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Peter Sullivan (51)
Considering how often a good fetcher gets man of the match I would say that the more the better. Maybe 2 guys playing for 40 minutes each can achieve what a Pocock can over a whole game
Reds 2011
- Thread starter Lee Grant
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Considering how often a good fetcher gets man of the match I would say that the more the better. Maybe 2 guys playing for 40 minutes each can achieve what a Pocock can over a whole game
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TheTruth
Guest
Has Shatzy been injured . What point would be made with Shep instead of Slipper - got to be kidding - if probs with the scrum it has emmanated from the LH side and think that certainly Holmes if chosen will assist the scrum as a whole. Problem is, will Link make that LH change or perservere with Daley and Saaia at 2.
Robo has to be the fetcher and run-on and agree with spectator that he made a big difference when got on the paddock
what are we expecting out of Robinson? He was there on the weekend, but I suspect he stood out more because of his shock of blonde hair.
He only made 3 tackles in his half an hour of footy. Sure he ran with the ball 8 times, but that's not what I am looking for in an openside. Quirk was involved in more opposition rucks "counter rucking" than any other QLD player, whereas Robinson has barely made his presence felt there.
I want an on-baller at openside and I think Gill is more that player. As I have said elsewhere, we need to be more aggressive on the ball and at the ruck so I'd move Quirk to 6. Robinson can still play the high impact game from the bench.
He only made 3 tackles in his half an hour of footy. Sure he ran with the ball 8 times, but that's not what I am looking for in an openside. Quirk was involved in more opposition rucks "counter rucking" than any other QLD player, whereas Robinson has barely made his presence felt there.
I want an on-baller at openside and I think Gill is more that player. As I have said elsewhere, we need to be more aggressive on the ball and at the ruck so I'd move Quirk to 6. Robinson can still play the high impact game from the bench.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
I think the reason Robinson had more runs than tackles is that the Reds had more of the ball in the last 20 mins. That's my feeling from watching the game, I haven't got the stats to back it up, but overall the Reds had more ball anyway. That's how come the Reds players scored so many Fantasy points despite being slaughtered on the park.
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chief
Guest
Absolutely not, Hynes was the best by a long shot in Brisbane a few weeks ago.
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tranquility
Guest
The poor bugger is always playing on one leg though, looks like he will be out for a while again. The only positive out of this is that it will allow Aidan to be thrown into the back three consistently be it on the wing or at the back. Pity though, because Hynes has played alot of footy and adds stability to a young back line / team.
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
It will be interesting to see how Link responds to adversity. They have lost only one game but it has been the manner of how they played in the 2 rounds that is of concern.
Link is a good coach. I'll back him to come up with a good game plan that will be to the point of how both teams have been playing to date. Of particular interest will be how he can get the forwards to be more effective than they have been. In that context there will be another interest: in what changes there will be in the pack.
As part of that: what changes, if any, will be made to improve the scrum?
And let's not forget how the Reds forwards performed last year in the same match. They couldn't get their backs working because the forwards were tame in that game also.
As others have indicated in this and other threads: it's hard to assess the backs in the two rounds with the quality of ball they have been getting.
Link is a good coach. I'll back him to come up with a good game plan that will be to the point of how both teams have been playing to date. Of particular interest will be how he can get the forwards to be more effective than they have been. In that context there will be another interest: in what changes there will be in the pack.
As part of that: what changes, if any, will be made to improve the scrum?
And let's not forget how the Reds forwards performed last year in the same match. They couldn't get their backs working because the forwards were tame in that game also.
As others have indicated in this and other threads: it's hard to assess the backs in the two rounds with the quality of ball they have been getting.
Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
Still haven't caught a replay of the game, been uber busy for the last 2 days. Hard to tell when at the game. Reds seemed to make a lot of line breaks in the last 20, but the Tahs scrambling defence was just too good and the Reds just not quite in form. There were a few glimpses of the Reds from last year, but in short 5 minute spells when the Tahs let the foot off the pedal. When your forwards are so smashed, there's sadly not much you can do.
Robinson was prominent in the last 20. Not sure if I would start him, but the days of Horwill at 6 and no real fetcher surely have to be over. I'd want one of Schatz or Quirk at 8 or 6 to provide more work around the park, then have Houston or Higgers in the other position, and have either Robinson or Gill at 7.
I'd also still be starting S. Fainga'a, haven't seen enough of Hanson to prove he should be starting over Fainga'a.
What I loved about the Tahs play was the short passes from forward to forward to shift the ball wider than the defence. Would love to see the Reds doing something similar, instead of getting smashed one off.
The other thing is teams have been noticeably targeting Quade when he carries the ball, and if he is caught a second man is coming in and driving him back a long way as he tends to be a bit weak when trying to slip tackles.
Out of time...so much to catch up on
Robinson was prominent in the last 20. Not sure if I would start him, but the days of Horwill at 6 and no real fetcher surely have to be over. I'd want one of Schatz or Quirk at 8 or 6 to provide more work around the park, then have Houston or Higgers in the other position, and have either Robinson or Gill at 7.
I'd also still be starting S. Fainga'a, haven't seen enough of Hanson to prove he should be starting over Fainga'a.
What I loved about the Tahs play was the short passes from forward to forward to shift the ball wider than the defence. Would love to see the Reds doing something similar, instead of getting smashed one off.
The other thing is teams have been noticeably targeting Quade when he carries the ball, and if he is caught a second man is coming in and driving him back a long way as he tends to be a bit weak when trying to slip tackles.
Out of time...so much to catch up on
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TheTruth
Guest
Great football player but horrible run of injuries - really has to think of himself long term
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
You're right, but the Tahs' secret was in going forward as they did so and doing it at the right moment. They offloaded a lot just before the tackle so the tackler was committed and not able to slide across to the next bloke - or if they were tackled or slowed down they were able to pass before going to ground to a supporting player running forward who then did the same.
By contrast the Reds forwards either offloaded without committing a tackler or died with the ball after being monstered by dominant tackles. Generally speaking, they were not allowed to do what the Tahs forwards did and were flat footed.
The mobility of the Tahs forwards who were able to participate with the ball, yet then able to stop their opponents doing the same on their turn, was reminiscent of the Stormers' pack last year.
Let's see if they can do this against the Crusaders though. This is the Reds' thread? Excuuuuse me.
Newb
Trevor Allan (34)
when daley came out he looked pretty crocked. you'd think he'd be out with holmes coming in which should help steady the ship some.
Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
The Crusaders forwards over the years have also been great at popping passes near the defensive lines, or as they are tackled. Will be interesting to see if they do that, and how the Tahs' defence stands up to it. When done well, as like the Tahs have done, it not only looks good, but gives good front foot ball over the advantage line.
Also curious as to if the Tahs are continue to continue with the tactic of hitting lineout jumpers just as they land. It works great against unprepared teams (it really caused all sorts of problems for the Reds, who didn't adjust), or even prepared teams if they get the drive right. Being at the game it looked like some of the hits were a little early, which I suspect it was just my angle, but if the ref decides to penalise them or they go too early it could be expensive. Of course, a smart(er) team would've just started popping the ball off the top.
I think I will scream / cry / tear my hair out if Link tries his backrow "experiment" again - that is, Horwill at 6, no fetcher at 7. One other thing that stood out was how many Tahs players attacked the ruck and attempted to pilfer the ball. For the Reds, it was non-existent. Judging by how the Tahs played on defence, that style of play is one which doesn't need a fetcher (as most of the team has the ability to attack the ball), not the style of play Link had the Reds playing.
slydare
Frank Nicholson (4)
Hi folks...
Watching the reds in the last couple of weeks I can't help but think that aside from the balance issues in the side (which you guys have already covered), it also seems like they are waiting for something to happen while they are out there. The guys who stood up and showed leadership last year seem to be hanging back a little bit.
Genia has shown a few touches of it, but aside from him I think a few of the senior players have been quiet. I think Hynes is an example of a guy who has been solid but hasn't injected himself as much as you'd like. A little more leadership might go a long way, rather than relying on sparks individual brilliance they might be able to execute as a team.
Watching the reds in the last couple of weeks I can't help but think that aside from the balance issues in the side (which you guys have already covered), it also seems like they are waiting for something to happen while they are out there. The guys who stood up and showed leadership last year seem to be hanging back a little bit.
Genia has shown a few touches of it, but aside from him I think a few of the senior players have been quiet. I think Hynes is an example of a guy who has been solid but hasn't injected himself as much as you'd like. A little more leadership might go a long way, rather than relying on sparks individual brilliance they might be able to execute as a team.
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Cakeboy
Guest
I could be completely wrong but I think the Reds forwards will pick their game up with Horwill out injured. Might be a misconception of mine but in past seasons I believe they tended to play better when Horwill was out. I get the feeling that some of the other forwards are willing to sit back and let Horwill carry more of the load when he's on the field. Nothing to back this up. Just a hunch.
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Lachlan
Guest
Another thing that might be of note is the different coaching approach. Last year all spots were 'up for grabs' - the hungriest player would get the jumper regardless of age. Link didn't seem to ring the same bell this year and some of the performances up front have been suitably complacent.
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OLDDOG
Guest
I half agree with this. I reckon they have been told they'll all get a run to share the load as the season progresses. net result ? the boyz aint as hungry for their spots cos they think theyve done enuff already to get a run at some point. the hunger just doesnt seem to be there !!!!
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