I think that the Tahs pack can bully the Reds upfront, and can target the set piece. Without Horwill and Higginbotham the Reds back looks a bit callow. Genia is a huge loss as well, he is the heartbeat of the team I've yet to see the Reds really perform when he isn't there.
Not so sure about this. Not saying they aren't a better pack but they will not be bullying many sides.
Tahs
- Robinson and Kepu aren't the bullying type
- neither is Douglas or Dennis but they will be very solid in the tight stuff
- Timani & TPN can bully sides if they are having a good day,
- Palu - yes but when was the last time he bullied a team? Still danger running though
- Hooper will be very dangerous running close to the ruck but won't bully many people
For the Reds
- I expect Slipper will be better and Holmes was as queit as he has been for some time, Hanson will improve things. I think the front row edge goes to the Reds around the park, Tahs at set piece but expect it to be closer than past years.
- Horwill is obviously a huge loss so i will give the Tahs locks the edge.
- Quirk & Gill were very good, different strengths to the Tahs backrow that have a better running game. Hopefully Shatz is closer to his best but like i said, two very different backrows. Be interesting to see it play out.
Reds backs will be a lot better for the run and should look to assert themselves sooner. More direct running from Finger will make things a bit more difficult to defend while bolstering the backs defence. Toua and Taps were always going sideways which became very easy for the Brumbies centres to cover. A new halves pairing won't help the Tahs so hopefully Quirk can be a nuisance.