Waratahs 2018
- Thread starter Micheal
- Start date
- Status
I have little issue with the props the Tahs have brought in, I think at 30 Ryan should be reaching his scrummaging peak. That "peak" simply isn't as a Super Rugby starter, he is continually getting mullared
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
Well said. We've got a plethora of young props in the squad, that are presumably on 2-3 year contracts. Interesting to see how the team goes next few games. A few wins and I expect to see a conservative, experienced team picked. A few losses and them get more game time to assess their ability. 21 does seem young for some in the front row, but then again Uelese and Tupou are in the same age bracket, were given an early chance, and have excelled.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
Is this getting much attention on "your" side of the ditch?
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/i...l-folau-in-no-rush-to-decide-his-rugby-future
https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/i...l-folau-in-no-rush-to-decide-his-rugby-future
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
Yeah, read this morning on rugby.com. Hopefully just a push for pay increase. He's now over 60 tests, so might be hard to hard to keep him
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
waiopehu oldboy
George Smith (75)
^^^^^^^^ I find that interesting given that in the past the mere suggestion/ speculation that he might move has launched several pages worth of posts on the forum.
MACCA
Ron Walden (29)
Which up and comers might nudge out those blokes? Please dont add some Under 20 Hollywood types
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
I think the squad already includes every adult up and comer worth mentioning. Add to this anymore players from the new aus U20 squad and that will be a worry at the end of 2019, when they are all still very young and guys like Ryan (and most likely a raft of other stars) will be leaving. Exactly the time to keep your journeymen like Ryan, to assist with the inevitable transition in 2019.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
I noticed on the weekend that the Reds had 4 players in the starting pack 21 years old or younger. Didn't seem to hurt the team
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
T
TOCC
Guest
I think that’s a unique set of circumstances though, Brad Thorn coached the QLD U20s for the previous two year so he knew what those players offered and they understood his coaching philosophy.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
True, but Cron coached the Australian under 20s last year, so he has some insight into the players from last year
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
rugbysmartarse
Alan Cameron (40)
well hopes of pinching Douglas seem shot, looks like hes going to france
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
They are not world beaters, though you are correct they have exceeded expectations. However I would argue that apart from Hooper and Kepu, the rest of the forwards both starting and bench are performing better then their NSW counterparts which goes along way to easing the youngsters in. Might be different next season when they potentially lose Toua, Nabuli, Lance, Lucas, G Smith, Ready and Douglas.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yes had high hopes for Simone but looks like another who has failed to step up in the big show.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
With the bye this week you'd hope that by the following week for the Brumbies game everyone except Dempsey will be available.
Whilst Short and Snowden did very well it will be great to have Gordon and Phipps back on deck.
Whilst Short and Snowden did very well it will be great to have Gordon and Phipps back on deck.
Jimmyjam
Watty Friend (18)
Douglas would've (could still be?) an excellent pickup by NSW if he doesn't head o/s. We still really need a large top class LH, a BIG Lock (not Skelton though) and could get by with the rest of the squad we have. The backs look solid across the park, so when we have Kepu fully fit with Dempsey back the team gets considerably stronger.
Is Douglas that guy anymore though? It seems like he is the workrate lock that we have in droves rather than the bruising, ball-running lock.
Jimmyjam
Watty Friend (18)
I watched him play for the reds last 3 games and he was smashing blokes. He monstered a few of the Argies on Sunday morning. Too early in the season to be sure, but he could be back..... or alternatively he was killing it to get a few more $$$$$$ on his French contract.
The article said he was in negotiations, so I assume unsigned as yet. However if there is no ARU topup on the table he's probably as good as on the plane I suppose.
- Status