he is in a red jumper I rate him!

 

[Jets]

Couldn't find a bigger pic could you TOCC?

 

[fatprop]

I dont think Fatprop was entertaining the thought of playing Beau at 6 for the Reds, just saying he has filled the 6 position reasonably well in the past..

The Reds barely have enough quality in the openside position to start one openside flanker let alone 2

That and also flexibility on the bench, he ain't no lineout option, but he now does have a wider skill set to do a job elsewhere if needed.

 

[Tank]

Couldn't find a bigger pic could you TOCC?

Pretty sure that is MMM grabbing him as he was a pest for the reds backrow all day

 

[TheTruth]

When does Quirk and Simmons get a shot - Darwin maybe

 

[TOCC]

My only issues with Beau Robinson are that he's not a real fetcher, more of a hard nosed ball running seven who will spend all day running around like a madman, and that he gives away the odd stupid penalty. To be fair, Braid was more of a linkman previously as well, but I thought that Braid scavenged really well last year. I'd like to see if Robinson's scavenging has improved a bit.

Gill, in contrast, is a fetcher, as was Tomiki. I think that the Reds may be OK without an out and out fetcher playing at openside, as they have S. Finger and even Horwill who can pinch the odd ball, but if Beau Robinson is there he will at least need to be some sort of pest at the opposition's ruck. We'll see as the season goes on who provides the best balance for the Reds in the backrow.

I dont agree that Gill is in contrast a fetcher, from what ive seen he has the strong attributes of a linkman style player, that's based his form in 7's rugby to the 10 tries he got in Premier Grade rugby in 2010...

 

[Lee Grant]

This from Super Rugby

*************

Ioane wants to play SuperRugby for Reds at 13

Article Published: Monday 31 January 2011

Reds and Wallabies winger Digby Ioane wants to nail down the number 13 jersey after he impressed playing at centre in the Reds trial match against the Crusaders.

Ioane made a successful return from shoulder surgery on the weekend and he now wants to show that he can be Australia's new Stirling Mortlock at outside centre.

His impressive display at centre has only excited Ioane more about playing in the 13 jersey.

Twenty-five year old Ioane has been watching video tapes of former Wallabies captain Mortlock playing in the Brumbies' 2000 Super 12 final loss to the Crusaders.

"He was around 24 and I couldn't believe the work-rate and him breaking lines and making all these tackles," Ioane told AAP.

"It was one of the best games I've seen him play."

"He ripped it. It was like he was fighting off spiders, people were just falling off him.

"You see something like that and you want to do that and improve."

Both of Ioane's coaches Ewen McKenzie and Robbie Deans have used him at wing and outside centre and Reds coach McKenzie says that he would like to give Ioane game time in both positions in a flexible Reds backline in 2011.

Last season league convert Will Chambers made a name for himself at No.13 but also handled his role at inside centre against the Crusaders in Cairns well.

Ioane says he is happy to play anywhere McKenzie wants him to play but if he has a preference it would be to play at 13.

"I really don't mind, I just want to play," he said. "(But) 13 is a spot where I'd like to have a go and learn more, and play with more skills.

"It's exciting to be back playing with your mates rather than sitting at home being frustrated."

Ioane missed much of last year due to his shoulder injury but that injury also gave him time to chronic knee problem through an altered training regime.

"This year the staff has been a lot smarter, and I have to be smart and look after it," he said, adding he had been told to put a stop to his "secret" training sessions.

"I'll just save it for the game, for the main event."

*****************

I have no doubt that Diggers will be an outstanding 13 on attack for the Reds - or the Wallabies for that matter - but have the deepest reservations about his defensive read of the game when the other side has the pill. I could be challenged if asked when for the Wallabies and/or the Reds did Diggers fail to read the opponents attack and I would have to wimp out and say I forget.

But the vibe - the vibe tells me I saw it. I love the vibe.

 

[MrTimms]

I agree Lee, I like him on the wing too.

Nothing wrong with him at OC, but wing gives him more freedom to "inject" himself.

 

[TheTruth]

I agree Lee, I like him on the wing too.

Nothing wrong with him at OC, but wing gives him more freedom to "inject" himself.

Agree as well - as long as he has that "roving' commission - no better runner when he runs straight and hard

 

[spectator]

agree, don't want to put a few paragraphs together for the main page do you?

Not sure I know how to make a contribution on the front page Reg, technology retard and all that. I'll have a crack at fleshing out my previous comments.

First and foremost, I am glad that the north got to see a Reds game, albeit a trial. There are plenty of rabid rugby supporters up north and I know they appreciated having an S15 trial game up there. The crowd was decent in size, not lacking in passion and opinion, and in the main quite clued up rugby wise. From all reports the Reds were good ambassadors as well, so maybe the Reds got a good few new members out of the exercise.

I was actually pretty impressed with the skill level on display given that this was a first up game after several months of nothing. There must be a lot of good stuff going on at training. The guys looked fit and sharp.

I have to agree with other observers that possibly the one question mark for the night was the scrum. There were a few times there that it looked scrappy and under pressure. Not an expert on scrimmaging so won't comment further. Lineouts looked good, and general play from the forwards was tight. Horwill looked solid in his comeback match without being a superstar. Gill is definitely one to watch, his speed to the breakdown is breathtaking and he certainly doesn't shy away from contact. I don't think there is any need to rush him into the top grade, as Robinson looked the goods when he got his chance. Tomiki was no slouch either, so Reds are well catered to in this area. The other backrowers went about their job efficiently, again without starring.

I mentioned Genia looked sharp so hopefully the fizz has returned to his game. His passing and running were classy. Cooper tried a number of things both out of hand and with his boot, and showed deft touch. This combo is definitely the key for the Reds in 2011. The centre combo of Chamber and Digby was potent in attack but showed some weakness defensively. If I have another criticism of Digby is that he could have passed it more. The Reds are chock full of outside backs and all those that played did their jobs well.

The bench was cleared for the second half and again everyone played solidly. Keen to see more of Harris who impressed in his first outing. Good to see young Uni half Prior getting a crack at this level.

It definitely wasn't the Crusader's top side so not surehow much to read into the game, but a good showing by the Reds nonetheless.

Keep an eye out for the Crusaders 10. Bleyedaal. He was the NZ 20's skipper last year, and goes alright. Definitely one to watch.

 

[spectator]

How was Quade's defence?

Didn't notice, so I guess it can't have been that bad?

 

[RugbyReg]

No Peter Hynes. Doesn't bode well for the start of the season I would think.

St.George Reds Heads Coach Ewen McKenzie has announced the squad to take on the Brumbies this Friday night in Darwin.

Included in the squad are five people making their first appearances for the Reds in 2011. Ben Lucas, Ed Quirk, Jake Schatz, Rob Simmons and Dom Shipperley are all coming back from injury.

The squad is:

Will Chambers, Quade Cooper, Ben Daley, Rod Davies, Saia Fainga'a, Liam Gill, Will Genia, James Hanson, Mike Harris, Scott Higginbotham, Greg Holmes, James Horwill, Leroy Houston, Van Humphries, Digby Ioane, Ben Lucas, Luke Morahan, Ian Prior, Ed Quirk, Beau Robinson, Radike Samo, Jake Schatz, Guy Shepherdson, Dom Shipperley, Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Ben Tapuai and Aidan Toua.

The starting side will be announced on Thursday .The Darwin games kicks off at Austar Rugby Park, Darwin at 7:40pm Friday night.

 

[Ruggo]

No Anthony Fainga'a. Anyone know the story?

Can't wait for Friday night.

 

[Tangawizi]

So punted from the Crusaders trial squad in the forwards are Anae, Coridas, McDuling & Tomiki for Simmons, Quirk, and Schatz to come in.

And in the backs Lucas and Shipperley are in for Sitauti with Prior holding his spot after the late call up last weekend.

I think that's right. Might be another season of not much game time for Tomiki based on that cut.

 

[TOCC]

Coridas jarred his AC in Cairns, those other players mentioned might be carrying some minor injuries as well...

 

[Jets]

Also probably a case of Link wanting to see a bit more of these guys coming back from injury. Anae is probably rested to give the other 2 Hookers more game time before the Super season. With Tomiki being rested you would think Robinson and Gill are the options for 7 for Round 1.

 

[tranquility]

Very good to see Quirky and Shatzy get a run. Great young line backers.
Also very nice to Toua get another run, I wonder if he is ahead of Shipperley and Kimani on the log even though they are in the top squad?
I'm not in the country at the moment, but I will be looking forward to the trail summaries.

 

[Jets]

I'm really interested in how Link will use Quirk this year. I think he will be a force for the Reds in years to come and I he has developed at a great rate every year since under 16's.