Waratahs v Blues. Sydney.

[Godfrey]

As much as the Waratahs are the most idiot team playing these days, I have to agree that that looks like a pretty good lineup. I'm sure they will play like an old black and white tv though.

 

[Langthorne]

Waratahs changes in lineup in order of importance:

1. Palu - without his physical presence the forwards struggled to get the Force on the back foot
2. Baxter - has been very solid in the scrum and his work in tight has been very important (and sorely missed)

(without quality front foot ball from the forwards the backs cannot do much)

3. Horne - Faster and more skillful, can defend (as could Carter), and is a specialist 13. (Carter is a good 12)
4. Beale - Faster, more elusive, more unpredictable *, bigger kick. He can tackle, but it isn't his forte so it is good that he is in at fullback (he has come on at FB for the Tahs, played there for the OZ u20s, often played there in defence, though not always, at school)


*unpredictability can be a doubled edged sword (anyone remember Campese?), but I bet if you asked any opposition who they'd prefer to play it would be the predictable guy. The downside is that it can go fantastically well or...the other way. It is a risk I am happy to take



I have no complaints regarding the team selection. Thank you Mr Hickey. Dennis has proven himself to be up to the task, and when Mowen comes on I don't feel there will be any drop in standards.


Bring on the Blues!

 

[Blue]

Apparently Luke McAlister is making his come-back from a poor string on injuries this weekend. Unlucky for the Tahs cos i rate McAlister as one of the best inside centres around. Although he will most likely be starting from the bench.

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...ster-likely-for-bench-role-20100324-qurp.html

The centre pairing of McAlister and Ranger scares the hell out of me. If McAlister is on form, n Ranger keeps playing the way he is, its got the be the centre pairing of the super 14. Watch out Tahs!

Benson Stanley at 12 has been excellent. Very quick on his feet.

 

[Biffo]

Which Blues will you support, Blue?

 

[spectator]

It's the odd week isn't it, so the Tah's to have a blinder.

Some good selection changes there. Horne will find Ranger a handful but he defends that channel as well as anyone. Have to confess though, if I were the Tah's coach, this is the one week that I would be promoting safety first and keeping it tight.

 

[Hawko]

Spectator,

I believe you are on to something. I thought the Tah's played tough grafting rugby week1, explosive running rugby in week 3, slaughterhouse rugby week 5 and this is now week 7. I like it!

Not so good against the Cheetahs but we'll still win, great against the Crusaders to win, not so good for the bye, great against the Brumbies to win, not so good against the Highlanders but we'll still win, good against the Chiefs to win, and not so good against the Hurricanes but by then we'll be solidly stuck in the top 4. I love this theory!

 

[Moses]

Former greats and Tahs’ fans hit the SFS on Saturday



HSBC Waratahs fans will again have the opportunity to tread the hallowed turf of the Sydney Football Stadium this Saturday as well as seeing some of the former greats of the game hit the ground in a very special Golden Oldies curtain raiser.



‘Get on Tahs Turf’ will be back this Saturday following the clash against the Blues, however there will be much interest in the 5:55pm match between the Mark Ella-led Gentlemen of Sydney and Simon Poidevin’s Goulburn Fermented Reds.



Along with the big name captains, Glen Ella, Steve Talbot, Richard Tombs, Craig Heath, Dr John Best, Longy Nguyen, Johnny Lewis and Anthony Abrahams who made his Wallaby debut back in 1967, are amongst the 56 players named for the curtain raiser.



“When we spoke to the fans in the off-season one of the things they wanted was the opportunity to get on the field after the game,” said Mr L’Estrange. “The reality is that the SFS is extremely busy at this time of the year so we cannot always make it happen.



“But the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust have been great to work with on this initiative and when we asked to bring back ‘Get on Tahs Turf’ for the Blues game, they were only too happy to oblige.



“They also mentioned that one of the curtain raisers which held a lot of interest was seeing the former greats going around in the Golden Oldies. Last season they were preparing for the World Masters Games, and this year they are getting ready for the Golden Oldies World Rugby Festival in Sydney later this year.



“If last year’s match is anything to go by, it will probably start as a bit of fun before the competitive juices come flowing back and you can expect a fairly competitive hitout.”



Kicking off at 7:40pm, the Tahs-Blues clash overlaps with Earth Hour, and while little can be done with the Stadium lights due to the timing of the fixture, other initiatives are being taken to support the global campaign.



“We’ve always supported green initiatives and we’re absolutely behind Earth Hour,” said Mr L’Estrange. “Some of the major external lighting around the Stadium precinct will be switched off for Earth Hour, as well any other non-essential external lights around site.”



HSBC Waratahs v Blues Curtain Raiser

GENTLEMEN OF SYDNEY v GOULBURN FERMENTED REDS
Saturday 27 March 2010 (Kick-off: 5:55pm)
Sydney Football Stadium

Gentlemen of Sydney
1. Barry Kaye, 2. Ian Joliffe, 3. Mal McMartin, 4. Ian Cameron, 5. Jack Singleton, 6. David Hawkins, 7. Geoff Cook, 8. Steve Talbot, 9. Barrie Kennedy, 10. Mark Ella [c], 11. Jim Feggans, 12. Craig Heath, 13. Richard Tombs, 14. Sean Macken, 15. John Best, 16. Glen Ella, 17. Longy Nguyen, 18. Jamie Costello, 19. Dean Guberina, 20. Paul Kent, 21. Johnny Lewis, 22. John Blondin, 23. Ian Hay, 24. Mike Hogan, 25. Dave Cameron, 26. Wayne Richter, 27. John Miskell, 28. Gerry Horton.

Goulburn Fermented Reds
1. John Bell, 2. David Neal, 3. Owen Taylor, 4. Sam Tabner, 5. Dave Ellison, 6. Ian Gulson, 7. Simon Poidevin [c], 8. Sam White, 9. Shaun McKavanagh, 10. Matt Klem, 11. Bob Whitaker, 12. Steve Shepherd, 13. Campbell Boileau, 14. Garry Stephens, 15. Dean Thompson, 16. Ben Y Pearson, 17. Ben B Pearson, 18. David Anable, 19. Andrew McKenzie, 20. Matt O’Rourke, 21. Glenn Piazza, 22. Evan Dougall, 23. Billy Cooper, 24. Beau Croker, 25. Jake Bourne, 26. Joe Fitzgibbon, 27. Mark White, 28. Darryl Atkins.

 

[wamberal]

Does anybody know whether "Gentlemen of Sydney" number 5, Jack Singleton, is the son of the John Singleton (former Briars clubman, and advertising guru of this borough)?

 

[DPK]

Will there be a vintage ref? George Ayoub? :lmao:

 

[CanadianRugby]

Kurtley at fullback? I assume he had learned to tackle overnight...

Let me rephrase:

WHAT THE HELL IS HICKEY THINKING PUTTING A GUY WHO CANT DEFEND AT FULLBACK!?!?!?!?

Actually I bet KB (Kurtley Beale) doesn't get much time defensely at Fullback, just like the EOYT. When they are in the Blues half and hoping to counter attack, he'll be to recieve, but look for them to hide Beale and have Turner or Mitchell take the 15 spot when the ball gets closer to the half-way. I think its a good move because I just couldn't stand watching Anesi waste good counter-attack ball. The 'Tahs counter attack all year never seems to involve more than one runner. Maybe with someone who passes back there they can make a little more ground.

Also, agree with Mowen being a bad passer, but not a physical presence? I thought he was very determined and tough last year.

 

[waratahjesus]

exciting news, just watched the Fox Sports News report and in the background at training, not once but twice it shows a picture of eddie jones pointing and talking to Hickey, can anybody say DREAM TEAM

 

[TheRiddler]

exciting news, just watched the Fox Sports News report and in the background at training, not once but twice it shows a picture of eddie jones pointing and talking to Hickey, can anybody say DREAM TEAM

FFS! Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!! Surely not even the NSWRU would be that crazy? Oh hang on, wait a minute.......

SMH reporting this morning that Jones was also seen loitering with intent at the Brumbies game. Perhaps he is looking for a new role outside of Japan. As long as its not with the Tahs, I dont really care.

 

[Moses]

All the information you need to know when attending Saturday night’s clash between the HSBC Waratahs and the Blues at the Sydney Football Stadium, including the curtain raiser team lists for Mark Ella’s Gentlemen of Sydney and Simon Poidevin’s Goulburn Fermented Reds.



Don’t forget – junior registered players in FREE and fans on field after the game... see you there!



KEY TIMES

4:15pm Venue Box Office opens
4:45pm Gates open / Tah Bar opens
5:00pm HSBC Free Kick Clinic
5:55pm Golden Oldies – Gentlemen of Sydney v Goulburn Fermented Reds
6:35pm Mini Rugby (U10) – Kiama & Woonona Shamrocks; Walla Rugby (U8) – Bowral & Camden
7:40pm HSBC Waratahs v Blues

Full-time Get on Tahs Turf (after second siren)



MATCH DAY ACTIVITIES

FREE Get on Tahs Turf – Your chance to get on the SFS after full-time

FREE Entry for Junior Registered Players – Junior players get in free with a paying adult (see below)

FREE Tah Bar – Open from 4:45pm. New venue in 2010: SCG Members Pavilion, Level 2 Champagne Bar
FREE Banner Competition – The best banner will win a match ball signed by both captains
FREE HSBC Flash for Cash – Get your free banner on the way in for the half-time competition
FREE HSBC Green Screen – Stadium Forecourt; get photographed as an HSBC Waratah
FREE Facepainting – Get blue: Show you’re proud to be Tah’d
Charity Cap – Purchase a cap at the Stadium Store to raise money for Cerebral Palsy
Match Program – 50c from each program raises money for Cerebral Palsy



TICKET INFORMATION

Category 1: Adult $58, Junior $38, Concession $46
Category 2: Adult $44, Junior $28, Concession $35, Family $116
Category 3: Adult $32, Junior $21, Concession $26, Family $85
Category 4: Adult $20, Junior $13, Concession $16, Family $53

Junior: 4-15 years
Concession: Full time tertiary student, pensioners (aged/TPI/War Service widow)
Family: 2 Adults and 2 Juniors OR 1 Adult & 3 Juniors



Free Junior Player Ticket Offer: http://www.nswrugby.com.au/TicketsEvents/FreeJuniorTicketOffer/FreeJuniorTicketOffer.aspx





TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Road Information

Special Event Clearways will be in operation between midday and midnight at the following locations:
• Cleveland Street between City Road and Anzac Parade
• Flinders Street between Albion Street and Moore Park Road (eastern side)
• Fitzroy Street between South Dowling Street and Bourke Street
• Foveaux Street between Bourke Street and Crown Street (northern side)
• Lang Road between Cook Road and Anzac Parade
• Moore Park Road between Anzac Parade and Poate Road (southern side)
• Moore Park Road between Flinders Street and Driver Avenue (northern side)



Parking Information

MP2 (formerly Kippax Park Car Park) – Entry via northern end of Driver Ave
MP3 (formerly Moore Park Car Park) – Entry via southern end of Driver Ave
Entertainment Quarter Car Park – Entry via Lang Road



* Times may vary at the discretion of NSW Police in order to manage traffic most effectively



Bus Information
To the Sydney Football Stadium

From Central Station – Route 1 from Chalmers Street

From Circular Quay – Route 3 from Young Street
From Castle Hill – Route 15A [HillsBus]

From Dural – Route 18 [HillsBus]



From Sydney Football Stadium

To Central Station – Route 1 (Stand A Bays 1-2)
To Circular Quay – Route 3 (Stand B Bay 5)
To Castle Hill – Route 15A [HillsBus]

To Dural – Route 18 [HillsBus]



Taxi Information

Taxi rank is located in Errol Flynn Boulevard, The Entertainment Quarter (near the Hordern Pavilion).



More travel information

Transport Infoline www.131500.com.au

HillsBus www.yourbus.com.au/DownloadDocument.ashx?DocumentID=150
RTA www.rta.nsw.gov.au
Sydney Cricket & Sports Ground Trust www.scgt.nsw.gov.au

 

[Spook]

Massive game for Horne. If he can contain Ranger and play well, he'll be putting his hand up for the Wallaby 13 jersey which is available.

 

[Ash]

Eddie Jones has a great analytical mind. The secret is to keep him the hell away from the players and press. White knew the score.

 

[Blue]

Which Blues will you support, Blue?

Ah there's only one blue you know that.

I want the Waratahs to win, and well, but I have a bad feeling. The Blues backline is starting to look awesome and I think they will win. Their forwards haven't been great, but good enough.

 

[Hawko]

The Blues front row were given a scrummaging lesson last week by the Aussie reserve scrum. A repeat performance like last week against Benny, TPN and Baxter will get pretty ugly for them.

The Blues tight five are vulnerable; this is where they have to be attacked on all levels for the Tahs to win. The wonder backline won't look so good if they are getting bad ball going backwards.

 

[Cutter]

I like the changes. Happy with Dennis at 6.

Eddie Jones' greatest skills are, oddly enough for a former hooker, running lines and moves for the backs. Coincidentally, that is just what the tahs are struggling with.

 

[disco]

[The big question is how Rene Ranger is up against two pretty handy (though slender) blokes on defence: Barnes inside shoulder, Horne outside shoulder... /quote]

Horne is a very good defender as is Carter, I hope Horne not only does his job in defence but also gets good ball to test Ranger in defence.

Ranger likes the big hit but I'm not sure how well he reads the game I hope that tahs run plenty of plays with decoys in his direction.

 

[Pfitzy]

exciting news, just watched the Fox Sports News report and in the background at training, not once but twice it shows a picture of eddie jones pointing and talking to Hickey, can anybody say DREAM TEAM

By DREAM TEAM you mean UTTER FUCKING NIGHTMARE. This is the same Eddie Jones who says the World Cup will probably come too early for the Wallabies. He might be right, but since he lost the job he's done nothing but criticise and use his shitty stats to try and back that up. e.g. from the article:

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/u...n-for-wallabies-says-jones-20100325-r010.html

'You have all these good young players coming through. Look at this Waratahs [squad with] the average age of 23. Now, they are going to be at their best when their average age is 27. I'd imagine at Super 14 you probably need an average age of 27 and an average 40 caps per player.

Yes Eddie. I'd imagine you're full of shit, and besides two decent games at RWC2003, what have you got?