Waratahs 2013

[Hawko]

I wouldn't be taking the Kings lightly. It will be interesting to see if Cheika makes any changes. The season so far suggests he's going to keep as many players in the starting lineup and in the same position week to week as possible.

In the paper this morning he was glowing in his praise of McKibbin, which suggests to me that he has now set on his starting 9, 10, 12, 13 & 15 and barring injury, I don't expect that to change this season in those positions.

I am not taking the Kings lightly. They are a very effective team with a simple, no-nonsense game plan. But they are very limited in that they are vulnerable to a team like the Bulls who just bashed them up and also to a team that has a Chiefs-type gameplan with lots of off-loading to create gaps. The Tahs, whose game is similar to the Chiefs, can afford to rest a few players providing that the replacements can play the gameplan that we did last Friday night. We've lost two top flight wingers in Mitchell and Turner and still have three solid choices, the rest of the squad has got some depth, so much so that finding a spot for Barnes is very problematic. The squad can take the Kings, the bigger test comes against the Bulls at altitude - if we can knock them over at their home we are in a really good space. We need to plan for three hard games in four (Bulls away, Stormers and Brumbies at home) with two very long flights in between.

We've already had our second bye, the next rest is for the Lions and a lot of Tahs players will be involved in those games. Giving people enough recovery time for the week-to-week games in between the bye and the Lions will be crucial.

 

[Quick Hands]

I am not taking the Kings lightly. They are a very effective team with a simple, no-nonsense game plan. But they are very limited in that they are vulnerable to a team like the Bulls who just bashed them up and also to a team that has a Chiefs-type gameplan with lots of off-loading to create gaps. The Tahs, whose game is similar to the Chiefs, can afford to rest a few players providing that the replacements can play the gameplan that we did last Friday night. We've lost two top flight wingers in Mitchell and Turner and still have three solid choices, the rest of the squad has got some depth, so much so that finding a spot for Barnes is very problematic. The squad can take the Kings, the bigger test comes against the Bulls at altitude - if we can knock them over at their home we are in a really good space. We need to plan for three hard games in four (Bulls away, Stormers and Brumbies at home) with two very long flights in between.

We've already had our second bye, the next rest is for the Lions and a lot of Tahs players will be involved in those games. Giving people enough recovery time for the week-to-week games in between the bye and the Lions will be crucial.

On the evidence of what's happened so far this year, I think that Cheika is likely to select his strongest side to start each match and use reserves sparingly. He hasn't replaced 9, 10, 12, 13 or 15 for at least the last 160 minutes. In the pack he has used replacements more often, but seems to take an old school approach (with which I heartily agree), of using his replacements sparingly - prop, hooker and one second rower late in games unless injury intervenes. He's in this for the long term and while he would like to win every game, I can't see him deviating from what seems to be his coaching style just to be ready for the Brumbies. I don't think he'll risk losing to the Kings, in the hope of being fresher for the Brumbies.

No matter which way he goes flying back from Jo'burg to play the Brumbies in the same week will be a big ask. I suspect he just wants to keep on winning - as the Brumbies proved last night, once you become used to winning, you become a very difficult side to beat.

 

[Badger]

No matter which way he goes flying back from Jo'burg to play the Brumbies in the same week will be a big ask. I suspect he just wants to keep on winning - as the Brumbies proved last night, once you become used to winning, you become a very difficult side to beat.

Tahs play Stormers on May 11 @ SFS before the Brumbies on May 18 @ Homebush.

 

[mjw]

He would have to be a call-up from outside the squad as an injury replacement. But TPN, Ulugia and Holmes (its a worry) all look to be in good health. Fitzpatrick will need to prove he can close out the season in Shute without further injury to prove he is ready for a contract next year. Its going to be a tough call for Cheika, he has had a lot of long-term injuries.

Fitzpatrick has stayed with the squad so does not seem to be on outer.

 

[Quick Hands]

Tahs play Stormers on May 11 @ SFS before the Brumbies on May 18 @ Homebush.

Apologies for getting games around the wrong way. Still difficult to come straight back from SA and play that week. Stormers will be in NZ the week before (w/e 4 May). Playing Stormers before Brumbies is a better draw.

 

[Badger]

Apologies for getting games around the wrong way. Still difficult to come straight back from SA and play that week. Stormers will be in NZ the week before (w/e 4 May). Playing Stormers before Brumbies is a better draw.

Hopefully, the Blues rough up the Stormers before they play in Sydney. They will also have an extra day to recover since their game is on Friday....though they do have to travel over here.

 

[qwerty51]

I think they are taking 26. So probably last match 22 + Tilse, Holloway, carter and Kingston. I think lachie turner picked up a nasty injury playing for the woodies yesterday.

Confirmed he broke his leg and is out for the year again

 

[vidiot]

Confirmed he broke his leg and is out for the year again

Wow thats a real shame.

 

[TOCC]

Damn poor bloke, gonna struggle to pick up a contract now

 

[Braveheart81]

Fitzpatrick has stayed with the squad so does not seem to be on outer.

With Turner out for the season, they could now bring Fitzpatrick back into the squad if they decided he was fit enough to make it worthwhile.

 

[kiap]

Two season enders in a row for for Turner, poor bloke.

TPN to play his 100th for the Tahs this weekend. Hope he has a good one.

 

[Badger]

TPN to play his 100th for the Tahs this weekend. Hope he has a good one.

Gets to celebrate twice. This weekend is for 100 games for the Tahs and then 100 Super Rugby matches in the next game. IIRR, his first game for NSW was in 2005 and he made his Super debut in 2006.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

100 games by the age of 27. Anyone got there younger than that?

 

[JSRF10]

Barnes and Mitchell expected back for Stormers clash


http://www.waratahs.com.au/News/NewsArticle/tabid/157/ArticleID/8951/Default.aspx

 

[wamberal]

With Turner out for the season, they could now bring Fitzpatrick back into the squad if they decided he was fit enough to make it worthwhile.

I have not noticed Fitzpatrick's name in the Eastwood team-sheets, so far.

 

[Braveheart81]

I have not noticed Fitzpatrick's name in the Eastwood team-sheets, so far.

Someone was saying he was about to make his return. Personally, I wouldn't give him a Super Rugby game this year. Why push the issue? The guy has had so many ACL reconstructions (is it three now?). If they are thinking he's an option for next year, let him play as much of the Shute Shield season as he can and then make an assessment for next year.

Greg Peterson is also gone for the season (and presumably from the Tahs forever) so there is another spot they can fill if they want to. I can't imagine they'll want to spend extra dollars bringing new people into the squad though. It's not like Atkins or Skelton have had a go yet and they are both locks.

 

[fatprop]

Atkins was playing again for Uni

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Atkins look good last year in the games he got woth the force suprised he he hasnt kicked on.

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[Braveheart81]

Atkins look good last year in the games he got woth the force suprised he he hasnt kicked on.

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Hard to get a shot with Douglas, Timani and Chapman.

It does seem a little surprising that Skelton looks like he will get a shot first though (presumably against the Kings).

 

[fatprop]

Atkins look good last year in the games he got woth the force suprised he he hasnt kicked on.

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he got wounded at the wrong time