Derpus
Nathan Sharpe (72)
Hes good at footy. He'll land on his feet whatever happens.
Waratahs 2022
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
molman
Jim Lenehan (48)
Do we have any insight to what is happening with Tizzano.. injury or other?.. was he on the Tahs squad page because he's dropped off if so? https://nsw.rugby/teams/nsw-waratahs
Was just curious to not see him get a run in either of the trial games... so assumed injured... but something more?
Yep I was maybe a little harsh and Harry will likely improve. I think this is why Valetini was preferred in 2021, he was tighter plus just that little bit better getting over the gain line. One thing for sure Aus have some quality in the back row at present.
alanpartridge
Frank Row (1)
A few observations from last night's trial:
1. Until his throwing deteriorated late in the first half, Tom Horton had a strong game both in tight and as a link player. DC seems to want to target the gap at the back of the lineout and Tom Horton did a great job of distributing into that channel. Horton's work at the breakdown was also good. I wouldn't be shocked to see Porecki starting and Horton on the bench, but DC might have plans for Horton/see something in him similar to what led to Rennie calling him into Wallabies camp in 2020.
2. Nick Chan seems to be a very special prospect. Great hands, super tough in defence and can hit a line.
3. Cridge looks good, and I imagine he'll start, but Jeremy Williams' development in the offseason has been terrific. In the trial games, he has made a real impact with his carries and in maul defence.
4. Picking the back three is a challenge but I'm willing to put my neck out and make a call! I've never been a huge fan of Newsome but he has played very well in the trials and looked good at 15. I think Ramm outplayed Turner this game - he has put on a lot of size and his boot is a real asset (which was well utilised). Pietsch has great footwork and his bump on JOC (James O'Connor) was tremendous. Those three are looking good. (I should also note that Funa has also been very impressive.)
5. Desperate to see Tizzano getting a run again although Gamble has been excellent.
6. Jed Holloway is playing some fantastic rugby especially in tight. His ability to wrestle in the tackle was a real asset last night. He also did some massive breakdown work.
7. I think it's too early to tell, but HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes)'s work at the scrum seems to have improved in the off-season. The real test will come in the season proper but interested to monitor.
8. Finally, Will Harris is looking very good.
1. Until his throwing deteriorated late in the first half, Tom Horton had a strong game both in tight and as a link player. DC seems to want to target the gap at the back of the lineout and Tom Horton did a great job of distributing into that channel. Horton's work at the breakdown was also good. I wouldn't be shocked to see Porecki starting and Horton on the bench, but DC might have plans for Horton/see something in him similar to what led to Rennie calling him into Wallabies camp in 2020.
2. Nick Chan seems to be a very special prospect. Great hands, super tough in defence and can hit a line.
3. Cridge looks good, and I imagine he'll start, but Jeremy Williams' development in the offseason has been terrific. In the trial games, he has made a real impact with his carries and in maul defence.
4. Picking the back three is a challenge but I'm willing to put my neck out and make a call! I've never been a huge fan of Newsome but he has played very well in the trials and looked good at 15. I think Ramm outplayed Turner this game - he has put on a lot of size and his boot is a real asset (which was well utilised). Pietsch has great footwork and his bump on JOC (James O'Connor) was tremendous. Those three are looking good. (I should also note that Funa has also been very impressive.)
5. Desperate to see Tizzano getting a run again although Gamble has been excellent.
6. Jed Holloway is playing some fantastic rugby especially in tight. His ability to wrestle in the tackle was a real asset last night. He also did some massive breakdown work.
7. I think it's too early to tell, but HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes)'s work at the scrum seems to have improved in the off-season. The real test will come in the season proper but interested to monitor.
8. Finally, Will Harris is looking very good.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
Good post. There was some derision on the match thread that some of us were taking too much out of a trial win, but the comments were not about winning a meaningless trial, rathet seeing improvement particularly in positions that we seemed to be lacking in last year. I'd also add that competition for 10 will be interesting when Harrison comes back because Donaldson and Edmed have been taking their chances
WorkingClassRugger
Michael Lynagh (62)
What's been encouraging for me is that's there appears to be a notable shift in attitude particularly around the contest from a physicality perspective. Players more willing to hit the contact with intensity and purpose that was lacking last season.
Lightblue
Arch Winning (36)
Yes. Not so much winning but improvement and attitude that seemed missing last year. Plus a better defensive game. Think you’ll find Harrison’s position is fullback this year as Edmed and Donaldson are true 10’s.
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
As said above, just a trial. My thoughts Gamble is a really good player, just seems to be everywhere. Our attack looked most promising early when the forwards were using short passes at the gain line, our ball was quicker at the breakdown. Ramm and Donaldson put in some massive clearance kicks. Swintons discipline is an aspect of his game that could be an issue, the big hit he put on just before his push and shove with Mafi seemed borderline with the use of arms, I’d have hoped he’d have addressed this in the offseason. Also our restarts need work, Queenslands kickoffs were landing just over the catching pod on the 1/4 line and in front of the player behind. Ours just seemed to be putting the ball in play and playing field position.
TSR
Andrew Slack (58)
I think most of us get that and, across the board, most of us want to see the Tahs take a big step forward this year.
Edit: having said that I’d love more banter between teams, not less whatever the motivation/rationale.
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Jimmy_Crouch
Peter Johnson (47)
Fml anyone who comments about Vosayaco playing 12 goes into the same category of people who comment that hooper isn't a 7 or people who use to rate Sam wykes. In the bin.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
After last night he might have to, not sure the tahs have any centres left standing.
Waterloo_Ned
Herbert Moran (7)
I am really excited to see Nick Chan. Best talent we have seen in a long time IMO.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
7137
Alex Ross (28)
Shoulder injury putting a hit on a Brumby the previous trial. Good hit, but a bit too much for a featherweight.
Lightblue
Arch Winning (36)
Aren’t we all ‘so called’ experts!!
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
What position does Nick chan play
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Trying to organise some mates to go. Should be good given tahs showed some promise in the trial and druas first game of super rugby making a special landmark.
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Ok it seems Chan is a centre…