Waratahs v Lions - 2011R14

[Shiggins]

If I was a waratah supporter I would be embarrassed and probably would have punched the shut out of the guy next too me booing. Not embarrassed with the team, embarrassed with the "supporters".

Has it became fashionable too boo them? Because it seams like it. Great game tahs. Good turnaround.

Go the force!!!!

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

With all the weeks focus on the lack of attacking flair, not much has been said about the quality of the Tahs defence last night.

In the first half the Lions had a lot of ball near the try line but could never get through, whereas they successfully spread it wider in the second only to be continually cut down by a very good scrambling effort by the Tahs.

My take on the lack of points by the Tahs in the second half was that they were too keen to spread the ball whenever the backs got it. Barnes didn't take on the defence all night and Carter lost his crash ball which made it easier for the Lion's defence to slide. Cross and his wingers seemed to be outnumbered everytime they got the ball.

The Tahs defence is something I've never criticised. It's always been good and won them some tight ones in the last few years. They were especially good when their line was being bombarded last night.

 

[rugbysmartarse]

I was worried at the ease the lions found good meters going 2 phashes left then one phase all the way back to the right to find lazy forwards on the wing. Douglas was guilty of it twice

 

[I like to watch]

The Tahs defence is something I've never criticised. It's always been good and won them some tight ones in the last few years. They were especially good when their line was being bombarded last night.

It is good, that's because the emphasis with the Tahs has been more about not losing than winning.

 

[Scarfman]

My prediction is that the Tahs come somewhere between 5th and 8th out of 15.

I don't really think that is good enough.

 

[Gnostic]

Absolutely Scarfie since on paper at the start of the year they were supposed by most to finish in the top 4. Given how they played in the first two rounds they were capable. Many will hold up injuries as the excuse of the moment by I will point out that every side has had its share of injuries and the Tahs have been better off than some who didn't even have the starting base the Tahs did.

All in all another year of under-performance.

 

[Richo]

The year ain't over yet. No need to write the obituaries before the body is cold.

 

[waratahjesus]

the tahs are only a win off being in second overall and two wins off being in first overall, for the injuries they have had they are actually doing pretty well.

but they play boring so they must be losing right?

 

[vidiot]

I agree - a good tour and they will have great momentum at the right end of the season. Now is the right time to be on the up.

 

[Scotty]

The tahs should have stuck to their guns and kicked the leather off the ball :fishing

Ultimately it was kicking that lead to their tries!

 

[Scarfman]

That was one of my problems with the win. If those grubber kicks hadn't come off we would be absolutely crucifying them for kicking the ball away in attacking positions.

 

[Scarfman]

the tahs are only a win off being in second overall and two wins off being in first overall, for the injuries they have had they are actually doing pretty well.

but they play boring so they must be losing right?

So, let's say I'm predicting 5th to 8th. You are predicting 1st to 4th. Want to make it interesting?

 

[DPK]

If

Cmon, Scarf, it seems like you're just looking for stuff to criticise. Seriously, it's a work in progress. It'll take more than one game to change things.

 

[Richo]

Let's not forget that the attacking rugby of the Reds we all love so much features a butt load of kicking. It's about intent, timing and execution, not how many kicks there.

 

[fatprop]

That was one of my problems with the win. If those grubber kicks hadn't come off we would be absolutely crucifying them for kicking the ball away in attacking positions.

Yeah, but to really stop the option the defenders need to employ an effective sweeper and that shortens the defensive line giving more options on the edges.

The other interesting thing that the Tahs do consistently is attack the blind and when they make a small break, that ties up the 15 or blindside winger, they chip over the top to where the blindside winger on the bottom of the ruck should be defending. Smart play, like the working over of the winger's position when he was in the bin on Saturday.

It is what really frustrates me about the Tahs they look so close at time to playing good smart football and then they go back into their shell

 

[Lindommer]

Most pundits, me included, believe defence is the best indicator of attitude and it is an area they cannot be faulted. Or if it can, then maybe Tony Rea's outburst is relevant to every team. We know it certainly is not.

It might be pertinent to point out here the Tahs have the best defence in Super Rugby at the moment, 189 points conceded. Stormers are next best with 198, the only two under 200.

 

[Lee Grant]

On Tom Kingston earlier in the thread:

He's going to be a fine player a few years down the track, most likely as a 13 where he has always played - at least every time I have seen him start a game before the Super season. It's best for him to begin his Super career on the wing, just as Horne did. Let him make his mistakes to learn from there, where the touch line can help him a bit - as Tahu had to be helped.

When a young back gets a Super contract we should not expect miracles. I may be wrong, but I suspect that Kingstons' first senior competition game, as a starter at least, was in R1 of the Shute Shield this year for Sydney Uni - at 13. Then he was put in cotton wool for the Tahs. One senior starting game!

I know, I know: if he's playing Super rugby he should be experienced enough but, let's not forget which country we live in, or come from. Alas, in this country we sometimes have to put up with the consequences of using Super rugby for young players to learn on the job.

 

[Rob42]

Am I right in thinking there was not a single attempt at goal from a penalty in this match?

Also, please note Grumbles Growden: Tah Man has found his ideal companion.

 

[waratahjesus]

So, let's say I'm predicting 5th to 8th. You are predicting 1st to 4th. Want to make it interesting?

i think you would find i didnt predict anything scarfie, i stated the tahs actually have a very good record and are in a very good position considering the run of injuries and reshuffling of the backline that has had to be done this season.

but i predict 6th.