Waratahs 2015

[Lee Grant]

So Dempsey and Clunies-Ross round out the 35 man squad.

Just Tala Gray and Jacques Potgieter missing from the photos today.

Paddy Ryan isn't there either as I write this so that makes 36 which was the number I was trying to reconcile to if both Dempsey and Clunies-Ross were in.

So 36 is the number apparently though there is a dispensation to add a Japanese qualified player if I recall correctly.
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[qwerty51]

Is Pat McCutch lifting a wheelbarrow below that shot?

Thought the same thing.. Lousi looks awfully similar to Folau just fatter.

 

[RugbyReg]

where's Rocky Elsom?

 

[Jagman]

Paddy Ryan isn't there either as I write this so that makes 36 which was the number I was trying to reconcile to if both Dempsey and Clunies-Ross were in..

So 36 is the number apparently though there is a dispensation to add a Japanese qualified player if I recall correctly.
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Is anyone considered injured for the first 5 weeks?

 

[Lee Grant]

Didn't notice him yesterday but I'll have to check my photos.
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Betham wasn't running on the field with the others yesterday but he was "running" held back by a trainer to get his leg movements right. He looks to be in the same level as Dennis was a month ago - but they were different injuries; so who really knows?
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[Lee Grant]

Is anyone considered injured for the first 5 weeks?

Tala Gray, Dave Dennis and Pete Betham seem to be the main candidates to miss the start of the season.

Dave Dennis told me last week that he could miss the first week. Tala Gray and Peter Betham are just training on the sidelines with individual training.

Beale was out yesterday and Carraro has missed a few but I don't think it's anything serious with either.

 

[qwerty51]

So by position the final squad is..

Benn Robinson, Jeremy Tilse
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tolu Latu, Hugh Roach
Sekope Kepu, Paddy Ryan, Michael Ala'alatoa
Will Skelton, Sam Lousi
Jacques Potgieter, Mitch Chapman
Dave Dennis, Stephen Hoiles
Michael Hooper, Pat McCutcheon, Jack Dempsey
Wycliff Palu, Tala Gray, Jed Holloway
Nick Phipps, Brendan McKibbin, Auvasa Falealii
Bernard Foley, Ben Volavola, David Horwitz
Peter Betham, Taqele Naiyaravoro
Kurtley Beale, Jono Lance
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Carraro
Rob Horne, Henry Clunies-Ross
Israel Folau, Andrew Kellaway

Shame Jim Stewart didn't make it, hopefully no one else snaps him up. I think we needed another centre rather than another winger (Clunies-Ross) too.

 

[Lee Grant]

^^^^^^^^
Stewart would have been the next guy picked and there will surely be a spot open for him next year with Ashley-Cooper going offshore. They like having a bit of experience out wide, but maybe Carraro will be replaced too.

And Stewart seems to play either centre position with equal facility.
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[I like to watch]

So by position the final squad is..

Benn Robinson, Jeremy Tilse
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Tolu Latu, Hugh Roach
Sekope Kepu, Paddy Ryan, Michael Ala'alatoa
Will Skelton, Sam Lousi
Jacques Potgieter, Mitch Chapman
Dave Dennis, Stephen Hoiles
Michael Hooper, Pat McCutcheon, Jack Dempsey
Wycliff Palu, Tala Gray, Jed Holloway
Nick Phipps, Brendan McKibbin, Auvasa Falealii
Bernard Foley, Ben Volavola, David Horwitz
Peter Betham, Taqele Naiyaravoro
Kurtley Beale, Jono Lance
Adam Ashley-Cooper, Matt Carraro
Rob Horne, Henry Clunies-Ross
Israel Folau, Andrew Kellaway

Shame Jim Stewart didn't make it, hopefully no one else snaps him up. I think we needed another centre rather than another winger (Clunies-Ross) too.

It's interesting that a coach that places so much emphasis on contact,has no place for a crash balling 12.
We are also skinny at 10 IMO,if both KB (Kurtley Beale) & Foley go down,it's all over.

 

[Dave Beat]

It's interesting that a coach that places so much emphasis on contact,has no place for a crash balling 12.
We are also skinny at 10 IMO,if both KB (Kurtley Beale) & Foley go down,it's all over.

Sam Lane

 

[Dave Beat]

With all the loosies already there, and a number who swing as locks as well I'm surprised Dempsey was chosen, I see more long term value having Matt Philip in the squad.

Dempsey wouldn't be my next choice loosie either.

 

[Braveheart81]

It's interesting that a coach that places so much emphasis on contact,has no place for a crash balling 12.
We are also skinny at 10 IMO,if both KB (Kurtley Beale) & Foley go down,it's all over.

Horwitz and Volavola seem like pretty solid 3rd and 4th options in my opinion.

Any Super Rugby side losing their first two choices in a key position will be caught short, particularly when those two players are current Wallabies.

 

[qwerty51]

Beale had the most carries/runs in the whole competition last year. He may not seem like a crash-baller but he was used as one.

 

[qwerty51]

I'm really happy Dempsey has been signed, he's impressed me in the u20s for 2 years and the NRC.

 

[Lee Grant]

Horwitz and Volavola seem like pretty solid 3rd and 4th options in my opinion.

Any Super Rugby side losing their first two choices in a key position will be caught short, particularly when those two players are current Wallabies.

And Lance could back all of them up.

If any other Oz team has better cover at 10 they will be doing well.

Dempsey wouldn't be my next choice loosie either.

There are a lot of good ones around aren't there, but his training form has been terrific. He is reminding me of the Wales' captain, Sam Warburton for his work rate, accuracy and diligence - at a lower level, of course.

Who would you have chosen. Ale?
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[Dave Beat]

Agree with your comments above B81 and Lance could back all of them up.

If any other Oz team has better cover at 10 they will be doing well.

There are a lot of good ones around aren't there, but his training form has been terrific. He is reminding me of the Wales' captain, Sam Warburton for his work rate, accuracy and diligence - at a lower level, of course.

Who would you have chosen. Ale?
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One that has proven form in grade over a number of years

But with Jackpot, Dennis, Chapman already at 6 / Lock I'd have like to see Matt Phillip in there.

There are a few 7's around the yeah Ale, Perrott.

 

[Lee Grant]

Perret is too old and had a go in the training group and got on the park with little effect. Hickie got a go also.

Dempsey is a good lineout catcher; he'll do me.

Lock is a position of weakness and there is not a lot of goodies around. Philip is tall enough, but is a skinny 106 kgs.
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[Dave Beat]

Perret is too old and had a go in the training group and got on the park with little effect. Hickie got a go also.

Dempsey is a good lineout catcher; he'll do me.

Lock is a position of weakness and there is not a lot of goodies around. Philip is tall enough, but is a skinny 106 kgs.
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I do agree with you, but,
My reasoning if we are reducing game time because of the world cup I feel it would be good having player with more experience.

Both Dempsey and Ale had a good NRC.

 

[Lee Grant]

That's good point about reduced game time because of the RWC but is it an official policy?

I don't think that Dempsey will get much game time with the Tahs because McCutcheon has a similar player profile if a reserve is needed - though you never know if there are two injuries.

Waratahs photos

I thought Paddy Ryan missed the photo shoot today because he threw a sickie because the Tahs are having their annual hill run at Moore Park at high noon tomorrow.

Turns out that he and Tala Gray were doing a community event and helping out at a kids rugby camp in Armidale.
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[Lee Grant]

Shame Jim Stewart didn't make it, hopefully no one else snaps him up. I think we needed another centre rather than another winger (Clunies-Ross) too.

Andrew Kellaway told me that he'd be happy to play anywhere - but outside centre would be his favoured position; so it's possible that he may end up there and not be "another winger".

Clunies-Ross is a "keeper".
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