dru
Jason Little (69)
Yep. The auto-nomination to WB HC is right there with Waratah pre-season favouritism. I just want to see an improving Reds that prove more competitive than they have to date (since 20122 anyway).
Wallabies 2025
- Thread starter rugbyAU
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Yep. The auto-nomination to WB HC is right there with Waratah pre-season favouritism. I just want to see an improving Reds that prove more competitive than they have to date (since 20122 anyway).
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
Larkham has been in that position and hasn’t yet cracked it.
PhilClinton
Mark Ella (57)
As much as this is baiting - it is also quite true.
If the wheels fall off at the Reds this year I’m sure it won’t reflect well for Kiss.
He’s well liked within Australian Rugby and the QRU, as well as with the fans. RA probably have a number of chips bet on him to take the next step whether it be in 2025 or in the not too distant future.
Brumby Runner
George Gregan (70)
It's nice to see a bit of common sense caution about Kiss ascending to Wallabies head coach, and while I agree that he still needs to prove himself this year at Super level, the converse is true that if he does win the Super competition he probably will walk into the job if he wants it. It will be a very important and interesting season for both Kiss and the Reds.
My own feeling is that the Reds don't have the backline to win it all.
My own feeling is that the Reds don't have the backline to win it all.
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
Sure - and if we look back 12 months ago people were talking up Coleman as a future Wallabies coach.
RA’s problem is they can’t leave it until the end of May and pick the next coach.
Making the point that Kiss hasn’t achieve anything yet is fine and accurate, but if Tomkin is going to continually get salty about the Reds supposedly stacked squad and that Kiss seems to be preferred without actually having achieved much yet then I’m happy to point out Larkham has had the best squad for the last 2 yrs and has also been anointed by a few and hasn’t achieved much more.
Edit- actually I have a question here too. Tomkin would you swap the Brumbies squad for the Reds squad for this year?
Strewthcobber
Phil Kearns (64)
LeCheese
Tony Shaw (54)
The biggest risk to the Reds' backline is injury. If everyone remains healthy, it's pretty damn solid.
PhilClinton
Mark Ella (57)
PhilClinton
Mark Ella (57)
Regardless of what comes next - the whole situation is still a reflection of the poor coaching pathways and lack of genuine standout Tier 1 coaches we have available when needed.
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
It is - but on the flip side we now have 4 pretty good coaching groups and their support teams seem very strong. Arguably the strongest we’ve been for some time. I’d be quite happy if a quality coach become available for the Wallabies outside the current group and all of the current Super rugby coaches stayed in place for at least another 12 months.
Ignoto
Geoff Shaw (53)
I don't think any Queenslander is pushing for Larkham or McKellar either!
Tomikin is right that the backs at the Reds are their Achilles heel. If Hunter and Daungunu go down there is absolutely no size or punch in that back line left. Then again, that seems to be a problem across almost every Australian super side which carries over to the Wallabies.
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
Waratahs will have Sua'ali'i & Lancaster. Brumbies will have Ikitau & Wright, who, whilst both aren't massive they have physical impact. It'll be interesting who replaces Tua. I know BR strongly pushes Sapsford's case and that is probably a fair call.
From a Qld point of view, if Daugunu and/or Paisami go down then guys like Anderson & Henry will come into play who are both bigger bodies, albeit not as powerful. But size is an issue. That aside though I think our backline has plenty of speed, ability and skill. Plus Fraser McReight is like having an extra back on the field. It's not all bad.
The Force probably lack some punch, like Qld. Similiar to Qld they'll need to find other ways to beat teams.
LeCheese
Tony Shaw (54)
TSR
Simon Poidevin (60)
You don’t rate us a chance at all?
Talk is cheap, so I’m happy not to get caught up in talking teams up too much in the pre-season - but I think every Aussie team has improved from last year so might a little bit of optimism is reasonable.
Every year we have the "optimism threads" which quickly dissolve into internecine bitching among the Oz teams' supporters as it becomes obvious that a kiwi team will win it again.
The chest-puffing over squads and which Super Rugby coach is the new Wallabies heir-apparent is somewhat comical to me.