Round 4: Lions v Reds, Sun 19 March @ 1:15am AEST Ellis Park, Johannesberg

[dru]

Be interesting to see who's going to be up for this one. I reckon I will be.

I'd like to hope my viewing habits aren't indicative of my support, I cant manage those crazy hours on a Sunday. One of the few days I get a decent nights sleep.

Definitely hitting the record button though for Sunday breakfast rugby.

 

[Scoey]

That's fair enough. More of a nod towards people like me that used to get up for all the early morning matches but in recent times, couldn't really be bothered.

The one good thing about playing one match of our tour in SA and the other in ARG is that next weeks game will be on at a very civilized time: 7:40am Sunday morning!

 

[Scrubber2050]

Highlander sure

But whilst Smith is one of my all time favourite players he certainly is not having the same "influence" on his performances this year in Super as he did for the Wasps.

That's the only reason I posted that I thought he would have been a fantastic "finisher" in the last 20

 

[Tangawizi]

The Lions team has been announced.

 

[Simon.]

That's got to be pretty much a full strength Lions side. Reds will really need to be on their game to be in with a shot.

 

[Tangawizi]

St.George Queensland Reds side to play Lions
Sunday 19 March (AEST), Ellis Park Stadium
1. James Slipper (C) - Bond University
2. Andrew Ready - Easts
3. Sam Talakai - Brothers
4. Rob Simmons - Sunnybank
5. Kane Douglas - Norths
6. Hendrik Tui - Norths
7. George Smith
8. Scott Higginbotham - Wests
9. Nick Frisby - GPS
10. Quade Cooper - Souths
11. Eto Nabuli - GPS
12. Duncan Paia’aua - Norths
13. Samu Kerevi - Souths
14. Izaia Perese - Easts
15. Karmichael Hunt - Norths

16. Stephen Moore - University of Queensland
17. Markus Vanzati - Souths
18. Taniela Tupou - Brothers
19. Lukhan Tui - Souths
20. Adam Korczyk - University of Queensland
21. James Tuttle - GPS
22. Jake McIntyre - Sunnybank
23. Chris Kuridrani - GPS

Rodda out with a head knock. Still no Leroy.

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[No4918]

Reds by 17

 

[emuarse]

St.George Queensland Reds side to play Lions
Sunday 19 March (AEST), Ellis Park Stadium
1. James Slipper (C) - Bond University
2. Andrew Ready - Easts
3. Sam Talakai - Brothers
4. Rob Simmons - Sunnybank
5. Kane Douglas - Norths
6. Hendrik Tui - Norths
7. George Smith
8. Scott Higginbotham - Wests
9. Nick Frisby - GPS
10. Quade Cooper - Souths
11. Eto Nabuli - GPS
12. Duncan Paia’aua - Norths
13. Samu Kerevi - Souths
14. Izaia Perese - Easts
15. Karmichael Hunt - Norths

16. Stephen Moore - University of Queensland
17. Markus Vanzati - Souths
18. Taniela Tupou - Brothers
19. Lukhan Tui - Souths
20. Adam Korczyk - University of Queensland
21. James Tuttle - GPS
22. Jake McIntyre - Sunnybank
23. Chris Kuridrani - GPS

Rodda out with a head knock. Still no Leroy.

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Hopefully , after being dropped from the starting side last week, and having Rodda breathing down his neck for the lock position, Douglas will come out all guns a' blazing

 

[Scrubber2050]

It still amazes me that it takes a dropping or 2 for a player to get his mojo back - case in point Douglas AND Simmo (at Wallaby level).

Both blokes should realise than Rodda, in particular is chasing down a starting spot

 

[hammertimethere]

Away from home, against last years finalists, nobody giving us a chance.


Go you bloody good red things

 

[RedsHappy]

What I would say is that if the 'we're really rebuilding well under the covers despite a very mixed season start' hypothesis is correct - and NB I am not saying it is not - then we must attain a 'breakthrough'-type win away from home vs good competition pretty soon or the theory may need revising somewhat - or a lot.

Hopefully, this moment comes with the Lions this weekend. Those breakthrough-type away wins started to build for Link in 2010.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Just to add to the air of pessimism, I have an awful feeling that the team will expect the lions to try and blow us off the park in the first 20'. So we'll come out all fire and brimstone, play some brutal rugby, and at least keep in touch for 60'.

It's the last 20' that worries me. With our current form. At 1700m above sea level. 11,000 km from home. I hope we don't get Laxmaned.

We won't start improving till players and teams look only to winning...all the back slapping by reds for just being competitive against the crusaders was an embarrassment. As they should be dirty on themselves for losing that game. Belief starts within...accept mediocrity you get nothing but mediocrity.

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[NTT]

Rodda is a big out for the Reds with Douglass and Simmons so far showing an incapability to lift their game to another level. Still, i think the Reds are good enough to get the win especially if they can replicate the first 40 mins from last week and stretch that form into the second half. I think the sting of lasts weeks last minute loss will be enough motivation for the Reds.
Reds by 3 pts

 

[Sully]

Rodda has played half a game of Super Rugby. I hope he's great but it's a little early to have cooniptions if he's not playing.

 

[Braveheart81]

Rodda has played half a game of Super Rugby. I hope he's great but it's a little early to have cooniptions if he's not playing.

It's our way Sully.

Normally we propose selection for the Wallabies on the back of 20 minutes in the NRC!

E.g. Australia's premier halfback, Jake Gordon!

 

[Brumby Runner]

Think Gordon would be a step up at No 9 for the Tahs atm. Having said that, Phipps will probably have a blinder tomorrow night.

 

[Braveheart81]

Think Gordon would be a step up at No 9 for the Tahs atm. Having said that, Phipps will probably have a blinder tomorrow night.

Gordon was awful in his first go at Super Rugby level in the trial against the Highlanders.

He'll get another chance to show he's improved tomorrow night.

 

[Scoey]

How do these Reds match threads keep ending up as a discussion about Waratahs players?

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^^^^^^^^ maybe you need a new match thread rule:

5. Don't mention players from teams not playing in this match (esp Waratahs)

 

[Teh Other Dave]

Let's be honest though, WO, the Reds' threads attract much more discussion than the Tahs. Etc etc etc.