Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
I think there may be traction issues. Unless he gets a bionic replacement
Waratahs 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Yeah I noticed that, happy to own that. A couple of caveats though - the 19.33m was probably the 2 carries I mentioned, and he also appears in the bad stats, no doubt the knock on I referred to is in that also, along with his 3 turnovers. I don’t mind him at all as a player, but note it’s largely loosies that show up in the forward stats, usually the way. If you go to the trouble of looking at all the stats you’ll see that Hooper carried 9 times v Gambles 6, for not quite as many overall metres, but passed 6 times v Gambles 2, and was 11/13 in the tackle success. As you declare stats aren’t everything and a marginal ‘beat’ can make a player shine brighter than he actually was. However, your point was he wasn’t quiet and I’ll admit he was busier than I noticed.
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Just need the old steel caps with a few 22mm up front, right?
HogansHeros
Bob Loudon (25)
Yeah all valid points. Hooper certainly is a legend and for good reason.
The Ghost of Raelene
Steve Williams (59)
Speculation for this weeks team? I don't think there will be many that haven't been forced (Bell)
I think the starting backline will remain the same. I'd be bringing in Gleeson into the backrow an probably play him at 8 and shift Gamble to 6. Same makeup of the backrow from last game but Gleeson has more ability at the back of the scrum in my opinion.
I'm still a Latu fan and wouldn't mind him in the team. To me (very unprofessional) Porecki looked to get a head knock in the last game that was brushed off. He has history so hopefully he's ok.
I think the starting backline will remain the same. I'd be bringing in Gleeson into the backrow an probably play him at 8 and shift Gamble to 6. Same makeup of the backrow from last game but Gleeson has more ability at the back of the scrum in my opinion.
I'm still a Latu fan and wouldn't mind him in the team. To me (very unprofessional) Porecki looked to get a head knock in the last game that was brushed off. He has history so hopefully he's ok.
Marce
Greg Davis (50)
F*****ck
Losing Bell is an absolute hammer blow on the season.
I wonder if there will be any desire of moving HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) back to the loosehead side? Holz had a shocker at scrum time but was really good last year and likewise Faulkner could get the starting THP gig next week. With Harry's versatility, maybe we try and get out best two props on the field at the same time?
I was really impressed with Lambert's debut though. He was particularly good around the park.
It's going to be a struggle without Bell though.
Will Harris had a poor cameo off the bench. He's a big motor kind of player though so certainly seems like a better option as a starter than as an impact player.
I wonder if there will be any desire of moving HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) back to the loosehead side? Holz had a shocker at scrum time but was really good last year and likewise Faulkner could get the starting THP gig next week. With Harry's versatility, maybe we try and get out best two props on the field at the same time?
I was really impressed with Lambert's debut though. He was particularly good around the park.
It's going to be a struggle without Bell though.
Will Harris had a poor cameo off the bench. He's a big motor kind of player though so certainly seems like a better option as a starter than as an impact player.
Lightblue
Arch Winning (36)
Agree. Belly is a huge loss and Harris definitely needs to start at 8. He is also fast for a big man.
It's a challenge though.
Hooper and Gamble were both good and Gleeson had lots of impact off the bench.
I'm not sure I can easily fit Harris in.
The Ghost of Raelene
Steve Williams (59)
I know it's early in the season, but I wonder when any scheduled rests may be pencilled in.
The Tahs at least have the ability to play Gamble at 7 if Hoopers having a week off and get Gleeson/Harris into the starting side
The Tahs at least have the ability to play Gamble at 7 if Hoopers having a week off and get Gleeson/Harris into the starting side
How many players do the Tahs have to rest for the three games though?
Porecki
Holloway
Hooper
Gordon
I'd assume that is it.
Porecki
Holloway
Hooper
Gordon
I'd assume that is it.
Lambert did well too
Running_rugby_1954
Alex Ross (28)
Lambert is a great pick up. He can do the job that Bell does around the park too. He has been doing really well overseas the last couple of years.
The Ghost of Raelene
Steve Williams (59)
True. Might depend on any preliminary squads Eddie might pick. Foketi and Perese are a chance as well and both have a history of injury or at least niggles for Foketi.
Drew
Bob Davidson (42)
Like the old refs boots that looked like they were 40 years old and could convert to be hobnailed mountain boots? They could certainly toe poke a wet leather footy for miles with them (apparently, bit before my time).
But With the amount of archilles injuries going around, I wouldn’t mind seeing tight 5 player’s revert back to the high cut ankle boots. More support for the injured area.
Last edited:
Maybe there will be a lower number for these guys but players who are not close to certain selections for the RWC squad aren't going to be asked to sit out three games.
The Ghost of Raelene
Steve Williams (59)
High ankle boots won't save you from an Achillies tear unfortunately. When it originates in your Calf and attaches at your Heel. They could help from the infamous Syndesmosis but you would also find most players have their ankles strapped like they are in casts below the socks already.
As the players get stronger and faster this causes an injury to part of the body like that.
As the players get stronger and faster this causes an injury to part of the body like that.
Froggy
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I think Faulkner needs to start at THP, I think Holtz is a great prospect, but scrummaging needs to improve before he's a starter. I would be very inclined to start a front row of Lambert, Porecki and Faulkner, with Latu, Latu and Holtz on the bench.
I would also start Gleeson at 8, Gamble on the bench, 5/3 bench and leave Harris out. I would have Bowen on the bench to see how he goes with 20 minutes at this level, he's a creative 10, as I don't see a whole lot more than solid out of Edmed. Another thing I would be doing is giving Goddard some game time.
I would also start Gleeson at 8, Gamble on the bench, 5/3 bench and leave Harris out. I would have Bowen on the bench to see how he goes with 20 minutes at this level, he's a creative 10, as I don't see a whole lot more than solid out of Edmed. Another thing I would be doing is giving Goddard some game time.