The Hux returns

[daz]

Good to see him back, however everyone needs to calm down about him being the answer to the Wallaby 15 spot. There is a lot to go before then, such as being a consistent starter for the Brumbies for one and even if he does that we should also remember that at his best he was never considered a wallaby first choice for any position.

Hear, hear. I'm as chuffed as the next bloke about Hux stepping back onto the paddock. Just a wonderful story and I'll be raising my glass to the tv when he runs on. No if's, but's or maybe's. Tremendously inspirational stuff.

But the reality is that when he was wearing the Gold jumper (as a fringe player, mind), many Wallabies supporters, myself included, thought he was not up to par at the highest level. Especially not as a run-on starter.

Let's just enjoy this moment for what it really is to us: A return to the competitive rugby family by a nice guy who has over-come some seriously shitty cards being dealt to him. For those who also follow AFL, you may recall the time Jason Macarthy returned to the Roo's a year or so after having most of his upper torso skin melted off during the Bali bombing. He played one game and pulled the pin. He just wanted to prove he could get back, and he did. Huge respect for him, and again for Hux, regardless of the final results...

 

[Lee Grant]

Good luck Hux. There's a good feeling on the forum for him as there was during his comeback game at Knox and he got a big hand from Sydneysiders when he came off the park.

I'm a bit surprised at the omission of Chisholm but if it's a form thing the Brumbies mafia probably have more useful stats than are available to we punters, such as ruck activity, power and usefulness of efforts, time spent on ground etc etc.

Hand has surprised me since he left the Tahs. I didn't rate him and called him a gentle giant but he has proved me wrong by being picked for game after game in the last couple of years. Maybe his power and work rate has improved or maybe my original assessment was bunk. It wouldn't be the first player I haven't judged properly.

The selections indicate that the Brumbies want to play a fast game to keep up with the Chiefs. Harrison, a wily old bird, but a serial pot plant, is omitted from the 22 and Chapman promoted to start. Colby Finger is on the bench so the Brumbies will either have a fresh openside on the park at all times, or two opensides at the back end of the game.

In the latter case they will play left and right flanker as they did for the Runners.

And as been foreshadowed: Giteau is playing outside of To'omua.

It is chock full of interest for Oz rugby fans, isn't it? Can't wait - only two more sleeps.

 

[#1 Tah]

"If you have had part of your brain removed, it is time to play in the forwards"-Greg Martin on Julian Huxley.

My father had a brain tumour about 13 years ago and came out fine, albeit he is deaf in his left ear.

Expect a standing ovation at canberra stadium and at TV sets across the world.

Best of luck to Huxley and the Brumbies

 

[aussie1st]

Very happy with that side, so many players to look out for.

 

[topo]

Yep, I was at that game at Knox a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at the ease with which Hux played the game after a couple of years away. He still seemed unflustered at the back with lots of time. Great to see him back, and it will be great to see him in a Uni strip later in the year!

I like this ACT team, there are some courageous selections there. Good on them for having a crack.

 

[Biffo]

I wish him well. No, a lot more than well.

MODS: could we please change the name attached to the "embarrassed" smiley. This bloke's resilience and courage should not be slighted in any way.

It's not the embarrassed smiley, it's the gay rainbow smiley. Hence, it is symbol of reslience and courage.

But OK, it's now the Frans. :frans

Great work. May the Frans prosper and multiply to exceed the Percys.

Perhaps we need another smiley invoking Huxley?

 

[spectator]

Incredible story. Like everyone else I am in awe of the guy. Hope he goes well.