Wallaby Outside Centre

[The_Brown_Hornet]

I don't subscribe to TBH's theory that we can't win 3N or RWC without Elsom. I actually think we would be just as good chance without him - he is at his best in loose games, and RWC semis and finals are never loose. I also think there are a few options that would be better captains, which is extremely important in a big campaign.

My thesis is based around a couple of things:

1, A good blindside provides a bit of hurt on defence (aka dominant tackling), counter rucking/clean out and go forward in the loose. They also often provide an extra lineout option. Rocky does all of those things and does them pretty well.
2, There aren't a lot of other players who offer the whole package that Elsom does. A few have elements of it, but I don't believe anyone has all of them. For that reason, I am worried about him not being match fit for the test season.

The captaincy is a whole other argument and I am willing to be pursuaded that someone else may be a better choice.

 

[Scotty]

I disagree in Elsom being a dominant tackler but agree he can be affective slowing the opposition ruck ball down through wrestling and counter ruck. However he doesnt provide the go forward in tight at all and while he is very good running wider his inability to distribute when making a break is terrible.

He isn't the be all and end all at 6

 

[Scotty]

A lot seem to thing higgers isn't a test player and I agree that he isn't there yet but I have seen signs of improvement. He is working on the weaker areas of his game including strength in contact, work in tight and aggressive defense. His biggest advantages over his competition are his speed, size and fitness. He is the reds best supporting forward and is almost always the first there when a break is made either by his team or the opposition. He also scores a lot of tries off genias passes when close to the line, a combination of his run timing and genias excellent passing. I see him ahead of saffy and hodgson for 6 backup and equal to Dennis.

 

[nathan]

On a related note The Australian's reported that Horne may be out for the remained of the Super season.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/new...aratahs-campaign/story-e6frg7o6-1226048005552

While Palu and back-up hooker Damien Fitzpatrick (knee) are set to return for the home game against the Lions in three weeks, there is concern Waugh and Horne may join Mitchell on the sideline for the rest of the season.

Horne has not played since aggravating an elbow injury in the loss to the Crusaders in Nelson in round three and Hickey confirmed there was no guarantee he would return.

"Robbie Horne's ongoing with his elbow," Hickey said. "We'll see how it comes up. He may or may not come back. It will depend on his specialist's advice."

Hickey was more optimistic about Waugh's chances.

"Phil has a reasonable tear in his hamstring," Hickey said.

"He's looking at four or five weeks rehab. I'm pretty confident he'll be back on the park." After back-to-back losses to the Blues and Reds, Hickey was pleased with the way the Waratahs ground out the win against the Rebels, scoring three tries to nil.

 

[TOCC]

I know its probably the wrong thread, but Ive got some concerns in regards to the Waratah's conditioning and medical department, how many players have aggravated existing injuries in the NSW side this season by coming back from injury too soon.

Barnes, Waugh, Horne, Palu, TPN? and Robinson?

Is it a case of bad luck or are they actually been reckless in how they deal there players?

 

[Sully]

Do they have strong medical staff or does Waugh decide who is fit or not.

 

[Groucho]

Do they have strong medical staff or does Waugh decide who is fit or not.

Sharron Flahive is one of the most experienced sports medicine specialists in Australia. I don't think you get to that level without having some character.

 

[Bruce Ross]

I know its probably the wrong thread, but Ive got some concerns in regards to the Waratah's conditioning and medical department, how many players have aggravated existing injuries in the NSW side this season by coming back from injury too soon.

Barnes, Waugh, Horne, Palu, TPN? and Robinson?

Just a tad off centre, TOCC.

 

[GC]

With Horne out and Diggers required on the wing, I'd say the pecking order is now 1. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) 2. A Fainga'a 3. ????. Morty's injuries have caused his form to drop right off in the past month.

 

[Groucho]

With Horne out and Diggers required on the wing, I'd say the pecking order is now 1. AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) 2. A Fainga'a 3. ????. Morty's injuries have caused his form to drop right off in the past month.

If A Fainga'a is the Wallabies 2nd choice 13 then we truly are screwed. Far better to bring in one of our ample wing stocks than push out a journeyman 12.

 

[Slim 293]

Even Pat McCabe would be a much better outside centre option than A Finger...

 

[RugbyReg]

agree, if Horne's out and then AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) is unavailable for whatever reason, Digby would be next right? Mitch Inman would be an option, if he gets back in the team and finishes the season.

Wing stocks through Davies, Morahan, Turner, McCabe, Shepherd, Cummins, Dellit are fine.

 

[barbarian]

I was really impressed with Nick Cummins at 13. Good hard runner and tackler, I wouldn't mind him in a gold jersey if a few go down. Certainly a good option on the bench.

 

[GC]

The difference Fainga'a made when he came on for the Reds last weekend was immense. He looks well suited to OC to me. He can pass and has excellent awareness of where players are around him. Diggers is a world class player but he lacks in those skills - particularly the awareness part. He is ideal for wing. McCabe is similar.

I think a lot of the Fainga'a hate is just a reaction to Tom Carter copping so much. 'If our centre is crap so is your's' sort of thing.

 

[Slim 293]

I wouldn't have Carter or A Fainga'a in the Wallabies...

McCabe or Cummins are much better suited to OC...

 

[Groucho]

The difference Fainga'a made when he came on for the Reds last weekend was immense. He looks well suited to OC to me. He can pass and has excellent awareness of where players are around him. Diggers is a world class player but he lacks in those skills - particularly the awareness part. He is ideal for wing. McCabe is similar.

I think a lot of the Fainga'a hate is just a reaction to Tom Carter copping so much. 'If our centre is crap so is your's' sort of thing.

No one 'hates' Fainga'a, GC.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Ant has been pretty serviceable at 13 for the Reds, but I don't know that it is what we want for the Wallabies. I think AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will get first crack at it, especially as Horne looks like he's gone. Ioane would be next choice, but he would be the crash and bash style so we would need a play maker at 12. Fortunately, we have a few choices there. Morty would still have to be a rough chance, though I haven't seen him play for a few weeks.

 

[Dumbledore]

If A Fainga'a is the Wallabies 2nd choice 13 then we truly are screwed. Far better to bring in one of our ample wing stocks than push out a journeyman 12.

Ooh naughty. You just watch out Groucho, Brumbieman will say something really really mean to you now!

 

[Groucho]

Ant has been pretty serviceable at 13 for the Reds, but I don't know that it is what we want for the Wallabies. I think AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) will get first crack at it, especially as Horne looks like he's gone. Ioane would be next choice, but he would be the crash and bash style so we would need a play maker at 12. Fortunately, we have a few choices there. Morty would still have to be a rough chance, though I haven't seen him play for a few weeks.

I just don't think Morty is anywhere near fast enough any more, TBH. He'd require a change in our game plan.

I like the suggestions of McCabe and Cummins, and let's not forget Turner. Turner is fast, an experienced Wallaby, has good hands, is an outstanding defender and he has been playing 13. He may not be particularly dynamic but is a safe choice to put on the end of Cooper's long passes.

 

[fatprop]

The difference Fainga'a made when he came on for the Reds last weekend was immense. He looks well suited to OC to me. He can pass and has excellent awareness of where players are around him. Diggers is a world class player but he lacks in those skills - particularly the awareness part. He is ideal for wing. McCabe is similar.

I think a lot of the Fainga'a hate is just a reaction to Tom Carter copping so much. 'If our centre is crap so is your's' sort of thing.

Fainga'a fills a hole at the Reds at 13 until they find someone better suited, and he holds that spot because of his defense.