TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
Thoughts on Uru Reg? Do you see him being a chance of forcing his way into the starting backrow?
Edit: for the record, I do think your suggested starters/bench is most likely.
Reds 2022
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Edit: for the record, I do think your suggested starters/bench is most likely.
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I’ll have you know, Thorn gets coffee from the same place as me. I think that gives me some level of authority, as we’ve nodded at each other a few times.
But I take your point.
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
I think that’s the likely starting pack.
However, has it been confirmed whether Super Rugby will be a double vaxx only competition, similar to the NRL? Because I know at least one of those players may not qualify, as of right now. It’s something being addressed in NZ at the moment as the NPC hasn’t got a vaxx mandate, but obviously travel into Australia does.
The Nomad
Bob Davidson (42)
We might see the back row and second row get changed around on a horses for courses basis. Pick the best balance for the team you are playing.
For me McReight is a lock in at 7 , with 6&8 possibly changing.
Wright gives you an extra on baller ,plus work rate, plus lineout option.
ASY (Angus Scott-Young) you an edge in defence and ruck shifting, plus line out.
Uru probably more a bonus in attack and again genuine line out target.
Wilson for me the other lock in at either 6 or 8 , he offers a bit of everything and if he works on being a little more dynamic in contact, has the highest ceiling for mine out of the options for 6&8.
Would like to see a back row Wilson , McReight and Uru at 6/7/8 respectively at some stage . Maybe the most dynamic back row we could field , but more likely to be Wright, McReight and Wilson.
Where ASY (Angus Scott-Young) plays is bit of a puzzle. Big improver last season , has worked hard on his game heading over the ditch to play NPC in the off season and understandably Thorn rates his work ethic. He could start in the second row against “shorter” teams or at 6 when you need the extra grunt around the ruck and in defence. Otherwise most likely wears 19/20.
Based on 2021 , LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Smith start in the row . Smith went to another level last year that was particularly evident when he went back to QPR, he was far superior to the player he was in 2020.
Options are good to have!
For me McReight is a lock in at 7 , with 6&8 possibly changing.
Wright gives you an extra on baller ,plus work rate, plus lineout option.
ASY (Angus Scott-Young) you an edge in defence and ruck shifting, plus line out.
Uru probably more a bonus in attack and again genuine line out target.
Wilson for me the other lock in at either 6 or 8 , he offers a bit of everything and if he works on being a little more dynamic in contact, has the highest ceiling for mine out of the options for 6&8.
Would like to see a back row Wilson , McReight and Uru at 6/7/8 respectively at some stage . Maybe the most dynamic back row we could field , but more likely to be Wright, McReight and Wilson.
Where ASY (Angus Scott-Young) plays is bit of a puzzle. Big improver last season , has worked hard on his game heading over the ditch to play NPC in the off season and understandably Thorn rates his work ethic. He could start in the second row against “shorter” teams or at 6 when you need the extra grunt around the ruck and in defence. Otherwise most likely wears 19/20.
Based on 2021 , LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Smith start in the row . Smith went to another level last year that was particularly evident when he went back to QPR, he was far superior to the player he was in 2020.
Options are good to have!
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
It’ll be very interesting because both ASY (Angus Scott-Young) and Wilson had big off-seasons built around improving their game. Wilson not so much by choice.
I personally think leaving Wilson at home wasn’t the right option for the Wallabies and a bit disrespectful, but I’m no professional coach.
I personally think leaving Wilson at home wasn’t the right option for the Wallabies and a bit disrespectful, but I’m no professional coach.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
To be clear I am a big fan of all 6 of our backrow options.
Unfortunately I feel it very unlikely they’ll all be there in 2023 as there are going to be a couple of guys who won’t be getting a regular start who are well and truly starting quality. But for 2022 it’s a great problem to have and the sort of depth we need across every position to be challenging the best teams.
With regards to the locks, I agree Smith’s progress has been exceptional and a real credit to him. But the reality is that we need big improvement from the 2nd tier guys - the likes of Smith, Fotuaika, Zander, Nasser/Asiata, Nonggorr to compete with the Crusaders & Blues of the TT comp. The good news is that these guys are all young enough that it is realistic to expect them to make sizeable improvements in their game year on year compared to where they were at last year.
Unfortunately I feel it very unlikely they’ll all be there in 2023 as there are going to be a couple of guys who won’t be getting a regular start who are well and truly starting quality. But for 2022 it’s a great problem to have and the sort of depth we need across every position to be challenging the best teams.
With regards to the locks, I agree Smith’s progress has been exceptional and a real credit to him. But the reality is that we need big improvement from the 2nd tier guys - the likes of Smith, Fotuaika, Zander, Nasser/Asiata, Nonggorr to compete with the Crusaders & Blues of the TT comp. The good news is that these guys are all young enough that it is realistic to expect them to make sizeable improvements in their game year on year compared to where they were at last year.
Dean Moriarty
Billy Sheehan (19)
I don't know that McReight should be a lock in at 7.
For me, Uru deserves his shot as the other starting lock with LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) , or possibly as a starting 6 if one of the other young locks puts in a strong showing in the preseason. Smith was impressive , no doubt , but Uru arrived and lit it up ahead of him last year and I think should have an edge.
I have Wilson and Wright as necessities in the back row mix ahead of McReight and then ASY (Angus Scott-Young), who I would work in the rotation as an energy replacement -closer across the 4/6/8 spots
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
That was along my lines of thinking Dean. But then it means leaving McReight out of the staring XV. Which seems crazy when he was nothing short of exceptional last year and, for mine, the clear best 7 (and arguably best back rower) in Super AU.
Cancelled Account
Desmond Connor (43)
ASY (Angus Scott-Young) might just nudge Wright at 7 after watching the Mitre10 and Hospital Cup. Whoever delivers the best results between these two. McReight and Wilson for 6 and 8. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) and Smith at lock. Uru needs a bit more aggression and consistency to get in front. Blythe’s standing was wobbly last season and I wonder if that has changed.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I found Blyth’s drop in the pecking order a bit hard to follow.
I’ve read on here that Blyth wasn’t a stand out in Prems, but I thought he was pretty damn good at Super level up until he first got demoted, and I thought he was excellent in 2020. I hope he finds his mojo or sorts out whatever the issues are. He has a physical presence that Smith doesn’t and I think that could be a real benefit if he can also bring work rate & accuracy.
I’ve read on here that Blyth wasn’t a stand out in Prems, but I thought he was pretty damn good at Super level up until he first got demoted, and I thought he was excellent in 2020. I hope he finds his mojo or sorts out whatever the issues are. He has a physical presence that Smith doesn’t and I think that could be a real benefit if he can also bring work rate & accuracy.
The Nomad
Bob Davidson (42)
I just prefer a #7 to be in the fetcher mould and breakdown pest , rather than a hybrid backrower . McReight has the added bow of his outstanding link play in general play, particularly on the counter. While Wright can play 7 and does so quite well , he doesn’t quite stand up to Fraser in these rolls. Wright does have the added bonus of being a genuine lineout target and is a stronger first up defender. First up defence is something I believe Fraser was given as an area to work on by Rennie? Keen to see how that went.
I’m also not big on having a specialist #7 on the bench, in the Reds’ case probably less so due to Wright’s ability to play 6 and both ASY (Angus Scott-Young) and Uru being able to cover lock. Nevertheless, would prefer more balance from the bench than a specialist 7 can offer. Just can’t see McReight not being in the match day squad, so for me he starts.
Cancelled Account
Desmond Connor (43)
Mac Grealy mentioned in the top 5 Super Rugby players to look out for this year. Source: Rugbypass
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
PhilClinton
Mark Loane (55)
Probably hard for a bloke who plays like Blyth to stand out even when he drops a level. His role is to be physical and accurate at breakdowns, win line outs and hold a scrum together. The fact he wasn’t a standout means he was probably doing many of those things right, as we all notice lineout stuff ups etc.
Agree with your comments about him v Smith. I think Blyth has a bit of that unquantifiable mongrel about him, and if he can harness it and channel it, he’ll find him back in form.
Blyth’s biggest issue was discipline. He was giving away silly penalties and giving us not much back in return (unlike LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)).
And I disagree, Phil, with your comments about his clubland performances. If you want someone to be super rugby quality you want them to stand out at club level. You want to see him stealing lineout. Monstering the ruck and maul and making an impact ball in hand. Smith did this for Brothers in his limited club minutes. Blyth did not.
And I disagree, Phil, with your comments about his clubland performances. If you want someone to be super rugby quality you want them to stand out at club level. You want to see him stealing lineout. Monstering the ruck and maul and making an impact ball in hand. Smith did this for Brothers in his limited club minutes. Blyth did not.
Adam84
Rod McCall (65)
That’s why I don’t place too much weight on those games, especially with the camera coverage of club games it’s hard to see the work in tight.
but like Reg mentioned, Smith did stand out a bit in his games.
The Nomad
Bob Davidson (42)
I’m
Smith on the other hand looked every bit the Super Rugby player in every aspect of the game , he picked off 3 or 4 lineout steals and was whacking blokes in both attack and defence. He had a genuine presence on the field.
I hope Blyth does stand up to the challenge, but ATM Smith has jumped him in the queue for a starting jersey.
Saw them both play live against UQ. If you didn’t know Blyth was a Super Rugby player , you would not have picked it . In fact he wasn’t even the best lock out there , yet alone a stand out .
Smith on the other hand looked every bit the Super Rugby player in every aspect of the game , he picked off 3 or 4 lineout steals and was whacking blokes in both attack and defence. He had a genuine presence on the field.
I hope Blyth does stand up to the challenge, but ATM Smith has jumped him in the queue for a starting jersey.