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Reds 2020

B

Bobby Sands

Guest
Dean Moriarty said:
I can't see how Wright being Captain or not being Captain really means anything to who will start and who won't or who'll get big minutes and who won't. He was always going to play big minutes.

As you look through the Reds this year and try and get a handle on how they'll go I can't help but thinking where the match up advantages are? Who realistically could be considered as the best of the best at their position in Super Rugby. Like top 3 in their position ? In looking at that there aren't many that currently are (Rodda???) but there are a couple like Tupuo and Petaia that have the potential to be . JOC (James O'Connor) too if the redemption journey continues. Is it enough though?
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The thing about best in their position in the comp is that their is only 15 of them - so its a high water mark mate. How many best in comp players do the Brumbies or any side have?

As far as experienced Super Rugby who have proven as above the level I would say; Rodda, Tupou, Khan, JOC (James O'Connor), Speight - which is a third of the run on.

From there I think we have some of the best young talent, Wright included, in the comp.

Jordan obviously has the potential to be anything.

I am struggling to understand your point - but if it is that we are inexperience I agree. If it is that we lack top-end talent, maybe, but I don't see it that way.
 
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Adam84

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
There will be plenty of rotation during this season due to the heat and season starting earlier, especially for big guys like Wilson, I think that’s why Uru and Tualima were added to the squad.

ASY (Angus Scott-Young) has a work rate and different style to Wilson, which be be better suited against some teams then Wilson.

I think the best backrow will be entirely dependent on the team they’re playing. It’s a good predicament to have.
 
Dean Moriarty

Dean Moriarty

Billy Sheehan (19)
I guess my point is I reckon we are thin on top end proven talent. If you look at the Crusaders , Canes and Lions teams of the last 3 to 4 years they have arguably had half a dozen guys that are at the top , or very near the top of the game in their spot and their organisations have done an excellent job in building the right complementary pieces around them. I like the picks ups of JOC (James O'Connor) and Speight to stabilise a backline that has to be about Petaia as the spearhead. A big part of the potential for success this year rests with the next step Petaia might make which in turn comes back to whether the set piece can consistently dominate and provide opportunities. So big years for Tupou and Rodda too especially.
 
Adam84

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
Dean Moriarty said:
I guess my point is I reckon we are thin on top end proven talent. If you look at the Crusaders , Canes and Lions teams of the last 3 to 4 years they have arguably had half a dozen guys that are at the top , or very near the top of the game in their spot and their organisations have done an excellent job in building the right complementary pieces around them. I like the picks ups of JOC (James O'Connor) and Speight to stabilise a backline that has to be about Petaia as the spearhead. A big part of the potential for success this year rests with the next step Petaia might make which in turn comes back to whether the set piece can consistently dominate and provide opportunities. So big years for Tupou and Rodda too especially.
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Well I think it’s easier to look back at champion teams and identify top end proven talent then it is to look at a young team like the Reds and predict who is due for a big season.

Rodda, Tupou, Wright, LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto), JOC (James O'Connor) are all quality test players. But I think the point of difference will be in how guys like Hegarty, Petaia, ASY (Angus Scott-Young), McDermott, BPA, Mafi, Daugunu and Stewart step up and fill that experience void.
 
Finsbury Girl

Finsbury Girl

Trevor Allan (34)
More sensible I would say Reg.

I think he still needs to earn back a hell of a lot of trust.

I think we know that Thorny is a "res non verba" type of bloke so time will tell.
 
PhilClinton

PhilClinton

Mark Loane (55)
This announcement has me really looking forward to seeing Wright’s development since the end of last season.

It’s a big vote of confidence from Thorn and the committee, as there is so much pressure coming for the back row players to retain their spots. They must be very confident Wright will not only be a leader but also stand out on the field. I don’t think anyone would have had an issue if Rodda was named captain and Wright in the leadership group, it seemed like the safe and sound option as he’s clearly our first picked lock. So this choice tells me they see Wright as a real talent for years to come.
 
Adam84

Adam84

Rod McCall (65)
Beauty about Wright is he has flexibility in been able to play 6 or 7, even with pressure from players like McReight they could always accommodate Wright in the team somehow.

In the backrow, ASY (Angus Scott-Young) is probably most under pressure to retain his starting position, likewise the LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) experiment at 6.. although there’s some cracking depth at lock as well so not sure where LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) fits in.
 
TSR

TSR

Andrew Slack (58)
I’m keen to see Willson have a crack in Super rugby, but I wonder if Thorn will be tempted to use him as a finisher to start.

I can see a good case for starting LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) at 6 with Wright & ASY (Angus Scott-Young) in the backrow and Rodda & Hockings or Blyth at lock with Wilson & McReight on the bench.

LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to finish at lock with a finishing backrow of Wilson, Wright & McReight.
 
RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
First game is Brumbies.

Traditionally a strong lineout game - rolling maul kings. Lineout obviously weakened a bit with no Arnold or Carter (Swain and Enever to start?). Backrow to be Samu and Valetini (if fit) and one of Cusack or Brown? Either way its a more mobile backrow so perhaps not the game for LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) to be 6?
 
Ignoto

Ignoto

Peter Sullivan (51)
I'd also imagine, for the first 2 - 3 matches, due to the heat, you'd be picking either a 5-3 or 6-2 split to replace almost your entire forward pack to help with the impact the heat will have.
 
RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
oh and there was mention yesterday that Rodda is a chance of missing that first game anyway. So LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) is likely to start at lock I guess. Opens the way for Wilson or McReight.
 
RugbyReg

RugbyReg

Rocky Elsom (76)
Staff member
Ignoto said:
I'd also imagine, for the first 2 - 3 matches, due to the heat, you'd be picking either a 5-3 or 6-2 split to replace almost your entire forward pack to help with the impact the heat will have.
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We are in Jo Burg and then BA for our 2nd and 3rd match. Not quite as hot as here but the travel will mean we shuffle the squad anyway as you say.
 
S

Show-n-go

Guest
Adam84 said:
Beauty about Wright is he has flexibility in been able to play 6 or 7, even with pressure from players like McReight they could always accommodate Wright in the team somehow.



In the backrow, ASY (Angus Scott-Young) is probably most under pressure to retain his starting position, likewise the LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) experiment at 6.. although there’s some cracking depth at lock as well so not sure where LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) fits in.
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I think it's in everyone's best interest if LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) goes back to NSW


QLD have some really strong talent coming through that have played together extensively, they don't really need him


NSW need him and guarantees him more game time
 
VassMan

VassMan

Darby Loudon (17)
I've said this before as well. He's contracted until 2022 but with this Jack Maddocks swap it seems anything is possible. Surely the Tahs are in his ear and trying to lure him back!
 
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