Waratahs 2020
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Cam Clark. He is playing for the Waratahs again in 2020. I am not sure if it has been announced yet but I know they were working through a new contract.
Finsbury Girl
Trevor Allan (34)
The big question mark over re-signings is Tolu Latu. It was rumoured he was heading to France but nothing overly official has been raised. Given his rise to being the first choice Wallabies hooker there's a much higher potential RA will try and retain him if he's not already locked in with Stade Francais.
Other question marks are AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Hunt. I tend to think neither will be retained.
If Latu stays, the best side might look something like:
1. Robertson
2. Latu
3. HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes)
4. Simmons
5. Hanigan
6. Swinton
7. Hooper
8. Dempsey
9. Gordon
10. Mason/Harrison
11. Newsome
12. Moeroa
13. Foketi
14. Clark
15. Beale
16. Fitzpatrick 17. Faulkner 18. Talakai 19. Holloway/Staniforth 20. Harris 21. Short 22. Harrison/Mason 23. Nawaqanitawase
Others:
Rory O'Connor, Ryan McCauley, Pat Tafa, Carlo Tizzano, Andrew Tuala, Angus Bell, Ben Donaldson, Michael McDonald
Other question marks are AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) and Hunt. I tend to think neither will be retained.
If Latu stays, the best side might look something like:
1. Robertson
2. Latu
3. HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes)
4. Simmons
5. Hanigan
6. Swinton
7. Hooper
8. Dempsey
9. Gordon
10. Mason/Harrison
11. Newsome
12. Moeroa
13. Foketi
14. Clark
15. Beale
16. Fitzpatrick 17. Faulkner 18. Talakai 19. Holloway/Staniforth 20. Harris 21. Short 22. Harrison/Mason 23. Nawaqanitawase
Others:
Rory O'Connor, Ryan McCauley, Pat Tafa, Carlo Tizzano, Andrew Tuala, Angus Bell, Ben Donaldson, Michael McDonald
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
Thanks for sharing those. Was interesting to listen to the heated debate about his time at Munster. I had read he tried to play an expansive NZ style game which didn't work with the Munster cattle. I think us and NZers play a much more similar style so hopefully he's more at home here. They did commend his work with the forwards, help to develop some world class players, which is good to hear as I've felt up front is where the Tahs have been lacking in recent years.
I'm a little more optomistic on this one. I don't think they went to market when Gibson got the role and having heard him talk about it, I think even he acknowledged that he maybe wasn't quite ready. This time around it sounds like they have done their homework and if this is the best of our options I'm willing to see how he goes. I do think we may need to reset expectations whilst we rebuild... but considering 2019 was only 6 wins to 10 losses and a lot of other Super clubs will also be rebuilding post RWC, I do hope that we don't do any worst.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Excellent front row, poor second row, excellent back row; questionable halves, fairly ordinary centres and outside backs.
Some really good talent coming through from the U20s, but will need a year or more to blossom. Harris, Harrison, Nawaqanitawase, Tafa, Tizzano, Bell, Donaldson, and McDonald will all make their mark on the game in due course.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
Add Donaldson to the 10 list. He can also play 15
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
I'd likewise heard that Tolu was off. I hope not, because that pack doesn't look too bad if he's still in the picture. It's not a 'bad' looking team overall. Still some Wallabies floating around (even those out of favour like Hanigan and/or Gorgon), but not that level/depth of some of our previous years.
I wouldn't mind if a AAC (Adam Ashley-Cooper) or Hunt stayed for that little extra experience in the team, but like you I suspect both will be off.
Finsbury Girl
Trevor Allan (34)
Yep Molman, I think he is lucky in that the bar is set fairly low.
I think it is worrying that @ Munster they basically reverted to type despite his efforts to change it.
Anyway I wish him the best (though not too much on derby day
)
I think it is worrying that @ Munster they basically reverted to type despite his efforts to change it.
Anyway I wish him the best (though not too much on derby day
)
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
I know you don't like Beale, but these 3 are pretty much the incumbents and did a pretty good job this year. I think their experience will have them looking good at the start of a new RWC cycle. Throw the upside of (the new) Alphabet in the mix and that's a really solid back three for Super level.
Also it's a bit early to judge Moeroa don't you think?
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
I think that is a little unfair. I'd say we have a fair second row. Simmons/Hanigan are decent lineout operators and both Hanigan and Staniforth have shown some good ability in the NRC... but yes, it is an area that we are maybe a little light on. As mentioned earlier Ryan McCauley needs a little more size to him - feel like his legs are bigger than the rest of him. I can't imagine the Brumbies will be quite the same in a post Arnold squad.
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
Froggy
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
Locks are interesting, despite BR not rating them. Hanigan actually goes pretty well at Super level, just, at this stage anyway, doesn't make the step up to test rugby. You've got Holloway, the best running lock at the Tahs, who will put pressure on those two, and of course in Simmons & Hanigan two of the best line-out jumpers in the country. The versatility of Holloway and Hanigan between lock and the back row make them handy when the inevitable injuries arise.
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Not trying to be harsh at all, but that's how I see them lining up against the other Aus Super teams. I can see that Nawa.. could well replace one of Clark or Newsome during 2020.
Can only judge Moeroa atm on the basis he is a leaguie. I think it's fair to say that Moetoa/Foketi looks a bit underwhelming compared with O'Connor/Petaia or Simone/Kuridrani.
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2019/10/02/super-rugby-waratahs-penney
Interesting article. So the new assistants will be from NSW system. Penny seems to want to work with the kids and build the Tahs up.
Apparently more money will be spent on coaching pathways.
Interesting article. So the new assistants will be from NSW system. Penny seems to want to work with the kids and build the Tahs up.
Apparently more money will be spent on coaching pathways.
Also says Tahs are still negotiating with Hunt
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
Hunt is still negotiating with the Tahs
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
The squad still hasn't been finalised. Hore said It's about 80% done so a few depth players will be needed
The locks are pretty weak. No enforcers. Simmons is the set piece general but Hanigan and Staniforth really don't strike fear in opponents.
That side lacks enforcers outside of Dempsey and Swinton.
The flyhalves are inexperienced for such an important position but hopefully will fire once they gain confidence.
I think Latu is gone. He is a good player on his day but one brain snap away from another lengthy stint on the sidelines.
Blackadder
Desmond Connor (43)
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...w-super-rugby-head-coach-20191002-p52wv7.html
And the new coach sees it the same way.
And the new coach sees it the same way.