Reds v Sharks, Rnd 5 2020, Lang Park Sat 29 7:15 EDST

[barbarian]

This is such an important game. If the Reds can win, they should be considered as real contenders for a finals berth and a big push for the title in 2021.

The Sharks are a good team and IMO a better one than the Reds at the moment. They are 2-1 on their road trip so far and this is also a big game for them too in a hot SA conference.

I am looking forward to this game. It's going to be fast, attacking rugby and if I were in Brisbane I'd be attending. I expect the Sharks to get the win, but in a high scoring game, a scoreline like 39-27.

 

[upthereds#!]

Does Blyth deserve to drop out? I've been a huge fan of his support running, cleanouts, and is clearly scummaging well.

Perhaps a 5/2 Split. Though eventually guys will need to be rested and we can luckily cycle through that in the locks and backrow without too much problem.

 

[TSR]

I’m honestly not worried which of our locks start. They all have their pros cons and are all going pretty well from my viewing. My favoured pairing would still be Rodda & Salakai-Loto but both Blyth & Hockings offer plenty.

Similar to the back row. I’m not sure we have a like for like replacement for Wilson but otherwise I think every combination has its merit.

Jock Campbell is in good form at the back, but I’m hoping either he or someone else can step up in the goal kicking department.

 

[Finsbury Girl]

Does Blyth deserve to drop out? I've been a huge fan of his support running, cleanouts, and is clearly scummaging well.



Perhaps a 5/2 Split. Though eventually guys will need to be rested and we can luckily cycle through that in the locks and backrow without too much problem.

I would've said the same about ASY (Angus Scott-Young) the week before (unless he is injured and I haven't seen it). Everyone has been doing the business up front. But in my view horses for courses. There will be loads of rotation of our back 5 this year.

 

[Woldog]

I’m honestly not worried which of our locks start. They all have their pros cons and are all going pretty well from my viewing. My favoured pairing would still be Rodda & Salakai-Loto but both Blyth & Hockings offer plenty.

Similar to the back row. I’m not sure we have a like for like replacement for Wilson but otherwise I think every combination has its merit.

Jock Campbell is in good form at the back, but I’m hoping either he or someone else can step up in the goal kicking department.

Daugunu is a great goal kicker (or he was) If he's back in the lineup maybe they'll use him.

JOC (James O'Connor) used to be a decent goal kicker? has he given up on kicking?

 

[Cancelled Account]

1. Smith
2. Mafi
3. Tupou
4. Rodda
5. LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto) or Hockings
6. ASY (Angus Scott-Young) or McReight
7. Wright
8. Wilson
9. McDermott
10. O’Connor
11. Speight
12. Stewart
13. Paisami
14. Daugunu
15. Campbell

16. Craig
17. Hoopert
18. Nasser
19. Hockings OR LSL (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto)
20. McReight or ASY (Angus Scott-Young)
21. Malolua
22. Lucas or Hegarty
23. CFS

 

[Zero_Cool]

Am I the only one who thinks Stewart is still has potential to play flyhalf, he's looked very good in that first receiver role?

Regardless I think we need to keep to the same side, maybe pull back on a few of the younger players this game.
I think we need Feauai-Sautia's defensive ability, plus Daugunu is a major liability in defense. Hegarty's goal kicking will be super important for us to close out the game. Plenty of guys who can fill in at flyhalf if we need (Stewart & Hegarty). Winning this game is more important than developing Lucas. One more front row re-enforcement would be a godsend for us, we could really use someone like a Kirwan Sanday to come in late in the game and keep the scrum a weapon.

1 Jean-Pierre Smith
2 Alex Mafi
3 Taniela Tupou
4 Izack Rodda
5 Angus Scott-Young
5 Lukhan Salakaia-Lot
6 Fraser McReight
7 Liam Wright
8 Harry Wilson

9 Tate McDermott
10 James O'Connor
11 Henry Speight
12 Hamish Stewart
13 Hunter Paisami
14 Jock Campbell
15 Bryce Hegarty

16 Ed Craig
17 Harry Hoopert
18 Joshua Nasser
19 Harry Hockings / Angus Blyth
20 Angus Scott-Young
21 Scott Malolua
22 Chris Feauai-Sautia
23 Filipo Daugunu

 

[Cancelled Account]

Stewart could well end up in the 10 jersey. Pressure off at playing 12 seems to be doing wonders for him at this time. I wouldn’t rule out Stewart in the 10 jersey again. I would personally keep Hegarty at fullback and CFS (bring Filipo on depending on Sharks defence) on the wing but it doesn’t seem to be playing out that way. The team I nominated is the team I think the coaches will run with on the weekend. Your team would be great, especially if we could run 16 men on the field. Don’t think ASY (Angus Scott-Young) is a lock.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Haha, ASY (Angus Scott-Young) much have slipped up there when I was debating who I start at 6 (ASY (Angus Scott-Young) or McReight), I think ultimately McReight is more likely to have more of an impact on the game, but maybe that's an argument for coming off the bench.

I'm kinda hesitant to dump Campbell he's been playing bloody good footy, but I do think it's a close thing between CFS and Campbell.

The backline is a tough choice, we've got several excellent locks and back-rowers Rodda, Salakaia-Lot, Hockings, Blyth, McReight, Wright, Wilson, Scott-Young. And I've not even mentioned Uru and Kibble. It's a tough choice when there is only space for 7 of them.

 

[The Nomad]

Kibble is out, busted shoulder again

 

[Zero_Cool]

Wasn't actually suggesting Kibble for the game, just that he's another of the menagerie of Reds locks & backrowers!

 

[Dark Shark]

Kibble is out, busted shoulder again

Terrible news. If same shoulder and same injury then that is the season and exposure at the u20’s World Champs. A shoulder injury at same time last year cost young Lachlan Connors big time. At Schoolboys level he was rated well above and played ahead of Wilson at No.8 in the Schoolboy rep teams. Missing the u20 season and now Connors is completely off the radar.

 

[Up the Guts]

How long does Thorn leave Tupou and Mafi on for?

 

[Bobby Sands]

Terrible news. If same shoulder and same injury then that is the season and exposure at the u20’s World Champs. A shoulder injury at same time last year cost young Lachlan Connors big time. At Schoolboys level he was rated well above and played ahead of Wilson at No.8 in the Schoolboy rep teams. Missing the u20 season and now Connors is completely off the radar.

Wilson played two years schoolboys at lock.

 

[Bobby Sands]

How long does Thorn leave Tupou and Mafi on for?

As long as it takes.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Mafi and Tupou will play 90 minuets if they have to in order to get the win!

This is the game to push for, the Crusaders the following week are a big ask. Go after the Sharks, if the Crusaders put you to the sword pull them early and get some rest into them then.

 

[Dark Shark]

Wilson played two years schoolboys at lock.

Nup, Only played Aust Schoolboys in 2017. Came off bench both times. Connors was no.8 for all the matches that year.

 

[Bobby Sands]

Nup, Only played Aust Schoolboys in 2017. Came off bench both times. Connors was no.8 for all the matches that year.

If you make the squad, you played Oz schools in my eyes. He made the squad in 2016 as a 16 year old. Definitely played lock at GT. In any event, he’s matured into a pretty handy pro.

https://www.nvi.com.au/story/4173886/harry-chosen-for-aussie-schoolboys/

 

[The Nomad]

Terrible news. If same shoulder and same injury then that is the season and exposure at the u20’s World Champs. A shoulder injury at same time last year cost young Lachlan Connors big time. At Schoolboys level he was rated well above and played ahead of Wilson at No.8 in the Schoolboy rep teams. Missing the u20 season and now Connors is completely off the radar.

It is the same shoulder for Kibble. Has had surgery on it and is a chance of being back for the back end of the season. Although you would hope he takes the extra time and gets it right for next year seeing it’s two years in a row for the same injury.

Out for the Junior RWC which is bad news , especially after missing out last year. He would have been in the mix at 6 this year with Tizzano at 7 and Harris at 8 .

 

[Finsbury Girl]

^ Absolutely dreadful news re: Kibble