Reds 2015

[Braveheart81]

The situation is decidedly different with JOC (James O'Connor) now too.

He's no longer one of the most prominent and highest paid Wallabies where the ARU has a big financial investment in them and a vested interest in them being picked.

If Deans had wanted to ditch JOC (James O'Connor) earlier, I can't imagine he received much support from the ARU to do it.

I think Link is a much more dominant personality and Pulver seems far less of a megalomaniac than O'Neill. My guess is that there has been a shift away from relentlessly backing the poster boys who are popular but cause trouble to more accountability with the feeling that discipline is more likely to lead to success and in turn better financial outcomes for the ARU.

 

[Train Without a Station]

Who was the 4th one?

 

[Scoey]

Digby is the fourth I believe HJ is referring to.

 

[Braveheart81]

Digby is the fourth I believe HJ is referring to.

Surely he's more of a Fraggle Rock character than an original Muppet.

 

[Dumbledore]

One thing that is awesome about his signing is that he will be the best trainer in the squad. The bloke has a pathological training ethic. Hopefully it rubs off more than it did at his last two Australian clubs.

This. Anyone who questions his commitment to training/rugby is absolutely dreaming. He's not a lazy talent, he's a talent with a manic work ethic to back it up. I really, really, hope it works out for both parties. He's too good not to be involved in Australian rugby.

 

[Getwithme]

Alright I found our backrow saviour.

His name is Opeti Fonua- All 140kg of no. 8
Just imagine

and this.

 

[Tomikin]

Alright I found our backrow saviour.

His name is Opeti Fonua- All 140kg of no. 8
Just imagine

and this.

Video you post of him said 112 kg's

 

[Getwithme]

Video you post of him said 112 kg's

Rugby HQ said 140, Wikipedia says 150 so it's has to be up around there I would think

 

[Tomikin]

Rugby HQ said 140, Wikipedia says 150 so it's has to be up around there I would think

I would say his big enough as he looks like a big lad

 

[Scrubber2050]

I would say his big enough as he looks like a big lad

Yeah but what king of motor does he have - V12's generally are great in short bursts but an endurance engine - probably not

 

[TOCC]

Yeah but what king of motor does he have - V12's generally are great in short bursts but an endurance engine - probably not

Reds need a bit of torque in the forward pack, too many hybrids and 4 cylinders in their at the moment, good economy and fuel efficiency but you couldn't put a trailer on them.

 

[No4918]

I want the Reds to chase Ardie Savea. Not the biggest unit but powerful, has the right spirit (need some of this to rub off on the others) and would suit the Reds style. There are several guys ahead of him in NZ so he could do 2 years then go back for a shot at RWC 2019.

 

[Ash]

Isn't Ardie Savea more of a 7?

 

[USARugger]

Isn't Ardie Savea more of a 7?

Yes and Shag already included him on the ABs EOYT as a training-only (can't remember the correct term at the moment - apologies) player. In this kind of situation you'd think that you would be negotiating with the NZRFU and not just the 'Canes.

Not to mention the pull from playing with his brother.

I think he is off contract after this season but I can't see a world in which he's leaving New Zealand after it.

 

[Tomikin]

I think you guys may have signed Futo.. nothing out of the Brumbies saying his resigned.. And Reds have said they announce everything at once..

 

[Biffo]

Who was the 4th one?

there have been occasional whispers that there were five in the group of misbehavers. anyone able to confirm of refute?

 

[TOCC]

So far tonight Rodney Davies is showing why size matters and getting out muscled by Cummins...

 

[Tangawizi]

What's Robbie Deans doing next year?

 

[TOCC]

Samu Kerevi further reinforcing why size matters...

 

[Train Without a Station]

Samu Kerevi further reinforcing why size matters.

That's what she said