Waratahs 2023

[Eyes and Ears]

Thank you @Eyes and Ears he was great.

Do you know if he’s playing/training with anyone in pre season?

Sorry I don't

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

 

[Lindommer]

Outstanding effort by Hanigan in the third Oz A game. But, he's not quite big enough to be a first rate second rower. Top lineout technician though.

Nice efforts by both Tahs wingers, Marky Mark (Nawaqanitawase)'s finally getting his defence sorted out while Pietsch's timing and interplay with others is delightful to watch.

If Foketi continues to improve and Bell, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes), Swinton and Perese return fit and healthy we're looking good for next year.

 

[Froggy]

I'm wondering about Swinton. I don't hear any news, but is it possible his injury is career-threatening. Either way, with Hooper, Gamble, Harris, Sinclair, Warren-Vosayaco and Gleeson we're pretty well set up for back-rowers (not to mention Hanigan and Holloway, each of whom can play in the back row).

 

[qwerty51]

It's a good of a squad since 2014. Might even be more talented, 2014 just had bigger, older, experienced guys in the tight 5.

 

[Derpus]

I'm wondering about Swinton. I don't hear any news, but is it possible his injury is career-threatening. Either way, with Hooper, Gamble, Harris, Sinclair, Warren-Vosayaco and Gleeson we're pretty well set up for back-rowers (not to mention Hanigan and Holloway, each of whom can play in the back row).

Nerve damage is career threatening.

 

[Braveheart81]

I'm wondering about Swinton. I don't hear any news, but is it possible his injury is career-threatening.

I believe he opted for surgery in the last couple of months after the injury didn't heal on its own. Hopefully he's now on the mend and can return next year.

 

[Rugby Head]

Bold statement here, I think the Tahs will be the best Aussie team next year.

 

[Dctarget]

Bold statement here, I think the Tahs will be the best Aussie team next year.

Don't think it's that bold, you've recruited amazingly well.

I think Beale will be surprisingly good. Backs do not goto Europe and look good. We never pick backs from Europe, always Japan. Except for Beale, he's managed to stand out, I reckon he'll go great.

 

[qwerty51]

Yeah hardly bold, will probably be shortest or equal with Brumbies with the bookies.

Were already #2 last year and should get better. Brumbies lost their coach, Simone, Sio, Fainga'a and Banks.

 

[Dctarget]

Yeah hardly bold, will probably be shortest or equal with Brumbies with the bookies.

Were already #2 last year and should get better. Brumbies lost their coach, Simone, Fainga'a and Banks.

+ Sio

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Brumbies consistency of squad will probably have them start of season favourites for me but by the end of the season it could swing.

This can be turned on it’s head by injury I know…

Getting guys back like HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) through the season will be a huge boost after a few rounds and some banged up bodies.

Wouldn’t write off the the Reds. While I’m not sure it’s the happiest of camps they have a ton of talent and pick ups like Luke Jones are pretty smart.

 

[qwerty51]

+ Sio

I keep forgetting him!

 

[KOB1987]

What are peoples thoughts on Angus Crichton? We know he is a free agent and I have it on good authority that a stint in rugby union is definitely on his bucket list.....not necessarily in Australia, but the Tahs, or any other franchise, would be mad not to have a crack wouldn’t they? For context he was the same Aus schools crop as Kellaway, Foketi, Dempsey, etc....getting on but not exactly past it.

 

[cyclopath]

I think the Tahs will be very competitive, but the real key will be injuries. The ability to absorb some injuries to key players and stay competitive is crucial.
On paper, the broader squad looks good. If Coleman has the trajectory moving on from last year it could be fun.
The Brumbies, of course, will be very solid. The Reds might get a better yield from their talent too so the Aus conference should be interesting.
Not writing off Force and Rebels but I must admit I am not across their squads as well.

 

[qwerty51]

What are peoples thoughts on Angus Crichton? We know he is a free agent and I have it on good authority that a stint in rugby union is definitely on his bucket list.....not necessarily in Australia, but the Tahs, or any other franchise, would be mad not to have a crack wouldn’t they? For context he was the same Aus schools crop as Kellaway, Foketi, Dempsey, etc....getting on but not exactly past it.

He's at the Roosters end of 2024 - he's leaving it kind of late.

 

[KOB1987]

He's at the Roosters end of 2024 - he's leaving it kind of late.

He is, the contract extension sounds pretty loose to me though. Even if he runs that out he will still only be 28 at the end of it. I’ll emphasise that from the conversation I had his motivation is not necessarily to play for the Wallabies, it’s to play pro rugby. It’s not like he’s a Willie Mason trying to be converted, he has a solid rugby background, given a bit of time he’d adapt pretty quickly in either the back row or the centres. If I was a Waratahs scout I’d at least be talking to him, and I’m not suggesting they haven’t. Money talks obviously.

 

[7137]

He is, the contract extension sounds pretty loose to me though. Even if he runs that out he will still only be 28 at the end of it. I’ll emphasise that from the conversation I had his motivation is not necessarily to play for the Wallabies, it’s to play pro rugby. It’s not like he’s a Willie Mason trying to be converted, he has a solid rugby background, given a bit of time he’d adapt pretty quickly in either the back row or the centres. If I was a Waratahs scout I’d at least be talking to him, and I’m not suggesting they haven’t. Money talks obviously.

I don’t think back row is where we should be looking to spend much money

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

What are peoples thoughts on Angus Crichton? We know he is a free agent and I have it on good authority that a stint in rugby union is definitely on his bucket list.....not necessarily in Australia, but the Tahs, or any other franchise, would be mad not to have a crack wouldn’t they? For context he was the same Aus schools crop as Kellaway, Foketi, Dempsey, etc....getting on but not exactly past it.

I think he’d be fantastic. Not sure if he has a spot to take at the Tahs considering how much he would cost but for Aus Rugby I’d love to see him playing somewhere and be eligible for Aus

 

[fatprop]

Don't need no Crichton, can't afford no Crichton