Waratahs 2014

[Henry]

If he does go, the Tahs need to find a good hooker. Ulugia has dropped his opportunities rather than seized them.

And Luke Holmes hasn't exactly put his hand up with his limited opportunities..

 

[Badger]

^ The games against the Blues and Hurricanes are the only ones I can remember in recent times where the hooker wasn't replaced in the second half. After Holmes' game against the Brumbies, I can understand why Cheika kept Ulugia on.

Before Fitzpatrick was ruled out for the season, was Ulugia going to be considered only as a prop? Otherwise, the Tahs would have had four hookers in the 35 man squad.

 

[topo]

^ The games against the Blues and Hurricanes are the only ones I can remember in recent times where the hooker wasn't replaced in the second half. After Holmes' game against the Brumbies, I can understand why Cheika kept Ulugia on.

Before Fitzpatrick was ruled out for the season, was Ulugia going to be considered only as a prop? Otherwise, the Tahs would have had four hookers in the 35 man squad.

Holmes was brought in after Fitzy was ruled out for the year.

 

[Intruder]

^ The games against the Blues and Hurricanes are the only ones I can remember in recent times where the hooker wasn't replaced in the second half. After Holmes' game against the Brumbies, I can understand why Cheika kept Ulugia on.

Before Fitzpatrick was ruled out for the season, was Ulugia going to be considered only as a prop? Otherwise, the Tahs would have had four hookers in the 35 man squad.

Lets just get this straight;

John Ulugia is a hooker that can slot into the tight-head prop position when needed, having played as a tight-head through junior ranks. Injury to Kepu and Ryan would see Ulugia shift to prop however he has very little experience at the loose-head side e.g. Robinson and Tilse.

 

[Braveheart81]

Ulugia definitely started the season as the third choice hooker.

Holmes started the season unemployed.

 

[eastman]

I actually think that Ulugia has done a pretty decent job playing hooker recently. For a 2nd or 3rd string player he is adequate and surely good value as well

 

[Braveheart81]

I actually think that Ulugia has done a pretty decent job playing hooker recently. For a 2nd or 3rd string player he is adequate and surely good value as well

I agree. I like Ulugia.

He's a big step down from TPN though. Hooker is such a crucial position and going from one of your better players to a second/third stringer is always going to hurt the team.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

Holmes was brought in after Fitzy was ruled out for the year.

I don't think that is correct. Holmes was announced in the EPS and Fitzy was injured in the pre-season. There were 4 hookers in the original squad of 35. I think the Tahs wanted depth in this position due to TPN's injuries and the fact that Fitzy was still recovering from the previous serious injury.
Chapman was brought in to replace Fitzy (which brought a better balance to the squad after the final spot which was probably originally destined for a forward ended up going to Folau)

 

[qwerty51]

Yep Ulugia has done a good job when you factor him being a 3rd hooker. Not many better 3rd hookers around.

 

[Badger]

Holmes was brought in after Fitzy was ruled out for the year.

As others have mentioned, Mitch Chapman was the player that replaced Fitzpatrick. Here's the original G&GR post:

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/mitchell-chapman-signs-with-waratahs/

Ulugia is a handy back up player, the Tahs should re-sign as he would be getting one of the lesser contracts within the squad.

 

[Richo]

I'm not complaining about his performance. If that's what you get out of your third choice hooker, it's pretty good. But it's not good enough to be the regular starter and preferably not a backup when the starter is TPN (ie often injured).

 

[Bowside]

If both TPN and Fitz are on the way out as espected, the tahs will have to start giving fringe players from the U20's and Shute Shield a run. The season is already lost, might as well try a few young blokes.

 

[qwerty51]

If they lose TPN they're going to buy someone else. Tahs don't have an overseas player

 

[Bowside]

I wonder if he will try and poach a lion?

The other option is Charles.

 

[JSRF10]

I don't think any NH internationals would come to the Tahs because they'd get less money and they'd be giving up any chance at playing in the 6 nations. Off the top of my head can't think of any quality hookers off contract at the end of this season in the NH that the Tahs should go after.

 

[qwerty51]

There's no good hookers in the NH atm anyway

 

[Richo]

Charles. Meh. He's fine, but would be a downgrade. I was really keen on Hansen. I guess that Saia must be going, Ant too, otherwise why would he stay?

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Charles is contracted till 2014

Sent from my GT-I9300T using Tapatalk 2

 

[tranquility]

Charles. Meh. He's fine, but would be a downgrade. I was really keen on Hansen. I guess that Saia must be going, Ant too, otherwise why would he stay?

Play in finals?

 

[boyo]

You'd want S.Finger if you like giving penalties to the opposition.