Waratahs 2022

[Pass it to Dunning!]

All this talk of Mack Hansen is kinda ridiculous. Did anybody talk about him being a great talent before he went to Ireland? He was kept on the bench at the Brumbies by Tom Banks, who despite his Wallaby caps isn't that great. If nobody had said anything, would we have noticed Mack Hansen left Super Rugby?

I don't think Hansen is as great as Donaldson could pan out to be.

 

[RugbyReg]

How is it a failing of the coaches?

It was obvious to everyone last year that they were a young squad who lost their heads and composure at times, a senior player like this could add value to the team in that regard.

If he was on the field. A 35 year old Jamie Roberts should not be good enough to play for the Waratahs. If it’s off field guidance needed, then that’s what coaches are for.

 

[Pfitzy]

Yep, makes sense. But imagine the outrage when the Tahs pick up a young star from another franchise?

We already do that!

 

[TSR]

All this talk of Mack Hansen is kinda ridiculous. Did anybody talk about him being a great talent before he went to Ireland? He was kept on the bench at the Brumbies by Tom Banks, who despite his Wallaby caps isn't that great. If nobody had said anything, would we have noticed Mack Hansen left Super Rugby?

I don't think Hansen is as great as Donaldson could pan out to be.

Well, personally I believe he is better than Banks and said as much several times. I think he should have been Brumbies first choice 15.

But the Brumbies coaches, and almost everyone else as far as I can see, thought otherwise.

In any case, it doesn’t make the Tahs responsible for his loss and he certainly isn’t an irreplaceable player in the Australian rugby landscape.

 

[Lightblue]

If he was on the field. A 35 year old Jamie Roberts should not be good enough to play for the Waratahs. If it’s off field guidance needed, then that’s what coaches are for.

I don’t know what sort of form Roberts is at but a 36 year old Johnny Sexton is still good enough to play for Ireland. .... and the Waratahs are not Ireland. I think it is a good signing as a back up and his experience will help the young squad.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

He wouldn’t be in my starting XV. If the young guys need a mentor that bad then it’s a failing of the coaching squad.

Yeh well the tahs where they are need a player like Robert’s imo. Given wing stocks a little weak it may make sense to move perese to the wing and have Foketi and Roberts in the centres. To my mind Roberts would be in the 23 at least and having more experienced player like him in the 23 would make sense at this point. I think it is more the need for more experienced players is the need given lot of less experienced players in the backline, pro rugby wise.

 

[Adam84]

If he was on the field. A 35 year old Jamie Roberts should not be good enough to play for the Waratahs. If it’s off field guidance needed, then that’s what coaches are for.

Is he not good enough because he is 35, or based on what you’ve seen of him this season?

if his role is injury cover and coming off the bench, I think he would be quality experience in the backline in closing out matches.

i also think there can be off-field benefits in having highly experienced players around the team, beyond what the coaches offer.

 

[RugbyReg]

Ok. Some fair points made. I’ll retract my opinions. I guess any injury to one further centre and Roberts will be needed.

I also note he’s a doctor isn’t he? Any additional support for the NSW health care system should be welcomed.

 

[Pfitzy]

I also note he’s a doctor isn’t he? Any additional support for the NSW health care system should be welcomed.

Wilcannia needs a doctor.

 

[Jamie]

The article has been pulled from the SMH, maybe he is not coming after all

 

[TSR]

Didn’t I read his partner is Australian? Maybe the Tahs are playing the long game.

 

[Dctarget]

Did Roberts play for the stormers last season?

 

[fatprop]

SMH reporting that former Wale and BIL centre, Jamie Roberts is joining Tahs to cover Joey Walton who is out with a season-ending knee injury.

Veteran Wales, Lions centre set to join Waratahs

A barnstorming ball carrier at the height of his career, British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts is on the verge of being recruited by the Waratahs.

www.smh.com.au

Just no, you give another kid an opportunity or sign a dominant, experienced starter - he ain't either anymore

 

[Derpus]

It is kind of shit we don't have a New South Welshman ready to take the opportunity afforded by injury and instead need a retiree.

 

[upthereds#!]

What? That’s a memory of convenience I reckon.

I think most personal opinions and memories would be. But it's mine.

Worth wasn't better, Campbell wasn't better, Maddocks wasn't better.

 

[upthereds#!]

Just no, you give another kid an opportunity or sign a dominant, experienced starter - he ain't either anymore

Already got enough kids and can't afford a current dominant starter.

 

[Wilson]

Ok. Some fair points made. I’ll retract my opinions. I guess any injury to one further centre and Roberts will be needed.

I also note he’s a doctor isn’t he? Any additional support for the NSW health care system should be welcomed.

When Perese cops a 6 week ban in round 1 the signing will pay off immediately.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

The article has been pulled from the SMH, maybe he is not coming after all

Not reported yet on rugby.com.au so may well be the case of a red herring

 

[Jimmy_Crouch]

It is not like they chased the bloke. He fell into their lap. Surely, having someone with 100 odd test caps it worthwhile having around a young squad.

 

[John S]

Sure in an ideal world you'd go for local talent where available, but I don't think this is the end of the world, and I reckon if the local talent had been knocking the door down, they'd have been picked.