Who are these under performing players Gnostic? The only one I can think of would be TPN but really after a full pre-season he'll be better for it and back to his Super rugby best.
1. Elsom - new to the Tahs but due to injury hasn't played for two years apart from cameos here and there. Has not played anywhere near his best since he returned to Oz.
2. Douglas - 2nd year jitters maybe. His form last year was up and down, nowhere near what he showed in 2010.
3. TPN - injured yes but inconsistant as well probably because of factor 1.
4. Alcock - couldn't hold his position in the absence of Waugh and will need to step up.
8. Palu - did he play last year? Injured again and takes ages to come back to form if he survives initial contact.
9. Fitzpatrick - of all the potential stars we have seen come and go at the Tahs perhaps one of the most disappointing has been Fitzpatrick. Every year I have hoped for him to step up and really take his position by storm.
10. Halangahu - he has shown that he can do it with massive games against the Blues and others. He then disappears for the rest of the season.
11. Vickerman - I do not accept that he did anything of note in a Wallabies jersey last year and as he will again be coming back from injury I expect a slow start from him when he evetually makes it onto the field.
12. Mumm - the fact that he has been forgotten by most and indeed excluded from the "Leadership Group" speaks volumes of his form and place in the side.
With at least some question of form/performance over 12 players in the squad apart from the injury status of some of them should make some of those over efusive fans sit back and take stock and just maybe be a little more guarded in their comment.
IMO big question marks remain over the long term injured, Palu, TPN, Barnes, Elsom and Horne and if they are really fully fit or can get that way.
