I
International Badboy
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Boys at this rate ill be pulling on number 22 and taking the field
Semi Final 1: Blues vs Waratahs
- Thread starter barbarian
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Jnor
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Langthorne
Phil Hardcastle (33)
The Blues are favorites, that is for sure, but I'd also say there is a pretty big weight of expectation on them too.
If the Waratahs can pull together and maintain their excellent defensive team effort they might be able to grind out some points through the forwards, and there is also the mercurial brilliance of Beale.
If the match was against the Crusaders, Sharks, Stormers I couldn't imagine the Tahs would have a chance, but the Blues on an off day is possible. Obviously the Blues on a good day could embarass us pretty thoroughly.
Nil all at kick off. 22 Vs 22. Anything is possible, and if they do pull it off then the comp really is game on. Chris Hickey has a big job this week - he isn't playing, but it will take a lot from him as well as the players to pull off a win.
If the Waratahs can pull together and maintain their excellent defensive team effort they might be able to grind out some points through the forwards, and there is also the mercurial brilliance of Beale.
If the match was against the Crusaders, Sharks, Stormers I couldn't imagine the Tahs would have a chance, but the Blues on an off day is possible. Obviously the Blues on a good day could embarass us pretty thoroughly.
Nil all at kick off. 22 Vs 22. Anything is possible, and if they do pull it off then the comp really is game on. Chris Hickey has a big job this week - he isn't playing, but it will take a lot from him as well as the players to pull off a win.
chasmac
Dave Cowper (27)
Tahs have performed well over the last month, IMO they have had more form than the blues. We all know that the blues are a hot and cold team. I think the gameplan from Hickey will be very tight even though we are missing some front rowers. Gain ascendency at the tackle contest and hopefully the scrum and lineout. Be patient. Kick goals. Basically use the FORCE gameplan. Turner and Ioesi are in form at the moment so they should handle the kick returns well. If it wasn't played in Auckland I would tip the Tahs. Homeground to trump recent form in this one. I will tip the blues but barrack like a mad dog for the Tahs.
Z
Zeno
Guest
The bolded bit is objectionable, dumb and inflammatory. Injury issues going into the finals is a valid topic for consideration.
tigerland12
John Thornett (49)
Fuck you guys cannot afford anymore injuries. It is amazing that the team has gotten as far as they have with so many injury problems, fair to say it is gonna have to be the KB (Kurtley Beale) show this weekend for the Tahs to win.
Victorian Reds Fan
Bob Loudon (25)
It's been the KB (Kurtley Beale) show all year.
G
GC
Guest
Waugh will attempt to win it by force of will alone if this is potentially his last game. I'd expect the Tahs to lift massively, injuries and all. The forward pack is still strong, Carter is in good form and KB (Kurtley Beale) is in awesome form. Tahs aren't favorites but I still wouldn't be surprised to see them take it.
I think that the Tah's injury list is a fair point to mention. They have missed a lot of guys for a lot of games and managed to come 5th in a hard competition. They do have a couple of things in their favor though.
1) they are playing the Blues who have managed to looses quite a few games in recent weeks and are missing a few players themselves
2) Phil Waugh will scare the rest of the team into playing out of their skin in fear of letting him down and being the reason that he had to play his last game for NSW at Eden Park
1) they are playing the Blues who have managed to looses quite a few games in recent weeks and are missing a few players themselves
2) Phil Waugh will scare the rest of the team into playing out of their skin in fear of letting him down and being the reason that he had to play his last game for NSW at Eden Park
Ash
Michael Lynagh (62)
There's one issue with it being the KB (Kurtley Beale) show: he'll likely be at 10. It has only been the KB (Kurtley Beale) show this year when he's been at fullback. I actually think the loss of Hangers may be worse than TPN, because it meant that KB (Kurtley Beale) moved to 10 from 15.
light
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Agreed, but I have a feeling you won't be saying that in 2 or 3 years time. For a Semi Final he is not ideal, however we must remember that he is a freak and so anything can happen. Luckily enough for the Tahs, the Blues have equally, if not worse injuries to key players.
Brumby Jack
Steve Williams (59)
After watching the Tahs play the Brumbies from the nosebleed section at ANZ on Saturday night I have to say that their defensive effort was outstanding and they controlled the play very well to the point that I was forgetting when, or if, the Brumbies ever had the ball.
My only concern is the injury problem they have after putting in what I would say was their best effort of the year. The players they are missing will hurt them and whilst you can practice for weeks at training the possible combinations, it's not until you get into a proper match scenario can you measure the success of them.
It's now time for them to prove they are contenders by putting in back-to-back efforts that are worthy of them being called Champions, especially after they have only beaten 1 side higher on the ladder than them so far this season but admittedly have gone close in some of them.
My only concern is the injury problem they have after putting in what I would say was their best effort of the year. The players they are missing will hurt them and whilst you can practice for weeks at training the possible combinations, it's not until you get into a proper match scenario can you measure the success of them.
It's now time for them to prove they are contenders by putting in back-to-back efforts that are worthy of them being called Champions, especially after they have only beaten 1 side higher on the ladder than them so far this season but admittedly have gone close in some of them.
topo
Cyril Towers (30)
They got out today before Sydney airport closed.
Elfster
Alex Ross (28)
So not only the injury Gods conspiring against them, but also the volcano Gods. All we need now is for the game to be totally officiated by Kiwi officialdom.....
Regardless of how they go though congratulations must be given to them...they have shown character to get where they have. That has to be respected. And that thought would also be said of the Blues..both sides showing great character. They may be down with injuries, but their spirit is up there. It is almost cliche producing! Though I fear that after this game, both sides may have done their dash.
But well done to them.
Regardless of how they go though congratulations must be given to them...they have shown character to get where they have. That has to be respected. And that thought would also be said of the Blues..both sides showing great character. They may be down with injuries, but their spirit is up there. It is almost cliche producing! Though I fear that after this game, both sides may have done their dash.
But well done to them.
MrTimms
Ken Catchpole (46)
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