Super Rugby Round 2: Waratahs v Stormers
- Thread starter Hawko
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Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
Watched both SA conference games back to back and the Stormers/Jaguares lacked a great deal of fizz compared to the Lions/Sharks. The Lions/Sharks intensity was off the scale compared to the Stormers, who should have put the pedestrian Jaguares to the sword and snavelled themselves a bonus point. The midfield defence of the Jaguares was almost non-existent at times and the Stormers made huge metres when they ran the ball.
That said, all teams are usually rusty first up and the fact that the Stormers have got their first game away with a win gives them a distinct advantage. Still, I reckon the Tahs have some chance of starting with a win.
I'm not so sure of the round three game away against the Sharks. They ran the Lions very close and were full of aggression and power. They have a bye this week to fix their game one issues and then play the Tahs at home.
That said, all teams are usually rusty first up and the fact that the Stormers have got their first game away with a win gives them a distinct advantage. Still, I reckon the Tahs have some chance of starting with a win.
I'm not so sure of the round three game away against the Sharks. They ran the Lions very close and were full of aggression and power. They have a bye this week to fix their game one issues and then play the Tahs at home.
The Tahs used to be the fast starters, won a few, got talked up / talked themselves up (depending upon your location on Google Maps) then had the reality check for all concerned. Lately, they've been sluggish. I'm hoping the allegedly "fitter" Tahs are ready to go this year. They look like they should have a pretty dynamic ideal First XV - the concerns will be ability to mix it with bruisers and what happens when the inevitable injuries happen. I think they'll be a little better than last year but I doubt they'll threaten top of conference.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
With the players available to them, and a relatively stable coaching environment, there should be no reason the Tahs are not competing for top of the conference.
As people love to say. But so it often has been. Coaching might be stable but it's coming from a low base on last year's results (W:L I mean). Also, they have some depth issues in key spots. Reserve spots in most of the pack are thin, really. Take out Foley, Beale or Folau - makes a big difference. 2014 was notable for very few injuries to key players, and I think most Aus teams walk this tightrope a bit. Kiwi teams seem to have the happy knack of finding young replacements who slot in pretty well. Can't imagine why!
Anyway, we'll see. If the Tahs attack functions close to where it was last year, and their defence is significantly better they'll go alright. The latter thing will be the key.
dru
David Wilson (68)
I suspect a week in will give the Stormers a much better chance of being on the right side of the ref in the scrums. Massive advantage. I'd hope Simmo will have the LO to the Tahs.
If the Tahs havent fixed the D, the slippery back three of the Stormers will score tries.
This SHOULD be game Tahs. Make it so boys.
If the Tahs havent fixed the D, the slippery back three of the Stormers will score tries.
This SHOULD be game Tahs. Make it so boys.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Tahs filled with stars
Tahs forwards to dominate all aspects of forward play and with just Izzy and Kurtley running rampant the score could be embarrassing to our Saffa brothers.
Tahs will flog 'em by 40
Tahs forwards to dominate all aspects of forward play and with just Izzy and Kurtley running rampant the score could be embarrassing to our Saffa brothers.
Tahs will flog 'em by 40
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/w...aratahs-in-season-opener-20180220-h0wdpe.html
Rumored side
Kellaway was rubbish in the trial. Should be Newsome.
Wells at 8? He struggled there last year.
Rumored side
Kellaway was rubbish in the trial. Should be Newsome.
Wells at 8? He struggled there last year.
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
I'll wait till the actual side is announced, but if this is the team then its proof positive that Gibson does not understand the role that power plays in the modern game.
No doubt the Tahs have more quality in the backs, specifically if the Stormers try to engage in a kicking battle I can see them getting punished severly by the likes of Beale and Folau on the counter.
The trick to victory will be to keep it tight, defend wide on structured ball from the Tahs and counter off any loose kicks. I back our forwards in the set piece so basically not allowing the Warratahs any unstructured ball will be key.
Hopefully our coaching staff realizes this but I have my doubts.
Tahs with home advantage but Stormers potentially less rusty, I can see it being a scrappy affair. Could go either way but I'd say Stormers by 5, Kitsoff and Louw will be too good for the Tahs tight 5.
The trick to victory will be to keep it tight, defend wide on structured ball from the Tahs and counter off any loose kicks. I back our forwards in the set piece so basically not allowing the Warratahs any unstructured ball will be key.
Hopefully our coaching staff realizes this but I have my doubts.
Tahs with home advantage but Stormers potentially less rusty, I can see it being a scrappy affair. Could go either way but I'd say Stormers by 5, Kitsoff and Louw will be too good for the Tahs tight 5.
I thought Kellaway was quite good in the trial
he showed pace again, was brave under the high ball and got involved; and Wells? at least he gets through some work
Stormers defense has bashed the Tahs over the years, too strong around the centre and we struggle to get the go forward we need to give the backs space
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
The biggest challenge for the Tahs in this and probably all games will be to match the opposition in the forwards. Apart from Hooper and Staniforth, there's not a lot of go forward or aggression in that pack. Will improve with the return of Kepu and Holloway. If the forwards can get near parity, the backs should get them over the line.
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