Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
beat the landers but
Waratahs 2019
- Thread starter Hawko
- Start date
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Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
Hanigan played well??? He didn't play well for the last 2 weeks. Has little impact around the field. Against a pack of nobodies he was easily contained.
dru
David Wilson (68)
That is another one of those broad and bold statements. In the current absence of To'omua, and with Lealiifano playing 10, then Beale (in form) is probably the Aus best second fly.
So it depends on how you set your backline strategy. If you a centre pairing with punch Kerevi is stronger and if you want punch plus defence and some playmaking - Hunt has his chance to shine.
I'd admit to liking a second playmaker, but as has been said, this can be done from 15 (ala Reds last game). The problem with this is you limit the chance to protect Foley in D without a barn dance.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yes I am not convinced about Beale at 12 for the Wallabies....bench option for sure at the minimum but best 12 hmmm...all depends on combinations but liking Kerevi more at 12, maybe Lilo back in the mix if keeps playing like that and Petaia gees what a talent who could possibly play 12 (okay I know that is bit of stretch given not seen him play there - so that comment probably bit random at this point), 13 or wing.
I disagree also about not having Hunt and Beale on field at same time. Beale and Hunt can play different positions and switch positions despite what numbers are on their back - benefit of both players is their versatility...and benefit of Hunt showed as only player who charged Parker at full tilt (just remember at that stage how buggered he would have been) to put him off to miss the field goal attempt.
Whether you would start both Beale and Hunt ok - I can accept that is a different debate.
I disagree also about not having Hunt and Beale on field at same time. Beale and Hunt can play different positions and switch positions despite what numbers are on their back - benefit of both players is their versatility...and benefit of Hunt showed as only player who charged Parker at full tilt (just remember at that stage how buggered he would have been) to put him off to miss the field goal attempt.
Whether you would start both Beale and Hunt ok - I can accept that is a different debate.
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Probably get a week which is served during the bye.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I’m pretty sure he was penned in to play a third of a Shute trial this weekend ;-)
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Adam, haven't got the sarcasm alert on and working?
Harv
Herbert Moran (7)
I don't think there's a combination issue or lack of talent in the Waratah backline that comes anywhere near the problem they have (and have had for a couple of years) in backrow/second row selections. They are undersized and under-powered -- it's the same issue with the Wallabies backrow (which is exacerbated by playing Pocock at 8).
Why play Dempsey as an 8? He's a very good six. Holloway isn't a second rower, Simmons is limited value outside the lineout; Hanigan tries hard but lacks penetration in attack and grit on the ball. I'm a great fan of Hooper's work ethic but he's too small for a starting seven at Test level, and arguably against the better Super teams. Simple as that. He's great value late in a game where the opposition tires.
NSW (and Oz) need a genuine 8. Dempsey is a great six. Hooper is ... busy.
From the Wallaby perspective pick Pocock at seven, Hooper on the bench. Take your pick from a variety of good sixes including Dempsey and develop a second row that plays with force at the gain line and can win a lineout.
If both NSW and Australia get the forward puzzle together, the backs will look after themselves to a great extent. There's more than enough fodder in both the NSW and Australia backlines to win Super Rugby games and Tests. Just get the team going forward through the middle -- win lineouts, scrums and an even share of contestable ruck/maul ball; minimise mistakes and get a kicking game (which is easy to devise and execute if you have faith in the piggies). Both the Waratahs and Wallabies try and play running rugby with one hand tied behind their backs. Their respective kicking games are lotteries and they make basic mistakes in part because they are almost inevitably out-muscled.
Why play Dempsey as an 8? He's a very good six. Holloway isn't a second rower, Simmons is limited value outside the lineout; Hanigan tries hard but lacks penetration in attack and grit on the ball. I'm a great fan of Hooper's work ethic but he's too small for a starting seven at Test level, and arguably against the better Super teams. Simple as that. He's great value late in a game where the opposition tires.
NSW (and Oz) need a genuine 8. Dempsey is a great six. Hooper is ... busy.
From the Wallaby perspective pick Pocock at seven, Hooper on the bench. Take your pick from a variety of good sixes including Dempsey and develop a second row that plays with force at the gain line and can win a lineout.
If both NSW and Australia get the forward puzzle together, the backs will look after themselves to a great extent. There's more than enough fodder in both the NSW and Australia backlines to win Super Rugby games and Tests. Just get the team going forward through the middle -- win lineouts, scrums and an even share of contestable ruck/maul ball; minimise mistakes and get a kicking game (which is easy to devise and execute if you have faith in the piggies). Both the Waratahs and Wallabies try and play running rugby with one hand tied behind their backs. Their respective kicking games are lotteries and they make basic mistakes in part because they are almost inevitably out-muscled.
Still doesn't get involved enough. Finds himself on the wrong side of the ruck with nothing to do too many times. His tackling is so-so but I will admit his carries have improved slightly.
Deadly in lineouts, though.
It is good to see a few viable options for Hanigan, he was always a placeholder until an upgrade could be found for the Wobs. He is a solid super rugby player and I agree, probably the best young lineout backrower in the country (which while Pocock\Hooper was the 7/8 you could squint and see some logic in the selection)
Pass it to Dunning!
Bob Loudon (25)
The problem for the Waratahs is they have too many mobile backrowers. Jed Holloway is playing second row because there isn't a specialist second rower in the squad who's better.
'Tattsy'TaylorFan1
Ward Prentice (10)
On the hot topic of the Waratahs forwards, I’m a diehard fan of the forwards coach Mr Cron so I am biased, but I would put it that they don’t worry too much about getting over the gain line. It’s about the quality of the collision (even if they go backwards) and most importantly how quickly they can get the ball off the ground. They look to make up the gain line metres when they get it wide to the tramlines (2018 Michael Wells was incredible). That’s another thing it’ll be good when Wells comes back. I’m not a fan of his sevens experiment it’s hurting the Waratahs and it’s Cheika’s fault for picking Timu over Wells last year in June - dumb, dumb, dumb.
Holloway is a better lock than he has ever been an 8, he is just a bit short for the role, I think he realised it himself last season
Harv
Herbert Moran (7)
Respectfully, I'm quite sure that statistically there is an overwhelming case for getting over the gain line. That's the best quality ball you can receive. Making shit up from behind the advantage line -- effectively getting fast ball on the back foot -- isn't a game plan.
Harv
Herbert Moran (7)
Doesn't mean he's a good lock
He is a good super rugby lock
Harv
Herbert Moran (7)
He wasn't against the less than stellar Sunwolves or other games. Don't get me wrong, I like him as a player but he's in limbo. He's a backrower -- a 6, trying to play as a lock in a side that is lacking physical authority. He's on a hiding to nothing playing in the tight five or as an 8.
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