The Tahs 2009
- Thread starter fatprop
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Noddy said:
My assumption is that the Tahs best side will be
1. Benn Robinson
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Al Baxter
4. Chris Thomson
5. Will Caldwell
6. Dean Mumm
7. Phil Waugh [c]
8. Palu
9. Luke Burgess
10. Beale
11. Lote Tuqiri
12. Horne
13. Timana Tahu
14. Lachie Turner
15. Sam Norton-Knight
ACT Crusader
Jim Lenehan (48)
Fatprop - don't you think Tahu will be given every opportunity in a 12 jersey this season rather than at centre? Who was the young crashball type midfielder the Tahs used last season? He seemed a good prospect, except for a limited passing game.
Have the Tahs utilised the selecting an overseas player option?
Have the Tahs utilised the selecting an overseas player option?
Lee Grant
John Eales (66)
That won't be far off the mark fatprop. The centres might swap or Carter could be favoured at 12, especially if Horne and Tahu don't click. Also Mumm may be moved in to partner Caldwell with Fava or Mowen starting at 6.
Vickerman and Elsom will be missed in the starting XV but it's not a bad run on team is it?
The problem for the Tahs this year compared to 2008 will be when bench players come on. One of the Tahs strengths last year was it's bench. Quite often they came on early because the difference in quality with the player they were replacing was not clear cut to start with.
This year the bench quality won't be as high and the starters will stay on longer. Both situations will depreciate the quality of the performance. It goes without saying that the Tahs, more than ever, will be vulnerable to injury.
The plus for the Tahs will be it's experience in the starting players.
The exceptions are:
- Thompson - but I wouldn't put money on his being the starter. Fava would be an plus for experience.
- Tahu - but at least he has gone to Wallaby University since the last Super14.
- Horne - but let me assure you that this lad has a very old rugby head.
- Another with an old head is Lachie Turner and, like Burgess, would have aged considerably in rugby terms with the Wallabies. Mumm and Benn Robinson are also young veterans with the Wallaby content in their know how.
- Of the others: Beale is already into his 3rd year though he was still a teenager a few weeks ago, and Caldwell benefited immeasurably in 2007 when Kanaar was out injured and he played every minute of every game.
Most of the Tahs have played in big matches too.
Vickerman and Elsom will be missed in the starting XV but it's not a bad run on team is it?
The problem for the Tahs this year compared to 2008 will be when bench players come on. One of the Tahs strengths last year was it's bench. Quite often they came on early because the difference in quality with the player they were replacing was not clear cut to start with.
This year the bench quality won't be as high and the starters will stay on longer. Both situations will depreciate the quality of the performance. It goes without saying that the Tahs, more than ever, will be vulnerable to injury.
The plus for the Tahs will be it's experience in the starting players.
The exceptions are:
- Thompson - but I wouldn't put money on his being the starter. Fava would be an plus for experience.
- Tahu - but at least he has gone to Wallaby University since the last Super14.
- Horne - but let me assure you that this lad has a very old rugby head.
- Another with an old head is Lachie Turner and, like Burgess, would have aged considerably in rugby terms with the Wallabies. Mumm and Benn Robinson are also young veterans with the Wallaby content in their know how.
- Of the others: Beale is already into his 3rd year though he was still a teenager a few weeks ago, and Caldwell benefited immeasurably in 2007 when Kanaar was out injured and he played every minute of every game.
Most of the Tahs have played in big matches too.
S
Spook
Guest
I think the Tahs have probably lost their best 2 players from last season in Vickers and Elsom. Is Hangers rated over Beale? I expect a big year from Turner.
S
Spook
Guest
Catching is generally a good starting point ;D. 2nd year blues last year.
Turner really had a mare in his first game, but I thought he did well in Europe with limited opportunities.
To me his biggest weakness is his defence at times (he falls off tackles a bit too easy), but he works hard off the ball and give him some space and he will punish you big time.
To me his biggest weakness is his defence at times (he falls off tackles a bit too easy), but he works hard off the ball and give him some space and he will punish you big time.
Tahs Jnr Waratahs page is updated
http://www.nswrugby.com.au/HSBCWaratahs/HSBCJuniorWaratahs/JuniorWaratahs.aspx
Gees I hope this bloke makes it, Phoenix Battye, the headline opportunities are brilliant.
http://www.nswrugby.com.au/HSBCWaratahs/HSBCJuniorWaratahs/JuniorWaratahs.aspx
Gees I hope this bloke makes it, Phoenix Battye, the headline opportunities are brilliant.
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