Waratahs 2026

[WoodysRFC]

That’s true but games v men make all the difference in development.

Finn has almost as many Champions cup and Tests as Tom has pro games. Learning how to deal with pressure and expectations is huge.

True, however, the shelacking the Reds handed out against Bristol would suggest that is a wee bit below the standard fully professional level. Hard to gauge sometimes, like comparing form at NPC level.

 

[Strewthcobber]

You see an alternate reality where Sione could have developed to his potential within the Australian system? You feel there is enough capacity and opportunity for all these players to reach their potential?

I don't really see why Len can get to his potentially but Sione couldn't?

ST spent most of his prime development years in Japan and came out of that ready to start in a test match after 6 matches in Scotland

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

True, however, the shelacking the Reds handed out against Bristol would suggest that is a wee bit below the standard fully professional level. Hard to gauge sometimes, like comparing form at NPC level.

Bristol’s A and youth squad. Didn’t they call up players from the local comp because they didn’t have enough. Bit of a nothing event/opposed run.

 

[WoodysRFC]

Bristol’s A and youth squad. Didn’t they call up players from the local comp because they didn’t have enough. Bit of a nothing event/opposed run.

Was odd really, considering their prioritising of a bit of a nothing event anyway. Perhaps there was less respect for the Reds than the Crusaders.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

One is definitely gonna put more bums on seats and you want to perform in front of a crowd.

Good for the Reds group training wise

 

[molman]

I don't really see why Len can get to his potentially but Sione couldn't?

ST spent most of his prime development years in Japan and came out of that ready to start in a test match after 6 matches in Scotland

So then it is a failure of Aussie Rugby to adequetely identify and target the right players? In cotrast to Ireland and Scotland with players like Sione and Mack who you also bring up, plugged or augment some of their lack of depth/talent in certain areas? I mean I know that wasn't entirely true for Mack from the offset, but once he'd shown his potential over there the conversations started to happen.

Personally I'm not sure I see a reality where Sione returns to say the Rebels from Japan and develops into the player he is now. Len's move down to play for the Vikings in the NRC set him on a path into the most successful and consistent Australian franchise with the Brumbies. Could Sione have developed into what he is now with exactly the same path as Len, sure.

Anyway, veering off the topic of the Waratahs. I know a lot of people are calling to pick and stick with Bowen. Have people seen enough to feel that he will evolve into the quality 10 we hope for? and what about Crieghton. What growth do people see in him?

 

[Froggy]

I see Creighton as a sound Super 10/15 without being spectacular, and hopefully I'm wrong but at 25 that may be all he's ever going to be. Bowen, as I said in my earlier posts, has plenty to work on, but from what I've seen and the fact he's only 21 suggests there is a fair bit more improvement to be had, and possibly a higher ceiling than Creighton. I could be proven wrong, but that how it looks to my, admittedly quite distant, eye.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

The Irish and Scottish systems have also taken a lot of guys in who haven’t worked. The local landscape ain’t great so they need to throw it at the wall and see what sticks. In Australia we only see the ones that stick. Michael McDonald went over with their interest and he’s back playing for Randwick now.

 

[molman]

I see Creighton as a sound Super 10/15 without being spectacular, and hopefully I'm wrong but at 25 that may be all he's ever going to be. Bowen, as I said in my earlier posts, has plenty to work on, but from what I've seen and the fact he's only 21 suggests there is a fair bit more improvement to be had, and possibly a higher ceiling than Creighton. I could be proven wrong, but that how it looks to my, admittedly quite distant, eye.

For me with a young 10 it's how they see space, their decision making and if they have the core skills at a suitable level. The accuracy and capacity to perform under pressure comes with time and experience, as does some refinement of the skills obviously, but I feel you always get a sense of if a 10 can really see the game or not fairly early on.

Bowen has potential. He always looked good at school boy level and performed pretty well in the unders Australian teams so hopefully he kicks on. Has a nice right to left pass which he often used to good effect.

Crieghton I've actually been a bit more impressed by than I thought I would be. I think he's benefiting for a bit more game time and obviously just a couple of years experience behind him. Agree on the assessment that he's not pushing for international honors yet, but I'm not sure Tane is a mile ahead of him and he's worn gold.

 

[molman]

The Irish and Scottish systems have also taken a lot of guys in who haven’t worked. The local landscape ain’t great so they need to throw it at the wall and see what sticks. In Australia we only see the ones that stick. Michael McDonald went over with their interest and he’s back playing for Randwick now.

Those clubs tend to have deeper squads, especially the Irish so you can test a few more players out. I think Lienster and Munster have about 5 scrum halves on the books at the moment, not to mention all their academy players etc. Easy enough to take punt on a possible future Gibson-Park.