Waratahs 2018

[Micheal]

Looking forward to next year given the horror of this season and the return of the prodigal son..

POST STOLEN TO TRACK SQUAD:

Hooker:

Tolu Latu (2018)
Hugh Roach (2018)

Prop:

Sekope Kepu (2019)
Paddy Ryan (2018)
Tom Robertson (2020)
Matt Sandell (2018)

Lock:

Tom Staniforth (2020)
Rob Simmons (2019)

Backrow:

Michael Hooper (2018)
Jed Holloway (2019)
Jack Dempsey (2018)

Scrumhalf:

Nick Phipps (2019)
Jake Gordon (2019)

Flyhalf:

Bernard Foley (2018)

Centre:

Kurtley Beale (2019)

Wing:

Taqele Naiyaravoro (2018)
Andrew Kellaway (2018)
Cam Clarke (2018)

Fullback:

Israel Folau (2018)

Confirmed Gone:

Will Skelton (Sarasens)
Dean Mumm (retired)
Rob Horne (Northampton)
David Horwitz (Rebels)
Jim Stewart (retired - broken neck)
Andrew Deegan (Connacht)

Contract Up:

Damian Fitzpatrick
Ned Hanigan
Angus Ta'avoa
Michael Wells
Bryce Heagerty
Irae Simone
Mack Mason
Ryan McCauley

Likely Gone:

Reece Robinson (overseas)
Harry Jones (Aussie 7s)
Dave McDuling (released)
Senio Toleafoa (released)
Sam Needs (released)
David Lolohea (released)
Brad Wilkin (released)
Matt Lucas (Brumbies)

 

[fatprop]

We need aggressive rock shifter locks

And a backrower or two who can get over the advantage line in close

 

[Micheal]

We need aggressive rock shifter locks

And a backrower or two who can get over the advantage line in close

A ha! I knew this was out of place in the old thread, but didn't know how to create a new one. Funny how these things work out sometimes.

Agreed - we need a big hitter in the 2nd row to complement Hanigan's / McDulings / McCauleys workrate.

If anyone has the time to find out who we have on contract for next season and who we don't that'd be fantastic.

The earliest I could do so is probably next weekend.

 

[Karma Police]

I'd be happy to let Robertson, Mumm and Horwitz go. They are currently passengers or liabilities. Ditto Lucas and Roach.

If the Rebels go, biggest target should be Lomax, followed by Hodge and Timani. Hodge at 12 or 15 (or even 13) outside Foley would be good. he and Beale could even swap between 12 and 15.

Lomax could learn from Kepu.

How about getting the other Ala'alatoa home?

 

[Braveheart81]

How is Horwitz a liability? He's been one of the big improvers this year.

He's never going to be a superstar but he's fitted in well this year and surprised a lot of people by staying ahead of Simone quite comfortably.

 

[Micheal]

How is Horwitz a liability? He's been one of the big improvers this year.

He's never going to be a superstar but he's fitted in well this year and surprised a lot of people by staying ahead of Simone quite comfortably.

Likewise agree, Horwitz has performed well this year and is on an upwards trajectory. Defense, distribution and running has been good.

Now he's coming good we shouldn't do away with him.

 

[Twoilms]

// The return of Dempsey will see Hanigan shifted to the 2nd row, where he's played most of his senior footy. I'm happy with this as, whilst he's a bit light, I think he'd be a great 2nd rower in the Itoje mould.​

Best second rower in the world mould? hehe

 

[Lindommer]

A coupla hard, shredding second-rowers and the rest of the current Tahs squad will look after itself. But I would like to see the talented youngsters who've been blooded the last few years continue to improve. I'm referring to Robertson (selectors, PLEASE leave him at THP in future), Roach, Hanigan, Dempsey, Holloway, Gordon, Horwitz, Simone, Clark and Kellaway here. This is where the Kiwis beat us hands-down: they're much better at turning talented youngsters into the finished product.

 

[RugbyReg]

A coupla hard, shredding second-rowers and the rest of the current Tahs squad will look after itself. But I would like to see the talented youngsters who've been blooded the last few years continue to improve. I'm referring to Robertson (selectors, PLEASE leave him at THP in future), Roach, Hanigan, Dempsey, Holloway, Gordon, Horwitz, Simone, Clark and Kellaway here. This is where the Kiwis beat us hands-down: they're much better at turning talented youngsters into the finished product.

if you are referring to Cam, then it's Clarke.

I don't think it's too much to ask to get the spelling of his name correct.

 

[fatprop]

[

I'd be happy to let Robertson, Mumm and Horwitz go. They are currently passengers or liabilities. Ditto Lucas and Roach.

If the Rebels go, biggest target should be Lomax, followed by Hodge and Timani. Hodge at 12 or 15 (or even 13) outside Foley would be good. he and Beale could even swap between 12 and 15.

Lomax could learn from Kepu.

How about getting the other Ala'alatoa home?

Robertson the prop? Yeah, nah

 

[Twoilms]

[




Robertson the prop? Yeah, nah

As if you'd lose Robertson or Robinson. Both handy enough.

 

[Braveheart81]

if you are referring to Cam, then it's Clarke.

I don't think it's too much to ask to get the spelling of his name correct.

Here's a few links for you Reg.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cameron_Clark_(rugby_union)

http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Team/SuperRugbySquad/PlayerDetail.aspx?pid=430

http://www.taste.com.au/recipes/humble-pie/5cc6b64c-31e5-43ac-8144-d4867c46ce31

 

[RugbyReg]

Ha! I'm off to write a scathing letter to the editor of The Australian.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...w/news-story/8610c00743f024b67912a0c1ca6dc1ee

 

[cyclopath]

Ha! I'm off to write a scathing letter to the editor of The Australian.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spo...w/news-story/8610c00743f024b67912a0c1ca6dc1ee

They have an editor?

 

[KOB1987]

if you are referring to Cam, then it's Clarke.

I don't think it's too much to ask to get the spelling of his name correct.

Yeah, just like our halfback Phibbs.

 

[Micheal]

Yeah, just like our halfback Phibbs.

And the front pages favourite player: Felaouü.

 

[A mutterer]

Ditto Lucas

wtf? lucas has played better than phipps most of his minutes so far this season.

 

[fatprop]

wtf? lucas has played better than phipps most of his minutes so far this season.

disagree, Phipps' speed to the breakdown is just so much better,,,, with that you get quicker clearances and that builds momentum and creates opportunities as the bad guys have less time to set their defences.

 

[Twoilms]

Looks like Beale might miss the English Premiership final against Exeter with a minor hamstring injury/strain.

 

[Braveheart81]

Looks like Beale might miss the English Premiership final against Exeter with a minor hamstring injury/strain.

Yeah, it's hard to see any hamstring injury allowing him to play the following weekend. He certainly didn't look awful when he came off but certainly wasn't good enough to continue. It also wasn't a case of the game being in the bag so he could come off as a precaution for the next week.

Wasps were lucky to get out of that game with a win and missed Beale in the second half when a lot of their scoring opportunities were bombed.

I reckon Exeter will win next weekend, particularly if Beale is missing.

For Exeter, Dave Dennis was great. Physical with an excellent workrate and strong at set piece.