Super Rugby round 4 - Waratahs vs Force - Sunday 13 March 2pm @ Leichhardt Oval

[Braveheart81]

 

[Braveheart81]

I'm getting a bit worried about Lachie Swinton. I hope he hasn't done something really serious after being out injured with a "concussed nerve" in his shoulder.

 

[Pfitzy]

Nerve damage sucks.

 

[Braveheart81]

The Waratahs team post has been deleted presumably because it was posted too early.

 

[Wilson]

Thrush, Kuenzle and Ready return for the Force:

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Kyle Godwin, Toni Pulu, Jake Strachan

RESERVES: Andrew Ready, Harry Lloyd, Greg Holmes, Jackson Pugh, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Richard Kahui

 

[Tazzmania]

 

[Equalizer]

Great to have Thrush back in the team. Adds spiritual heart and leadership which will drive the boys on to VICTORY!

 

[Wilson]

Very interested to see how these teams go against each other. Should be a good judge of where each team sits after they both look to have improved on last year. A win here could also end up being the difference between making the 8 and not for these sides.

 

[Rob42]

Overall, great to see such consistency in the Tahs team, it's been a while since that's been the case. Excited to see how the Donaldson-Harrison 10-15 axis works out as a starting combo. I wonder how Jamie Roberts feels about being dropped for Mark N (Nawaqanitawase)?

 

[Equalizer]

Great locking combo, lineout should be a strength. Need a big game from Mataele, he wasn't brought in just to be good we need some spectacular runs and trys. Think a day game might suit him better, still looks to be carrying a few kilos too many. Kuenzle hopefully back for consecutive games, he needs to cement his spot and fulfil his promise. The tough part now is having to wait till Sunday.

 

[7137]

Overall, great to see such consistency in the Tahs team, it's been a while since that's been the case. Excited to see how the Donaldson-Harrison 10-15 axis works out as a starting combo. I wonder how Jamie Roberts feels about being dropped for Mark N (Nawaqanitawase)?

I’m not questioning his impact in the Squad. But Roberts is yet to show much on the field

 

[7137]

Great locking combo, lineout should be a strength. Need a big game from Mataele, he wasn't brought in just to be good we need some spectacular runs and trys. Think a day game might suit him better, still looks to be carrying a few kilos too many. Kuenzle hopefully back for consecutive games, he needs to cement his spot and fulfil his promise. The tough part now is having to wait till Sunday.

I agree. Mataele doesn’t look fit

 

[TSR]

Thrush, Kuenzle and Ready return for the Force:

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Izack Rodda, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ollie Callan, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Reesjan Pasitoa, Manasa Mataele, Bayley Kuenzle, Kyle Godwin, Toni Pulu, Jake Strachan

RESERVES: Andrew Ready, Harry Lloyd, Greg Holmes, Jackson Pugh, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Richard Kahui

No doubt Ready will be relieved/excited to get another crack.

Probably had a few drinks to celebrate.

 

[Drew]

I’m not questioning his impact in the Squad. But Roberts is yet to show much on the field

You’re right. I think he’s come on in situations when we needed a game breaker. Which he isn’t. He’s more of a steadying influence. If we were up by 7 instead of down by the same amount, his experience might get us across the line.

 

[Marce]

The man in charge is back!

 

[Marce]

I wonder how Jamie Roberts feels about being dropped for Mark N (Nawaqanitawase)?

According highlights he was on fire against Brumbies runners. He's a young Aussie talent who needs game time at this level and you have to take advantage of the moments of players (Like Turner as starter after good preseason's performances) So I dont care what Roberts feels right now

 

[Marce]

I agree. Mataele doesn’t look fit

It's his type of body. He never looked fit, even when he played for Saders. He always looks like a prop, probably he could be fitter but he never will look like Sonny Bill Williams

 

[Mr Pilfer]

I like the balance with fergus back at 6, we should not lose a lineout this week and hopefully steal a few.

The force have a great chance to really push for finals now, we have tahs and fiji back to back in NSW and then 5 of the next 6 at home so a pretty good run into the NZ crossover games

 

[Rugbynutter39]

View attachment 13139

Surprised to see kahui dropped to the bench as been one of forces best players in recent games. I guess this is giving kuenzele game time to develop as he is the long term anointed vs probably kahui’s last season (but on current form should go another season).

 

[Braveheart81]

It's hard to fit Roberts in if we're only picking 2 back reserves. He's effectively a 12 and nothing else.

While you could have Perese covering the back 3 from 13 (by being able to move to the wing) I also don't think you want your best back being pushed further out in the event of an injury (to a winger, fullback or 10).