Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Dennis will move into 2nd row and Skelton will sit on the bench if Palu is fit and Hoiles will drop out of the 23 as he was supposed to do last night.
Tahs v Bulls, round 10 2014
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Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
You're probably right, Dennis was the heart and soul of our lineout and that would be stuffed without him. But I thought Douglas was pretty anonymous last night and that may just be fatigue. He's played a lot of minutes this year. So maybe Douglas to the bench and have him come on after 50 mins.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
I think that's probably more likely.
Skelton went OK - although the way he hits some of those rucks I think Tahs players are just as much at risk as the opponents
Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
"Besides the Sharks playing Jakeball..." - This version of Jakeball is exactly why the Sharks will NOT win the comp. It is also the reason they will struggle on tour because if they fall behind there is no plan B, just like Brumbieball circa 2013.
The Boks played a totally different game plan towards the end of last year's comp and on the EOYT, but that's another discussion.
The Tahs really are the "almost" team of the comp. It's almost there, expect that dropped pass. I'm really trying to understand what the problem is because this is a very, very good squad playing miles below par. I want them to do well, believe me.
I think they are getting themselves tied in a knot with Beale and Foley on the park. Foley really looking less and less like a 10 that can lead a team to the title.
Look at all the teams who have won in the last ten years. They have all had a flyhalf who was mercurial in their own way. Carter, Steyn, Cooper, Cruden. All world class. Foley?
Like someone said earlier in the thread. Horne sudden,ly looked like a 12 playing in 12. Beale looks like a magician when he bamboozles the oppo. Problem is there is not enough meat and potatoes happening from the second receiver out when it is needed. You can't fancy footwork and let rip every time.
The more I think about it the more I am convinced this 10/12 setup is a fuckup.
How does carrying Dennis in the second row fix the problem.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
I can't see Dennis ahead of Skelton and Douglas in the 2nd row. I thought Skelton in particular has been playing well - he's a bit of a wrecking machine in the forwards. At best Dennis comes on to replace him at the 60 minute mark.
Surely we haven't gone into a season with our lineout revolving around Dennis and it can't operate without him? (or anyone else for that matter)
Surely we haven't gone into a season with our lineout revolving around Dennis and it can't operate without him? (or anyone else for that matter)
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
He's a fresh pair of legs - someone has to be on the bench. I did say "at best"
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Depends on the balance of the bench.
.Depends on the balance of the bench.
Pfitzy
Nathan Sharpe (72)
I've already solved the Dennis/Skelton/Palu/Others problem if you'd all like to step over to the Blues v Tahs match thread.
You're welcome.
I agree - on tour they come up against some pretty tough opponents (the Brumbies clash will be spicy as fuck - Canberrans have long memories crammed into tiny minds). The pack is protecting the rookie halves well but shit will get real when its cold and not humid enough for kicking the shit out of it to yield handling errors.
Apparently there is friction emerging between Jake and some senior players @Blue - any comment on that?
Cruden is a good player. Would I say he's world class? Well, his forward pack was working its arse off for him (both at provincial and national level) and he had some good okes around him in the backline. He's tricky, that's for sure. But the ABs can win a World Cup with Stephen Donald coming into 10 so I'm not sure the argument holds water in terms of "world class". Just like Morne can kick goals from anywhere but isn't in the top 10 when it comes to running or passing. He works as part of the machine he's in.
I think Foley can do the job if, as you say, the dual playmakers setup is abandoned. He has a good pass either direction, and can make gaps, or run into them. He lacks a great kicking game (in the same way Steyn has a great kicking game but a so-so running game) but if he has Horne hitting up on his inside shoulder, the other things fade a little.
You're welcome.
I agree - on tour they come up against some pretty tough opponents (the Brumbies clash will be spicy as fuck - Canberrans have long memories crammed into tiny minds). The pack is protecting the rookie halves well but shit will get real when its cold and not humid enough for kicking the shit out of it to yield handling errors.
Apparently there is friction emerging between Jake and some senior players @Blue - any comment on that?
Cruden is a good player. Would I say he's world class? Well, his forward pack was working its arse off for him (both at provincial and national level) and he had some good okes around him in the backline. He's tricky, that's for sure. But the ABs can win a World Cup with Stephen Donald coming into 10 so I'm not sure the argument holds water in terms of "world class". Just like Morne can kick goals from anywhere but isn't in the top 10 when it comes to running or passing. He works as part of the machine he's in.
I think Foley can do the job if, as you say, the dual playmakers setup is abandoned. He has a good pass either direction, and can make gaps, or run into them. He lacks a great kicking game (in the same way Steyn has a great kicking game but a so-so running game) but if he has Horne hitting up on his inside shoulder, the other things fade a little.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Yes - exactly and leading to wayward forward passes.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
Watching Beale, it looks like he's been coached by Robbie Deans
Blue
Andrew Slack (58)
Horne needs to play 12 to take the heat off Foley / Beale who should play 10 and one of them on the bench. Beale at 10 would be my choice every day of the week. Horne is the perfect foil for a ball playing 10.
I just don't get the plan. It looks spectacular for about 2 moves a game. The rest of the time it is pretty ineffective.
As for Cruden I will beg to differ. He has matured into a world class player. Kicks his goals, passes equally well both ways, not scared to take on the link and a better than useful kicking game out of hand. Who in the comp can you genuinely say is better than him?
The Chiefs are totally different team without him.
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
If you posted the suggestion of putting Beale into 10 a week ago I would have suspected a trojan horse.
Agree re Cruden: the most unlikely looking good footballer going around?
Inside Shoulder
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Watching Beale, it looks like he's been coached by Robbie Deans
at stand up paddle boarding!
terry j
Ron Walden (29)
couple of questions
was there a bledisloe I missed?
and does ewen mind such informal methods of address?
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