Reds 2011

[RedsHappy]

I'll do my best if you are the real Michael Lynagh, the dad that is, not the son ;-).

 

[Lee Grant]

Even from a Tahs fan it's good to see some positive vibes from you blokes after the gloom and doom posts after the 2009 S14. I enjoyed watching the Reds games more than the Tahs ones, whilst still supporting my team.

I don't think that we have realised yet how much more exciting the S15 will be for we Oz rugby fans next year with the conference system and home and away derbies for the Oz teams. It will be a de facto Oz domestic competition and the needles on this forum will be sharper.

It won't have many of the advantages that an ARC would have such as: showcasing new talent and improving by performing at a higher level - for players, coaches and referees - but it will heighten interest.

Once the excess foreigners leave the Rebels and the competition expands, squads will have to increase to about 35 and pro academies to about 15. You could see that a formal competition between the A teams of the 5 S15 franchises, perhaps some as curtain raisers, could be feasible as many of the fixed costs of the old ARC could be absorbed within the franchises.

But I digress.

.

 

[Jets]

They are awesome raffle prizes. They have actually put a bit of thought into them as well. If I was going I would be happy with quite a few of them.

 

[RugbyReg]

having the players involved gives them that 'priceless' edge which should hopefully mean more money.

 

[RedsHappy]

Even from a Tahs fan it's good to see some positive vibes from you blokes after the gloom and doom posts after the 2009 S14. I enjoyed watching the Reds games more than the Tahs ones, whilst still supporting my team.

LG: It's never too late to switch. Seriously, I think all your other comments above are spot on re S15. + as I have posted elsewhere, the pressure on coaches for higher standards will increase (hopefully), especially if MacQueen's Rebels start to do well from nowhere, a la the Reds this year.

Personally, I think this whole new S15 structure, the Rebels arriving, and the excellent TV deal/$s in that accompanied it all, may come to be seen as one of JO'N's best achievements.

 

[Reddy!]

Shit me dead, they are some good prizes! I would probably want prize no.1 or no.14. The Fainga'a twins would be awesome company. But on the other hand I do see myself as an expert kicker.

 

[Ruggo]

Great prizes. The Diggers and Hynesie Volvo taxi had me laughing at first. I pictured a shit box old Volvo that back fires like it was Uncle Bucks car before even considering it would be a fancy car.

The BBQ with the twins would be my favorate prize.

 

[Ruggo]

Shit me dead, they are some good prizes! I would probably want prize no.1 or no.14. The Fainga'a twins would be awesome company. But on the other hand I do see myself as an expert kicker.

But can you throw the cast net Reddy?

 

[Newb]

Shit me dead, they are some good prizes! I would probably want prize no.1 or no.14. The Fainga'a twins would be awesome company. But on the other hand I do see myself as an expert kicker.

was just thinking the same. from the things i've heard about the fingers they would be great to spend a bbq with. awesome to meet quade, but he's going to ruin some poor kid's kicking motion! would be classic to hear him explain the ins and outs of it though!

 

[Lee Grant]

especially if MacQueen's Rebels start to do well from nowhere, a la the Reds this year.

It will take a while for Macqueen to find out what his best team is but it will be easier for mature players, which he has in spades, to conform to plans of a brand new team.

The main problem for the Reds this year was the incidence of injuries, because it forced Link to use young reserves in a team that was already young. They lost their way sometimes and didn't have the inner self coach that harder heads have. Macqueen will be affected by injuries like every other coach, but his reserves will be more mature players, who have a strong inner coach directing their play.

The forced blooding of extra young Reds players in 2010 may have positive consequences in 2011, and the Wallaby blooding will help also, but I still feel that the Reds will lack the required experience to even out their season next year though the year after will be righteous unless they lose key players again.

Therefore, any hypothetical 2011 Reds' selections without Van the Man as a starting player are flawed. Simmons will get enough time coming on early in the second half for Van and even sometimes for Kev. He should start in a few games also but not the majority of them.

If he blows socks off - different story.
.

 

[RedsHappy]

The main problem for the Reds this year was the incidence of injuries, because it forced Link to use young reserves in a team that was already young. They lost their way sometimes and didn't have the inner self coach that harder heads have. Macqueen will be affected by injuries like every other coach, but his reserves will be more mature players, who have a strong inner coach directing their play.

Absolutely, very well summarised and analysed LG (as usual). The Reds match against the 'Canes this year was the telling moment of all above in one unhappy bundle, was it not?

For all the reasons you state (and the Macqueen-Link duel) I am really looking forward to the first Reds-Rebels game in 2011!

PS: Couldn't agree more re Van The Man. He's no perfect Thorn analogue, but Deans has erred in not giving him a go somewhere somehow. He has strength, guts in spades, desperately needed mongrel, and is a super team motivator on the field. Which is more than can be said for some of the other choices Deans has made in the forwards.

 

[liquor box]

Even from a Tahs fan it's good to see some positive vibes from you blokes after the gloom and doom posts after the 2009 S14. .

it was not doom and gllom, it was a beginning of something special.

I was only slightly dissapointed at missing the finals because I am looking to the future. By around 2015 we will have a team of 25-28 year olds with 100+ super caps and 50+ test caps and will be looking great.

I think the Australian conference could become very 2 sided if it is popular. If it gets revenues up then the Reds and Tahs will be able to afford to keep all of their talent and will dominate the top of the Aussie conference.

A dreaft might be needed to solve this issue, but in the mean time I am looking forward to Super titles in 2012-2016 inclusive

 

[tranquility]

I am all for Red eyed opinions, but settle down there liquor box.

 

[TOCC]

Peoples choice Award: Will Genia
Spirit of the team award: Ben Daley
Try of the season: Quade Cooper
Reds rookie of the year: Jake Schatz.
Stan Pilecki Award: Will Genia

 

[Lee Grant]

Even from a Tahs fan it's good to see some positive vibes from you blokes after the gloom and doom posts after the 2009 S14.

it was not doom and gllom, it was a beginning of something special.

I did say 2009.

.

 

[Reddy!]

Peoples choice Award: Will Genia
Spirit of the team award: Ben Daley
Try of the season: Quade Cooper
Reds rookie of the year: Jake Schatz.
Stan Pilecki Award: Will Genia

Congrats to Schatz for that award, he had an extremely solid debut season and in my opinion, is very much a forwards forward, no flashy stuff. Should go far.

 

[RugbyReg]

great for Dales too but I reckon FaingaaA might have been pretty damn close as well.

 

[Lindommer]

It's never too late to switch.

Looking forward to seeing you in a Tahs' jumper next year, RH. Get with the strength.

 

[RugbyReg]

being a little selfish I'll be stoked if we can line up with a pack of:

1 Ben Daley - Wallaby
2 Saia Fainga'a - Wallaby
3 James Slipper - Wallaby
4 James Horwill - Wallaby
5 Rob Simmons - Wallaby
6 Scott Higginbotham - Wallaby
7 tbc
8 tbc

It is a big difference from our Wallaby-free pack we fielded more than once this year.

 

[daz]

being a little selfish I'll be stoked if we can line up with a pack of:

1 Ben Daley - Wallaby
2 Saia Fainga'a - Wallaby
3 James Slipper - Wallaby
4 James Horwill - Wallaby
5 Rob Simmons - Wallaby
6 Scott Higginbotham - Wallaby
7 tbc
8 tbc
9 Will Genia - Wallaby
10 - Quade Cooper - Wallaby

12 Ant Fainga'a - Wallaby

Fixed Reg. I liked your pack post, but damn it, let's celebrate a huge Reds achievement in 2010!

I know Ant Finger needs a run yet to fully qualify, but he will. Oh yes, he will......