Super Rugby 2011 Débutante Ball

[TOCC]

Just to keep things ticking over...

Which players from respective sides will debut in 2011, which are the ones to watch for etc etc

From the Reds:

James Hanson
Reserve hoooker behind Saia Fainga'a, been in the system for years and was first seen making a impact for the Melbourne Rebels in the ARC. Will definetly rack up a few caps in 2011.

Liam Gill
A potential candidate for the vacant openside flanker position, size and age could hold him back, however he will be another to rack up a fair few caps in 2011.

Michael Harris
Signed from North Harbour, he sounds like a decent talent, a 5/8 of the Dan Carter variety, physically imposing and a accurate kicker.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Hanson debuted last year didn't he?

Brumbies:

Debutantes:
Nic White
Samu Wara

 

[#1 Tah]

The Mighty Waratahs:

Brendan McKibben
Great season last year for Easts, coached my team and affectionately named "elfie" due to his short stature (see avatar). Great leadership and composure, will be pushing Holmes all year

Pat O'Connor
Not related to the winger turned fullback turned 12 turned 10 turned winger known as James, but shown some promise in the NPC to take Calwell's spot this year, signed for Easts in the Shute Sheild

Afa Pakalani
Havent seen much of the "Tongan Hitman", but unlikely to find himself with too many opportunities under Mitchell, Turner, Beale, BKH and Anesi

Cam Jowitt
Played 60-odd mins before getting injured last year, expect big things from Cammy.

Brackin Kuraria-Henry
Great solid backup for 11,12,13,14,15 if just about anyone in the backline goes down, probably on bench for most of the year because of his versatility.

That is it, with Cross debuting for NSW.

 

[Brumbies Guy]

The Mighty Waratahs:

Brendan McKibben
Great season last year for Easts, coached my team and affectionately named "elfie" due to his short stature (see avatar). Great leadership and composure, will be pushing Holmes all year

Pat O'Connor
Not related to the winger turned fullback turned 12 turned 10 turned winger known as James, but shown some promise in the NPC to take Calwell's spot this year, signed for Easts in the Shute Sheild

Afa Pakalani
Havent seen much of the "Tongan Hitman", but unlikely to find himself with too many opportunities under Mitchell, Turner, Beale, BKH and Anesi

Cam Jowitt
Played 60-odd mins before getting injured last year, expect big things from Cammy.

Brackin Kuraria-Henry
Great solid backup for 11,12,13,14,15 if just about anyone in the backline goes down, probably on bench for most of the year because of his versatility.

That is it, with Cross debuting for NSW.

Brack played for Brumbies, O'Connor played for Force

 

[#1 Tah]

Brack played for Brumbies, O'Connor played for Force

True that, we havent seen too much of them though

 

[farva]

Force:

Rory Sidey: He has already been capped by the Tahs, but only has 4 caps so I am counting him as a debutante. Will offer cover for the centres, and I would suggest he would look for a bench spot, or could even make a play for starting at 12, depending on how Graham wants to proceed.

Paul Alo-Emlie: Starred in the U20 world cup and comes over from the Reds academy. Wont get a lot of game time.

Phoenix Battye: Played in the U20s world cup. Probably wont get a lot of game time, but will learn off of Nathan Sharpe, but if Tom Hocking cant step up might find himself starting.

Pat Dellit: Played well for Eastern Suburbs in the Shute Shield. Might be used to cover the back three, so would could well force his way onto the bench.

Tevita Metuisela: Played for Manly in the Shute Shield. He is here to cover bench as there is already a plethora of world class backrowers at the Force.

 

[BrumbiesPolynesian]

Pakalani to debut for Waratahs....I dont think they would have picked him up if they didnt think he was up to pushing the incumbants for a starting spot....He was being chased by Brumbies from reports but when he decided to sign with Tahs...they went after Henry Speight instead....also...Speight for Brumbies....he will start on one wing, I have no doubt about that, he has more allround game than Fainifo....and too me, as much as I hate to say this about fellow Polynesian boys, I think the writing is on the wall for Frankie...

 

[Brumbies Guy]

Pakalani to debut for Waratahs....I dont think they would have picked him up if they didnt think he was up to pushing the incumbants for a starting spot....He was being chased by Brumbies from reports but when he decided to sign with Tahs...they went after Henry Speight instead....also...Speight for Brumbies....he will start on one wing, I have no doubt about that, he has more allround game than Fainifo....and too me, as much as I hate to say this about fellow Polynesian boys, I think the writing is on the wall for Frankie...

Frankie was dominated in club level by Coleman, Iongi and co in the grand final and looked off pace so I'd agree there.

In saying that, I think Viliami Iongi could possibly sneak a cap throughout the year too if the usual back line injury list builds up.

And since this is turning a semi-debutantes ball... I'll say Robbie Coleman, Jono Owen and Ed Stubbs to rack up some caps

 

[BrumbiesPolynesian]

Agreed, I think Coleman definitley as well as Owen.....and I agree with Iongi...I think this bloke could have an X Factor about him that hasnt been seen in Brumbies colours for a very longtime