wamberal
Phil Kearns (64)
Ordinary? I did not see many games, but in the games I did see, Hand was easily the best lock on the paddock. I thought he had a storming season.
Strengths and weaknesses of Super teams
- Thread starter Lee Grant
- Start date
- Status
Ordinary? I did not see many games, but in the games I did see, Hand was easily the best lock on the paddock. I thought he had a storming season.
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
A disappointing effort PB - shame on you. What are the strength and weaknesses of the Stormers for 2011? Will they be stronger in the try scoring department in the coming season?
en_force_er
Geoff Shaw (53)
I'd love to do a detailed analysis of the Rebels but so much is up in arms.
Knowledge about their game plan is all speculation and so many of their players are considered "utilities" at this stage of their careers.
Perhaps we'll come back to it post trail games in a few weeks.
Knowledge about their game plan is all speculation and so many of their players are considered "utilities" at this stage of their careers.
Perhaps we'll come back to it post trail games in a few weeks.
ok, I'll have a go at the Reds.
As alluded to in the Reds thread, the Reds won't be a surprise packet this season. They are officially on the radar and the expectation will be on them, from the fans, and from opposition and from themselves, to perform. Can they?
Props: They've lost Laurie Weeks to the Rebels but he's been replaced, effectively, by former Wallaby THP Guy Shepherdson. But if Guy thought he was guaranteed the 3 jersey he would've been given a sharp does of reality by the performances of James Slipper on the Wallaby tour. Slipper was only an Academy player for the Reds in 2010, and has only started in one Super Rugby match so the challenge will be whether he can perform week in week out as required. And start consistently. Then there is fellow Wallabies Greg Holmes and Ben Daley. One looking to get back into Wallaby contention, and the other debuting this year and wanting to prove that he can cut it at the top level.
Hooker: The retirement of Sean Hardman will be a lose as he was a solid back up to Saia Fainga'a and an important starter when the inexperienced Saia needed the rest. James Hanson, the Reds King of the Gym, will be the man most likely to play back up to Saia and you'd expect he will have to start a game or two. The third string hooker spot, all important from a depth perspective, falls to new squad member but long term Academy member, Albert Anae. The pressure will be on Saia to produce the goods, and stay injury free, otherwise we will be relying on a couple of rookies.
Lock: Another departure to the Rebels, Adam Byrnes, is covered by the signing of former Aussie A utility forward Adam Wallace-Harrison although moreso by the continued development of Rob Simmons. Hopefully James Horwill will be back fit and raring to go come the season's start as the form he showed, albeit in a game and a half, was career best this year. Wallaby tourist and roller of ****s, Van Humphries, is the other lock in the squad whilst late season fill in Radike Samo has been given a full contract for 2011.
Backrow: This is the position with the most areas of question in the squad. Daniel Braid finished up his two year contract and is now back at the Blues. Filling his shoes, from an experience perspective, won't be possible in 2011. From a pure on-field perspective we can probably expect a few of the young stars to be seen in the 7 jersey. Jake Schatz wore it a couple of times this year, whilst Ed Quirk, who made his debut from the bench in the last game, may also feature. All eyes will be on former Australian Schoolboys and 7s star, Liam Gill. A home debut against the might of David Force in Round 1 seems unlikely, but there's every chance he will be there come year end. The other contender for the openside jersey are Lei Tomiki, who is into the last year of his contract and MUST perform. Coach McKenzie's astute Academy recruitment has seen two other players come into contention, in Ben Coridas and Beau Robinson. Both will be pressuring Tomiki for his professional contract in 2012.
Whilst Scott Higginbotham made his Wallaby debut in the last test of the year, off the bench, he will be expected to raise his game to a new level in 2011. A greater impact at the ruck will see him legitimately push for Wallaby inclusion come the World Cup. Both Higgers, Schatz and maybe even Radike Samo will all be pushing Leroy Houston at the back of the scrum. With no Wallaby 8 man able to prove a viable and similar back up to Wycliff Palu, the opportunity is there for Roy to play a similar meter gaining game and get the attention of the Wallaby selectors.
So there's plenty of potential in the backrow, but too match the work load of Braid, and establish a strong combination in the trio will be a uphill challenge. A weakness perhaps.
Scrumhalf: Easy. Will Genia. Was superb for the Reds this year, if not the Wallabies. Benny Lucas will back up. The big questions is whether Sanchez or Kev will be the skipper. My money is on Horwill.
Flyhalf: The big question as to whether who would back up Quade Cooper was finally answered with the signing of kiwi (with an Aussie grandmother) Michael Harris. This guy is good and could be the signing of the year. Another Daniel Braid. Not the flashy player that Quade is, but very skilled, solid and smart. Oh, did I mention he's a goal kicker with a kicking percentage of around 90%?
Centre: Incumbents will remain the front runners, in Anthony Fainga'a and Will Chambers. Ben Tapuai will get some game time, and is now one of the Reds fastest players and is, word has it, looking quite lean! Will be interesting if Digby Ioane gets some more runs at 13, and I for one wouldn't mind seeing a little bit of Chambers at 12, as part of the rotational policy likely to be used. Harris can cover 12 as well.
Wing: There's plenty of speed, deceptive and otherwise, on the wing with Ioane and Rodney Davies being joined by rookies Kimani Situati and Dom Shipperley. Both are quality athletes, with some versatility (Situati possibly a 13 option and Shipperley a fullback back up). Luke Morohan is also around despite being overlooked for the steady Brando Va'aulu last year, but will also have to act as cover for fullback (as he did v the Chiefs).
Fullback: Peter Hynes will start there, but the Reds will be hoping his interest is still there because he struggled to make an impact at any level of footy once the Super season finished. If he doesn't reproduce 2010 Super form, or is injured the cupboard does seem bare. Although, I reckon Harris (again) could play at the back, and Benny Lucas did v the Highlanders this year.
So expectation will be high, but Linky has had the full off-season with them (minus Wallabies) he didn't get last year. He's also had more of a hand in squad selection. Meeting expectations will be the challenge, but the team is young and enthusiastic, so they will be keen to go even better than this year.
As alluded to in the Reds thread, the Reds won't be a surprise packet this season. They are officially on the radar and the expectation will be on them, from the fans, and from opposition and from themselves, to perform. Can they?
Props: They've lost Laurie Weeks to the Rebels but he's been replaced, effectively, by former Wallaby THP Guy Shepherdson. But if Guy thought he was guaranteed the 3 jersey he would've been given a sharp does of reality by the performances of James Slipper on the Wallaby tour. Slipper was only an Academy player for the Reds in 2010, and has only started in one Super Rugby match so the challenge will be whether he can perform week in week out as required. And start consistently. Then there is fellow Wallabies Greg Holmes and Ben Daley. One looking to get back into Wallaby contention, and the other debuting this year and wanting to prove that he can cut it at the top level.
Hooker: The retirement of Sean Hardman will be a lose as he was a solid back up to Saia Fainga'a and an important starter when the inexperienced Saia needed the rest. James Hanson, the Reds King of the Gym, will be the man most likely to play back up to Saia and you'd expect he will have to start a game or two. The third string hooker spot, all important from a depth perspective, falls to new squad member but long term Academy member, Albert Anae. The pressure will be on Saia to produce the goods, and stay injury free, otherwise we will be relying on a couple of rookies.
Lock: Another departure to the Rebels, Adam Byrnes, is covered by the signing of former Aussie A utility forward Adam Wallace-Harrison although moreso by the continued development of Rob Simmons. Hopefully James Horwill will be back fit and raring to go come the season's start as the form he showed, albeit in a game and a half, was career best this year. Wallaby tourist and roller of ****s, Van Humphries, is the other lock in the squad whilst late season fill in Radike Samo has been given a full contract for 2011.
Backrow: This is the position with the most areas of question in the squad. Daniel Braid finished up his two year contract and is now back at the Blues. Filling his shoes, from an experience perspective, won't be possible in 2011. From a pure on-field perspective we can probably expect a few of the young stars to be seen in the 7 jersey. Jake Schatz wore it a couple of times this year, whilst Ed Quirk, who made his debut from the bench in the last game, may also feature. All eyes will be on former Australian Schoolboys and 7s star, Liam Gill. A home debut against the might of David Force in Round 1 seems unlikely, but there's every chance he will be there come year end. The other contender for the openside jersey are Lei Tomiki, who is into the last year of his contract and MUST perform. Coach McKenzie's astute Academy recruitment has seen two other players come into contention, in Ben Coridas and Beau Robinson. Both will be pressuring Tomiki for his professional contract in 2012.
Whilst Scott Higginbotham made his Wallaby debut in the last test of the year, off the bench, he will be expected to raise his game to a new level in 2011. A greater impact at the ruck will see him legitimately push for Wallaby inclusion come the World Cup. Both Higgers, Schatz and maybe even Radike Samo will all be pushing Leroy Houston at the back of the scrum. With no Wallaby 8 man able to prove a viable and similar back up to Wycliff Palu, the opportunity is there for Roy to play a similar meter gaining game and get the attention of the Wallaby selectors.
So there's plenty of potential in the backrow, but too match the work load of Braid, and establish a strong combination in the trio will be a uphill challenge. A weakness perhaps.
Scrumhalf: Easy. Will Genia. Was superb for the Reds this year, if not the Wallabies. Benny Lucas will back up. The big questions is whether Sanchez or Kev will be the skipper. My money is on Horwill.
Flyhalf: The big question as to whether who would back up Quade Cooper was finally answered with the signing of kiwi (with an Aussie grandmother) Michael Harris. This guy is good and could be the signing of the year. Another Daniel Braid. Not the flashy player that Quade is, but very skilled, solid and smart. Oh, did I mention he's a goal kicker with a kicking percentage of around 90%?
Centre: Incumbents will remain the front runners, in Anthony Fainga'a and Will Chambers. Ben Tapuai will get some game time, and is now one of the Reds fastest players and is, word has it, looking quite lean! Will be interesting if Digby Ioane gets some more runs at 13, and I for one wouldn't mind seeing a little bit of Chambers at 12, as part of the rotational policy likely to be used. Harris can cover 12 as well.
Wing: There's plenty of speed, deceptive and otherwise, on the wing with Ioane and Rodney Davies being joined by rookies Kimani Situati and Dom Shipperley. Both are quality athletes, with some versatility (Situati possibly a 13 option and Shipperley a fullback back up). Luke Morohan is also around despite being overlooked for the steady Brando Va'aulu last year, but will also have to act as cover for fullback (as he did v the Chiefs).
Fullback: Peter Hynes will start there, but the Reds will be hoping his interest is still there because he struggled to make an impact at any level of footy once the Super season finished. If he doesn't reproduce 2010 Super form, or is injured the cupboard does seem bare. Although, I reckon Harris (again) could play at the back, and Benny Lucas did v the Highlanders this year.
So expectation will be high, but Linky has had the full off-season with them (minus Wallabies) he didn't get last year. He's also had more of a hand in squad selection. Meeting expectations will be the challenge, but the team is young and enthusiastic, so they will be keen to go even better than this year.
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
REDS.
LHP - Daley, Holmes, Slipper
THP - Shepherdson, Slipper, Holmes (proven as a cover option)
HOOKER - Fainga'a, Hanson, Anae
Front row offers good depth and options. More importantly the quallity of scrum coaching with Alec Evans and Link is the biggest asset. Key players have will be returning with higher level experience. Reds should be solid here.
LOCKS - Horwill, Simmons, Samo, Humphries, Wallace-Harrison
This is one of the Reds biggest strengths. Only one non Wallaby here and Horwill is the best lock in the country. Very tall, experienced with some hard hitters and hard workers. Set piece will be a big strength for the reds in 2011.
BLF - Higginbotham, Samo, Quirk, Wallace-Harrison, Shatz
OSF - Tomiki, Gill, Shatz
#8 - Housten, Higginbotham, Wallace-Harrison, Shatz
Loose forwards offer immense talant but are a bit short on experience. Depth at OSF may be of concern. Diversity amongst positions is a positive.
Forwards as a unit look very strong and very diverse. Reds most certaily have the ability to role out a monster pack one week and a mobile one the next. Experience in the forwards has skyrocketed. Every indication is that they will be a physical unit in 2011.
SCRUM HALF - Genia, Lucas
FLY HALVES - Cooper, Lucas, Harris
Halves are very strong for the reds and potentially the strongest in the comp. Could also be a significant weakness as it is so reliant on Genia, Cooper combination. The talent is there to replace one but thye combination may be lacking. Coopers defence may be a problem but also may not. Will have to see if it improves over the off season. Cover is also plentiful.
ISC -Fainga'a, Tapuai, Harris
OSC - Chambers, Ione, Morohan
Centres are very strong with good defence, elusive attack and good depth. Coopers long pass offers offers increased opportunity as well.
WING - Ione, Davies, Shipperly, Morohan, Hynes, Situati
FULL BACK - Hynes, Morhan, Lucas
Back three is a big strength for the Reds will speed, tackle busting ability and reliance. Davies wing may be a defensive liability.
We all know how potent the Reds backline is.
Second year syndrome and weight of expectation could be the weaknesses of the Reds in 2011. Apart from that, all bodes well for a strong season.
LHP - Daley, Holmes, Slipper
THP - Shepherdson, Slipper, Holmes (proven as a cover option)
HOOKER - Fainga'a, Hanson, Anae
Front row offers good depth and options. More importantly the quallity of scrum coaching with Alec Evans and Link is the biggest asset. Key players have will be returning with higher level experience. Reds should be solid here.
LOCKS - Horwill, Simmons, Samo, Humphries, Wallace-Harrison
This is one of the Reds biggest strengths. Only one non Wallaby here and Horwill is the best lock in the country. Very tall, experienced with some hard hitters and hard workers. Set piece will be a big strength for the reds in 2011.
BLF - Higginbotham, Samo, Quirk, Wallace-Harrison, Shatz
OSF - Tomiki, Gill, Shatz
#8 - Housten, Higginbotham, Wallace-Harrison, Shatz
Loose forwards offer immense talant but are a bit short on experience. Depth at OSF may be of concern. Diversity amongst positions is a positive.
Forwards as a unit look very strong and very diverse. Reds most certaily have the ability to role out a monster pack one week and a mobile one the next. Experience in the forwards has skyrocketed. Every indication is that they will be a physical unit in 2011.
SCRUM HALF - Genia, Lucas
FLY HALVES - Cooper, Lucas, Harris
Halves are very strong for the reds and potentially the strongest in the comp. Could also be a significant weakness as it is so reliant on Genia, Cooper combination. The talent is there to replace one but thye combination may be lacking. Coopers defence may be a problem but also may not. Will have to see if it improves over the off season. Cover is also plentiful.
ISC -Fainga'a, Tapuai, Harris
OSC - Chambers, Ione, Morohan
Centres are very strong with good defence, elusive attack and good depth. Coopers long pass offers offers increased opportunity as well.
WING - Ione, Davies, Shipperly, Morohan, Hynes, Situati
FULL BACK - Hynes, Morhan, Lucas
Back three is a big strength for the Reds will speed, tackle busting ability and reliance. Davies wing may be a defensive liability.
We all know how potent the Reds backline is.
Second year syndrome and weight of expectation could be the weaknesses of the Reds in 2011. Apart from that, all bodes well for a strong season.
T
TOCC
Guest
good writeups for both of you...IMO the players who could consider there positions most under threat include Houston, S.Fainga'a, A.Fainga'a and R.Davies
I agree with your sentiment on Michael Harris been a very good signing and wouldnt be surprised to see Link try and squeeze him onto the field somewhere, i heard rumours that his defence early in his career was suspect but it has been fixed in recent years, so inside centre could be a chance for him. R. Davies will have to add more tricks to his resume if he is to hold his spot on the wing. I like James Hanson and wouldnt be surprised to see him pressure S.Fainga'a for a spot.
I agree with your sentiment on Michael Harris been a very good signing and wouldnt be surprised to see Link try and squeeze him onto the field somewhere, i heard rumours that his defence early in his career was suspect but it has been fixed in recent years, so inside centre could be a chance for him. R. Davies will have to add more tricks to his resume if he is to hold his spot on the wing. I like James Hanson and wouldnt be surprised to see him pressure S.Fainga'a for a spot.
T
Train Without a Station
Guest
Reds look extremely strong at lock which is good because injuries decimated this position in 2010. I believe we ended up with two backrowers playing there against the Brumbies because we didn't even have any locks to go on the bench and had to start with two loosies on the bench. I'd be backing Ant to hold his spot at 12 as he was fantastic there last year, without showing any real potential for greatness, just hard work.
Biggest weakness would have to be openside. Tomiki has failed to impress in his career so far, Quirk and Gill are still young and Shatz is definitely no 7. I was quite impressed with what Robinson showed in his limited chances at the Waratahs, perhaps he can fill this void.
Biggest weakness would have to be openside. Tomiki has failed to impress in his career so far, Quirk and Gill are still young and Shatz is definitely no 7. I was quite impressed with what Robinson showed in his limited chances at the Waratahs, perhaps he can fill this void.
Sorry mate. I was going to post a quick thread saying I'd do the reds to save others the hassle. But didn't. Obviously.
T
Thomas
Guest
For the Reds to cover the openside position they could play Higginbotham 7 Houston 8 (or visa versa) Howill 6 and Simmons and Humphries the locks. Although no specialist 7 it would mean you could play a more physical game but it would depend on the game plan I guess. Liam Gill looks in my opinion a bit to small for Super 14 as he's only 91kg
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
Shit stiring mate. I am a terribly slow typer.
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
Bassically instead of trying to pilfer possesion, obtain it with aggression through the counter ruck. That thought has plenty of merit. It is bassically what the All Blacks did this year.
PaarlBok
Rod McCall (65)
Oom Lee I am at the beach and dont have that much time. The Stormers have CJ vd Linde and Jean de Villiers this year. Grant will be back, so they'll be much better in the Tight 5. Very much a Bekker and Burger show like last year and injuries to them is crictical. Backline will have lots of firepower with Juan de Jongh and Aplon making their mark at the highest level. Brutes pretty much the same old same, Sharks have added JL Potgieter and Bosman to their precious backline but will have the best pack in the competition and will start high on confidense after their CC success. Lions have Kockette , Mapoe and pretty sure a different animal under JM. Maybe the Beast will join them but they will have a big pack and some exciting youngsters in the backline. Tin Ears same old same.
PaarlBok
Rod McCall (65)
Stormers sqaud havent been finalised and 75 players went on their reconditioning program. Wont differ much from
15 Jantjes, Aplon,
Wings Habana, Aplon, Engelbrecht
Midfield Jac Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh,
10 Grant, Cronje, (Boland duo)
9 Januarie, Duvenhage
8 Vermeulen, R Koster
7 F Louw, P Louw
6 Schalkie, P Myburgh
5 Bekker, Anton van Zyl
4 Fondse, Steenkamp
3 CJ van der Linde, Brok Harris
2 Liebenberg, Fourie
1 Blaauw, Moller, JC Kritzinger
15 Jantjes, Aplon,
Wings Habana, Aplon, Engelbrecht
Midfield Jac Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Juan de Jongh,
10 Grant, Cronje, (Boland duo)
9 Januarie, Duvenhage
8 Vermeulen, R Koster
7 F Louw, P Louw
6 Schalkie, P Myburgh
5 Bekker, Anton van Zyl
4 Fondse, Steenkamp
3 CJ van der Linde, Brok Harris
2 Liebenberg, Fourie
1 Blaauw, Moller, JC Kritzinger
PaarlBok
Rod McCall (65)
Elgar Watts and Willie Viljoen the Boland 10 duo. Willie was found from Paul Roos by Loffie and an attacking one. Hope he and Watts will get a change, 3rd scrummie is Marnus Hugo also back at Boland.
The Stormers strengths is their backline. Give them ball and they'll cut any team to pieces. They also dont play the Saders and Canes and will target at least three wins on their tour having beaten the Chiefs and Blues this year at their home. Win their home games at Newlands , a good tour and the odd SA away win and they will be fine. Bekker is the important one in the pack, securing lineout ball and Burger leading from the front.
They have the experiense now to take it one further next year and in my books a surely favourate. They'll just have to win the SA Conferense to go all the way.
The Stormers strengths is their backline. Give them ball and they'll cut any team to pieces. They also dont play the Saders and Canes and will target at least three wins on their tour having beaten the Chiefs and Blues this year at their home. Win their home games at Newlands , a good tour and the odd SA away win and they will be fine. Bekker is the important one in the pack, securing lineout ball and Burger leading from the front.
They have the experiense now to take it one further next year and in my books a surely favourate. They'll just have to win the SA Conferense to go all the way.
Groucho
Greg Davis (50)
Bloody hell Lee, I don't know why you aren't writing for the SMH instead of the superficial dodos who write there now. Great post.
blues recovery
Billy Sheehan (19)
Will have a go at the Rebels
Props- The best tight head prop in world rugby for the past 20 years Greg Sommerville still has it. The All Blacks are watching his progress closely with an eye to the World Cup. He will probably be joined in the front row by the very under rated Nic Henderson. With Laurie Weekes and a fit Rodney Blake as back ups up front will be a real strength for the Rebels.
Hooker- Alot depends on Freiers fitness and at the moment this is still questionable. Back up is young Kiwi Ged Robinson, Heath Tessman and Luke Holmes. Serviceable support but still not to the standard of a fit Freier.
Locks- Great depth here . Former Cheif Kevin Oneill looks outstanding with support from Al Campbell, Adam Byrnes and Hoani Macdonald. Great experience and skill here. Youth and potential in Hugh Pyle.
Blind Side Flanker- Watch out for ex Dragon Jarrod Saffy who looks like the fittest guy in the squad. This bloke could be a Wallaby by World Cup time. Back up from one of the most exciting young players in Australian Rugby Luke Jones. Jones still has a little way to go but watch out in 2012.
Openside Flanker- Michael Lipman is one of the toughest men in World Rugby and will really surprise Australian Crowds. An ex Joeys boy who has captained England.Main back up is young Kiwi Tom Chamberlain who can play either side of the scrum.
Number 8- Making up a really mobile tough starting back row with Saffy and Lipman will be Welshman Gareth Delve. Likely to be a leader in the team this guy is a man mountain and determined to show Welsh selectors he is up for a World Cup birth. Backed up by multiple Shute Shield Uni Premiership Captain Tim Davidson.
Half-Toss a coin who starts here but likely that current third string Wallaby half Nick Phibbs will start as third string behind a very impressive Richard Kingi and a very experienced Sam Cordingly.
5/8- The Rebels x factor. Will Danny Cipriani fire. Andrew Johns recently stated that Cipriani was one of the most naturally talented footballers he has ever scene.
But where is his head. Problems for the Rebels if he leaves it in England. Big gap to back ups Hilgendorf and Huxley.
Cetre- Mortlock is fit and raring to go and will pose some questions to Robbie Deans as the season unfolds. Will be joined in starting team by league convert Cooper Vuna who at a recent public function was stated by Gareth Delve as the most impressive player in pre season training. Question mark over the back ups Zippa and Lachie Mitchell. Not a lot of depth here.
Back three- Rooney, Gerrard, Huxley if fit. As with centres a bit of a depth problem. Betham has never shown he has the temperment for this level despite his natural skill and youg saffer Du Plessis has talent but is very raw.
So starting team of
1 sommerville
2 freier
3 henderson
4 oneill
5 campbell
6 saffy
7 lipman
8 delve
9 kingi
10 cipriani
11 rooney
12mortlock
13 vuna
14 gerrard
15 huxley
Really strong pack experienced and really tough. Excellent halfs. Good starting outside backs but problem with depth when the undoubted injuries come. Win between 6 and 9 games.
Props- The best tight head prop in world rugby for the past 20 years Greg Sommerville still has it. The All Blacks are watching his progress closely with an eye to the World Cup. He will probably be joined in the front row by the very under rated Nic Henderson. With Laurie Weekes and a fit Rodney Blake as back ups up front will be a real strength for the Rebels.
Hooker- Alot depends on Freiers fitness and at the moment this is still questionable. Back up is young Kiwi Ged Robinson, Heath Tessman and Luke Holmes. Serviceable support but still not to the standard of a fit Freier.
Locks- Great depth here . Former Cheif Kevin Oneill looks outstanding with support from Al Campbell, Adam Byrnes and Hoani Macdonald. Great experience and skill here. Youth and potential in Hugh Pyle.
Blind Side Flanker- Watch out for ex Dragon Jarrod Saffy who looks like the fittest guy in the squad. This bloke could be a Wallaby by World Cup time. Back up from one of the most exciting young players in Australian Rugby Luke Jones. Jones still has a little way to go but watch out in 2012.
Openside Flanker- Michael Lipman is one of the toughest men in World Rugby and will really surprise Australian Crowds. An ex Joeys boy who has captained England.Main back up is young Kiwi Tom Chamberlain who can play either side of the scrum.
Number 8- Making up a really mobile tough starting back row with Saffy and Lipman will be Welshman Gareth Delve. Likely to be a leader in the team this guy is a man mountain and determined to show Welsh selectors he is up for a World Cup birth. Backed up by multiple Shute Shield Uni Premiership Captain Tim Davidson.
Half-Toss a coin who starts here but likely that current third string Wallaby half Nick Phibbs will start as third string behind a very impressive Richard Kingi and a very experienced Sam Cordingly.
5/8- The Rebels x factor. Will Danny Cipriani fire. Andrew Johns recently stated that Cipriani was one of the most naturally talented footballers he has ever scene.
But where is his head. Problems for the Rebels if he leaves it in England. Big gap to back ups Hilgendorf and Huxley.
Cetre- Mortlock is fit and raring to go and will pose some questions to Robbie Deans as the season unfolds. Will be joined in starting team by league convert Cooper Vuna who at a recent public function was stated by Gareth Delve as the most impressive player in pre season training. Question mark over the back ups Zippa and Lachie Mitchell. Not a lot of depth here.
Back three- Rooney, Gerrard, Huxley if fit. As with centres a bit of a depth problem. Betham has never shown he has the temperment for this level despite his natural skill and youg saffer Du Plessis has talent but is very raw.
So starting team of
1 sommerville
2 freier
3 henderson
4 oneill
5 campbell
6 saffy
7 lipman
8 delve
9 kingi
10 cipriani
11 rooney
12mortlock
13 vuna
14 gerrard
15 huxley
Really strong pack experienced and really tough. Excellent halfs. Good starting outside backs but problem with depth when the undoubted injuries come. Win between 6 and 9 games.
meatsack
Ward Prentice (10)
My 2011 Reds Membership had Ewen's and Kev's signatures at the bottom of the welcome letter, so I'd say you're pretty safe.
- Status