Waratahs 2020

[Blackadder]

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...w-super-rugby-head-coach-20191002-p52wv7.html



And the new coach sees it the same way.

Article also says Latu is gone

 

[KOB1987]

Article also says Latu is gone

Georgina says it yes. Reading between the lines I reckon Stade made a lowball offer after the DUI incident, but nothing has really been said since. As BH points out, he’s now the front runner for the wallabies #2 gig and probably in line for a top up. That might keep him here with any luck.

 

[molman]

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.

You've got to imagine with Foley, Folau, Phipps, Rona, Kepu etc.. all off the books there is some coin free'd up to secure some players. I'm just unsure of who in oz of note is really floating around off contract that you'd go after or would they go for some imports?.. or even any aussie talent abroad to be brought home al White, To'omua and JOC (James O'Connor)?

He mentions a robust front rower, foward pack player and an outside back of class. So at least three spots it sounds like they are keen to fill with some class. Curious if people have any names?

Wasn't there one of the Argentinan's that Ledesma thought would enjoy playing in Sydney AU?

 

[molman]

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...w-super-rugby-head-coach-20191002-p52wv7.html

And the new coach sees it the same way.

I found this line in the article interesting

"We did have a path we were going to go down, which was about development from within. But that was removed from us, so like any tactical game play, we have had to adapt. But the outcome is still the same,"

Seemed like they were seriously looking at Simon Cron potentially moving into the HC role. I know Morgan Turinui has been a little critical of Cron having been ready for such a step up.

 

[molman]

Hunt is still negotiating with the Tahs

You got some insider knowledge. I appreciate that Hunt has had some personal challenges, but I liked how he gave it his all and the Gordon boys had good things to say about him so I'd be happy to see him still around next year.

 

[Blackadder]

You got some insider knowledge. I appreciate that Hunt has had some personal challenges, but I liked how he gave it his all and the Gordon boys had good things to say about him so I'd be happy to see him still around next year.

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2019/10/02/super-rugby-waratahs-penney​

re Hunt still negotiating with Tahs

 

[Blackadder]

I found this line in the article interesting







Seemed like they were seriously looking at Simon Cron potentially moving into the HC role. I know Morgan Turinui has been a little critical of Cron having been ready for such a step up.

When Gibson got another season before a ball was kicked this season (Don't get me started) Cron could see that the Tahs were not seeing him as head coach straight away and he saw an opportunity overseas and he took it. I hope Cron develops overseas and comes back to be a head coach in Super rugby buy I no longer think it will be at the Tahs.

 

[molman]

https://www.rugby.com.au/news/2019/10/02/super-rugby-waratahs-penney​

re Hunt still negotiating with Tahs

Ah, read it too quickly. Missed the line about Hunt. Tah.

 

[The Honey Badger]

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

Handy enough, especially the Forwards.

Think that is way ahead of what Thorn inherited at Reds.

 

[Lindommer]

That's about the best XV the Tahs can put on the paddock but we still need a coupla big second rowers. Holloway did a superb job filling in at 5 in the latter half of the season, however, I'd prefer a lock to have a bit more size and grunt.

 

[fatprop]

When Gibson got another season before a ball was kicked this season (Don't get me started) Cron could see that the Tahs were not seeing him as head coach straight away and he saw an opportunity overseas and he took it. I hope Cron develops overseas and comes back to be a head coach in Super rugby buy I no longer think it will be at the Tahs.

I don't think there was any evidence Cron had the experience to step into a Super Rugby head coach role in 2020, we have just watched a guy learn on the job, why would we want to that again so soon?

 

[Strewthcobber]

61 applicants, 12 on the short list, 2 coaches interviews.

 

[fatprop]

That's about the best XV the Tahs can put on the paddock but we still need a coupla big second rowers. Holloway did a superb job filling in at 5 in the latter half of the season, however, I'd prefer a lock to have a bit more size and grunt.

Simmons will be the lynch pin, we will budget contributions from the rest 2 fill the 160 minutes

 

[Braveheart81]

When Gibson got another season before a ball was kicked this season (Don't get me started) Cron could see that the Tahs were not seeing him as head coach straight away and he saw an opportunity overseas and he took it. I hope Cron develops overseas and comes back to be a head coach in Super rugby buy I no longer think it will be at the Tahs.

Now that Penney has been signed I think the Tahs have ended up in a stronger overall position.

Cron was absolutely destined to take over as head coach in 2021. He left and then Gibson resigned and we were left in a complete mess. I don't think Cron was ready to take over for 2020.

I think there is a strong chance Cron will be back at the Waratahs in the future.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...w-super-rugby-head-coach-20191002-p52wv7.html

And the new coach sees it the same way.

Those desired signings are pretty obvious but I'm really not sure who we're going to find to fill those roles for 2020. I think more options are likely to be on the table for 2021.

 

[eastman]

Excellent front row, poor second row, excellent back row; questionable halves, fairly ordinary centres and outside backs.

​

I think that's a reasonable take on the squad. I'm not sure how we are going to score points- I can't see a decent workrate being enough to wear down the opposition​

 

[molman]

Those desired signings are pretty obvious but I'm really not sure who we're going to find to fill those roles for 2020. I think more options are likely to be on the table for 2021.

That's the big question mark. Who is out there? Most of the aussie big names are either locked in or confirmed heading aboard post RWC. I don't know if any of the aussie players overseas are available... someone like a Sean McMahon who I believe is recovering from injury, is he still locked down for Suntory? or Fardy perhaps wanting to see some more sunshine? or Liam Gill? Wasn't there some rumblings of someone like Billy Meekes heading north? is he locked down for the Rebels?

 

[Braveheart81]

That's the big question mark. Who is out there? Most of the aussie big names are either locked in or confirmed heading aboard post RWC. I don't know if any of the aussie players overseas are available. someone like a Sean McMahon who I believe is recovering from injury, is he still locked down for Suntory? or Fardy perhaps wanting to see some more sunshine? or Liam Gill? Wasn't there some rumblings of someone like Billy Meekes heading north? is he locked down for the Rebels?

The issue is none of these players would actually fit into the side. We are already overstocked on backrowers and will have one or two specialist backrowers playing lock in our best 23 (Hanigan and/or Holloway).

Meakes would have been a pretty good recruit for 12 but we signed Moeroa (who will hopefully make a real impact). We don't need him now.

 

[molman]

The issue is none of these players would actually fit into the side. We are already overstocked on backrowers and will have one or two specialist backrowers playing lock in our best 23 (Hanigan and/or Holloway).

Meakes would have been a pretty good recruit for 12 but we signed Moeroa (who will hopefully make a real impact). We don't need him now.

Yeah... I know. It's just my wish list of some players I'd like to see back in Australian rugby ... the point was more who is out there for this forward, lock, outside back we need?

Saw Rebels just signed Cameron Orr and Ruan Smith... their squad is really starting to look good again.

 

[Up the Guts]

The pack's decent, I'm actually more underwhelmed by the wingers than any other position. As we saw when we had Taqele and Folau, you can basically make the finals on the strength of your outside backs alone. Unless Tepai delivers, I'm not sure where our strike power is coming in the backline. Kurtley maybe.

 

[Dctarget]

the new alphabet kid from the u20s has big wraps on him.