Waratahs v Crusaders

[Lindommer]

Righto, let's have a head count. Who's going?

 

[Pfitzy]

Affirmative.

 

[Moses]

Aye

 

[Scarfman]

Negativo.

 

[fatprop]

Nup, I don't do Homebush except for Bled games and only then under sufferance.

Timana Tahu benched, Al Baxter to get 100th cap for Waratahs

By Adrian Warren
March 18, 2009

Wallabies centre Timana Tahu has been relegated to the bench and Test prop Al Baxter is set to break an appearance record for the New South Wales Waratahs in their Super 14 match against the Crusaders.

Tahu has been replaced at inside centre by Tom Carter, although Waratahs coach Chris Hickey suggested it was more a horses for courses situation than a question of form.

"We've tended to move between Timana and Tom depending on what we think suits the occasion and we think Tom might give us what we need early on against the Crusaders," Hickey said.

In the only change to the starting side, Baxter returns from a calf muscle injury, with Dan Palmer dropping back to the bench.

Baxter will become the first front rower to tally 100 caps for NSW and will also surpass contemporary Matt Dunning as the most capped Waratahs prop.

"If last week was a final we probably would've played Al, but there is still a long way to go in the competition so we decided to give him the extra week to recover," Hickey said.

The only other change to the squad which lost to the Brumbies in Canberra sees 2007 Australian Schools captain Damien Fitzpatrick named on the bench for ha possible NSW debut.

Fitzpatrick replaces Wallabies rake Adam Freier who underwent surgery on Tuesday on a season-ending torn bicep.

NSW, who suffered their first loss last week to the Brumbies, are currently in second place while reigning champions the Crusaders are down in 11th spot, having won just once.

AAP


Sam Norton-Knight;
Lachie Turner,
Rob Horne,
Tom Carter,
Lote Tuqiri;
Kurtley Beale;
Luke Burgess;
Wycliff Palu,
Phil Waugh (captain),
Dean Mumm;
Will Caldwell,
Chris Thomson;
Al Baxter,
Tatafu Polota-Nau,
Benn Robinson.

Replacements:
Damien Fitzpatrick,
Dan Palmer,
Luke Doherty,
Ben Mowen,
Brett Sheehan,
Daniel Halangahu,
Timana Tahu.

 

[Pfitzy]

I'm mainly going because its an historical event: the first and last time the Tahs are likely to play at Homebush, given the appalling crowd that is likely to turn up, most of whom will likely be Kiwis. South Island, banjo-playing, sister-slamming Kiwis at that... :nta:

Where are we meeting then? Novotel before the game? I want to get there to see at least part of Uni taking on Brisbane Easts...

 

[fatprop]

The game is looking better. The best banjo playing club side in Brisbane is coming down to play Sydney Uni as the lead up.

 

[Scarfman]

I remember watching a John Eales-led UQ thrash Randwick a few years back. Is hate week back on? Can anyone here bear to support Uni?

 

[Lindommer]

I remember watching a John Eales-led UQ thrash Randwick a few years back. Is hate week back on? Can anyone here bear to support Uni?

Didn't Nobody play for Brothers? Good point about Uni, Scarfie. Yeah, hate week's back on: I hate both of 'em.

 

[Pfitzy]

I will be supporting the stretcher bearers.

 

[Scarfman]

Didn't Nobody play for Brothers? Good point about Uni, Scarfie. Yeah, hate week's back on: I hate both of 'em.

I think you're right. Must be conflating two Club Championship games.

 

[Spook]

Tahs by 10.

 

[Scarfman]

How's this for tipping: how will the halves-centres go for the Tahs? Shithouse, sort of ok, or finally getting it together? I like Carter at 12 and Tahu on the bench, so I'll say sort of ok.

 

[fatprop]

How's this for tipping: how will the halves-centres go for the Tahs? Shithouse, sort of ok, or finally getting it together? I like Carter at 12 and Tahu on the bench, so I'll say sort of ok.

Listening to Link on Ruggamatrix, he says that Carter helps Beale through his solid defence and the way he can take pressure him in attack.

 

[Lindommer]

Is 5:00pm in the Brewery Bar underneath the Novotel too early? I'd like to have a beer or two before watching the curtain raiser.

 

[spectator]

I fear that the curtain raiser might disappoint. Sydney Uni will probably win in a canter although I hope I'm wrong.

For Easts Andrew Walker is at 10 and a lot will hinge on his form. Curtis Franks, the half played off the bench for the Qld B side, but apart from those two there is no one of note.

I look forward to a match report.

 

[Pfitzy]

Won't be able to make it before 5 Lindo as my lift is running a bit late.

 

[rugbywhisperer]

Just a thought and I know this is way out of left field - have the Tah's ever considered ever actually training as a team. After watching the firast half against the Saders I think that would be really beneficial.

 

[Pfitzy]

I agree. Just back from the game and I want to claw my fucking eyes out they were so abominable. So many tryscoring opportunities blown through lack of basic skills.

Good thing the Offsaders' backs dropped a few pills too or we wouldn't have even had the bonus point - or deserved it. Their support lines and simple skill execution was generally miles ahead of the Tahs when it counted i.e. near the tryline. They'll walk away wondering how they got 4 points.

 

[Pfitzy]

Oh, and our blokes were mentally soft, lacking in prowess at the defensive lineout, and just too loose. At least the scrum was still good once Pillock figured out Crockett was shit.