Waratahs v Highlanders, Rd 1, Fri 14 6.35pm 2025

[Yoda]

This has been done to death but the principal reason why the Tahs ended up with so many former Rebels players is because Rugby Australia already had a liability to pay those Rebels contracts and the Tahs were the only team they had control over. So they let a lot of Waratahs players who were off contract leave because they already had financial commitments to other players they had to find a home for.

So yeah, RA made sure the Waratahs jettisoned as many existing players as possible so there weren't too many additional players contracted across the Australian teams in 2025 than there absolutely had to be.

Even with that, a bunch of players wanted to go to the Reds and were allowed to do so. My understanding is that RA is effectively paying for extra contracts in 2025 because of that.

Clearly the Waratahs team on paper in 2025 is substantially better than it was in 2024 because they have picked up several test players from the Rebels they otherwise wouldn't have (Tupou, Kailea, Leota). Kellaway and Lancaster were headed to the Waratahs regardless it seems.

I understand all that. They do have a Wallaby backline, front row and a very good side. Here’s hoping they can put it together. Light on in the second row is their only weakness imo. Are you a true blue Tah supporter or one who brushes them when they don’t win? Think that is what people don’t like about the Tahs. Other teams supporters are very passionate but loyal.

 

[TSR]

I think it’s safe to say Braveheart is a loyal fan.

 

[A mutterer]

In the perfect world, the Tahs feed off the hatred of other Australian rugby fans, so it looks like the year is going well so far...

The tahs don't strike me as having the same sith mentality that the saders have.

Having said that darth thor amd darth Bell would be a sight to behold.

 

[Braveheart81]

Are you a true blue Tah supporter or one who brushes them when they don’t win? Think that is what people don’t like about the Tahs. Other teams supporters are very passionate but loyal.

I've been a Waratahs member since 2008.

I would suggest that the core of the Waratahs fanbase is not dissimilar to the other teams. They keep coming back year after year almost regardless of how the team is performing.

The main difference in Sydney is the population size and that when the team is performing more fair-weather fans come out of the woodwork and start attending. Part of that is that the stadium members can access games for no additional charge and are more likely to attend when the team is doing well.

 

[Yoda]

I've been a Waratahs member since 2008.

I would suggest that the core of the Waratahs fanbase is not dissimilar to the other teams. They keep coming back year after year almost regardless of how the team is performing.

The main difference in Sydney is the population size and that when the team is performing more fair-weather fans come out of the woodwork and start attending. Part of that is that the stadium members can access games for no additional charge and are more likely to attend when the team is doing well.

Well… I know there are loyal fans but like you said due to population and SFS members there definitely seems more critics of the team.

 

[cyclopath]

Well… I know there are loyal fans but like you said due to population and SFS members there definitely seems more critics of the team.

I think there have been more critics of the team because they have chronically under-performed in Super Rugby. Plus, there are a lot of NRL teams in Sydney and among my wider group of friends, who pretty much all played rugby, most spend more time and money going to and / or watching NRL games or the Swans. They have voted with their feet and wallets.
I think the statement that other teams' fans are more passionate and loyal probably holds less water than you think. Actual game attendance numbers across Super Rugby are way down on those from 15-20 years ago.

 

[Braveheart81]

Well… I know there are loyal fans but like you said due to population and SFS members there definitely seems more critics of the team.

I'd argue that while frustrating it's better to have these fair-weather fans that complain a lot but then do start turning up when the team is going well. Compare that to the Brumbies who have consistently performed well and it doesn't really bring out more fans.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

The complaining also means they are still paying attention...

Funny how a lot of people who claim not to care anymore always bring up the losses when I'm at work although they are sure to give the old "forgot they exist" in Jan.

 

[Heavyd]

They should be hoping for 15k+ this Friday. Tahs win this they can expect 25k+ at their next one. if they win the next one, they can expect 30k+

Winning breads crowds.

 

[Froggy]

An objective look at this Tahs side would suggest they have a strong starting front row, but it weakens at THP when TT goes off, a below par second row and a pretty good backrow. In the backs I would suggest halves and centres are sound but no more, back three (assuming JAS is 15) are very strong.

 

[cyclopath]

They should be hoping for 15k+ this Friday. Tahs win this they can expect 25k+ at their next one. if they win the next one, they can expect 30k+

Winning breads crowds.

I think these numbers are somewhat of a hopecast. If they win, crowds will grow, but not that fast.
I don't think the Waratahs squad is demonstrably better than that of the Reds or Brumbies, for instance.
If we have 9-10 serious injuries like last year it won't make a difference!

 

[KOB1987]

 

[Sully]

View attachment 21060

Whoever the photographer is... These are terrible

 

[Sully]

Friday 14 February 7:35 pm AEDT – NSW Waratahs v Highlanders at Allianz Stadium, Sydney, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport and the Nine Network
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Hugh Sinclair, Miles Amatosero, Rob Leota, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Max Jorgensen, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i

Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Siosifa Amone, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Saula Ma’u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Lui Naeata, Sean Withy, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson, Sam Gilbert

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sefo Kautai, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Finn Hurley

Referee: Angus Gardner

Assistant Referees: Graham Cooper & Matt Kellahan

TMO: Ollie Kellett

 

[Crashy]

Tahs heavy favourite with the bookies - they really can't afford to fuck this one up. Lots of talent on paper. I'm really intrigued to see what they can produce.

Is $1.85 a heavy favourite?

 

[Braveheart81]

Four players

Is $1.85 a heavy favourite?

Tahs are paying $1.46 vs Highlanders $2.65. The line is 5.5.

Seems about right.

Implied odds are about 65/35.

 

[Heavyd]

I think these numbers are somewhat of a hopecast. If they win, crowds will grow, but not that fast.
I don't think the Waratahs squad is demonstrably better than that of the Reds or Brumbies, for instance.
If we have 9-10 serious injuries like last year it won't make a difference!

I’m an optimist. QLD and Brumbies better overall sides but my read is there is a ground swell of rugby followers desperate to re-engage. As for injuries, surely we cannot see a repeat of 2024 again.
A Waratahs win on Friday and I can easily see 25k+ against the Drua. If the weather holds they should get 20k Friday.

 

[cyclopath]

I’m an optimist. QLD and Brumbies better overall sides but my read is there is a ground swell of rugby followers desperate to re-engage. As for injuries, surely we cannot see a repeat of 2024 again.
A Waratahs win on Friday and I can easily see 25k+ against the Drua. If the weather holds they should get 20k Friday.

String together a few wins, and yes, crowds will build a bit. But we've been here before, so many times. I'm optimistic for the team, but that is tempered with a long memory of bitter disappointment!

 

[cyclopath]

Whoever the photographer is... These are terrible

I think they used the mug-shotter from Randwick cop-shop.

 

[Brumby Runner]

I think the Tahs will get this one. We keep hearing how young and inexperienced the Highlanders squad is this year, and the Tahs have quite a strong lineup. I also have confidence inthe ability of Dan McKellar to bring it all together with an emphasis on a strong set piece. I will be interested in watching how Langi Gleeson goes after being excluded from the Wallabies squad last month. He has been in excellent form in the trials and I think he has a bit to prove.

Tahs by 7 - 10.