Secondly and perhaps more concerning, the Reds really lacked leadership on Saturday. I like Slipper, but he did a shit job a captain. I dont think I saw him chatting to his teammates once on the weekend. We needed a Genia or a Horwill. I not sure who I'd choose to captain on the weekend.
When the game was in the balance on Saturday, Mowen was going ape-shit yelling at everyone. it was great. meanwhile the Reds appeared to be captainless.
Ant has been ruled fit and I think is the man to take the captaincy. He leads from the front but seeing the Reds live you only just appreciate how vocal he is.
Horwill being ruled out is a huge blow. Any news on if Samo will be fit? I would retain the back row and start him at lock if he is fit.
I agree Hanson should start. Saia is in a form slump. Not a big deal as it happens to all players but a benching maybe just what he needs.
Lance to fullback is a plausable option and by all accounts he has an accurate goal kicking boot in his own right.
A below par round one performance is nothing to worry about. We will be better for it and know what to work on.
I would be tempted with a 5:2 split on the bench.
Geez Tigerland I hope you are right with your team selection.
The Tah's will have a field day against that one..
Not sure if all these guys are fit, but this would be my starting XV
4.Douglas
5.Timani
Folau might be awesome but then again he could be Tahu mark 2..or rogers.or tuquiri..or sailor.or blacklock. None of them are greats.
but better than someone like Roff who scored 30 tries in 86 tests.
Except Roff was a far better rugby player, won a world cup, Tom Richards Trophy, and a couple of super rugby titles. If you reread my post, I said Tuquiri wasn't a great which he wasn't and left the game in disgrace. For the record, Roff scored 57 tries in super rugby and often played full back. I believe he still holds the record for most tries in a season.
Except Roff was a far better rugby player, won a world cup, Tom Richards Trophy, and a couple of super rugby titles. If you reread my post, I said Tuquiri wasn't a great which he wasn't and left the game in disgrace. For the record, Roff scored 57 tries in super rugby and often played full back. I believe he still holds the record for most tries in a season.
Except Roff was a far better rugby player, won a world cup, Tom Richards Trophy, and a couple of super rugby titles. If you reread my post, I said Tuquiri wasn't a great which he wasn't and left the game in disgrace. For the record, Roff scored 57 tries in super rugby and often played full back. I believe he still holds the record for most tries in a season.
Despite my prediction on last week's podslam that the Reds would lose to the Brumbies but then win this weekend against the Tahs, and despite adding several caveats to that prediction on this week's podslam, when forced to make a decision I have ended up tipping the Tahs on Saturday night!
I'd probably prefer to start Chapman and bring on Timani for impact around half time.
I thought Chapman was excellent against the Crusaders and was a massive boost in the lineout. Either way, Douglas, Timani and Chapman should all play plenty of minutes.