1. Paddy Ryan v Ben Daley - T.
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau v Saia Fainga'a - W.
3. Angus Ta’avao v Greg Holmes - T.
4. Dean Mumm v Rob Simmons - R.
5. Will Skelton v Cadyern Neville - W.
6. David Dennis v Hendrick Tui - W.
7. Michael Hooper v Liam Gill - W.
8. Jed Holloway v Jake Schatz - T.
9. Nick Phipps v Nick Frisby - W.
10. Kurtley Beale v Jake McIntyre - W.
11. Zac Guildford v CFS - W.
12. David Horwitz v Henry Teafu - T.
13. Rob Horne v Samu Kerevi - T.
14. Matt Carraro v Eto Nabuli - W.
15. Israel Folau v Karmichael Hunt - W.
I've allocated W, R and T (ties) above for the player I think is the best in his position throughout the two teams.
9 Waratahs, 5 Ties and 1 Reds.
Even then, I think that, whilst the Reds props probably have scrum dominance, the Waratahs props are better around the park. For all the crap Ryan gets here, I think he's actually a handy player around the pitch.
Rob Simmons edges Mumm for me, but only edges. They are very similar players.
Its a tie at 8. I really don't think Shatz offers much at all. Holloway has some great potential, but he's largely untested at this level and I've seen many players more talented than him never make the step up.
Two ties in the back line. One at twelve, as they are both debutants, and one at 13. The tie at 13 is purely based upon the different games the two play. Rob Horne has played for the Wallabies at both wing and centre, and is rock solid defensively. He's shown promise in attack as well, especially over the last few seasons.
Kerevi, on the other hand, is electric with ball in hand, but is a bit of a liability without it.
In terms of coaches, Gibson over Graham any day of the week.
And, of course, we have to consider the intangibles. Team morale? Team cohesion? Track record of the team?
In 2014, the Waratahs won the competition. In 2015, they recorded the second highest number of wins. The majority of the player group who accomplished both these feats still remain.
On the other hand, the Reds have spent two seasons under RG near the bottom of the table, with growing animosity between the player base and the coach, with no real signs of improvement. They are leaking talent like nothing else, and are relying immensely on untested and novice players.
How do I think it'll go?
Whilst I love the enthusiasm, I can only see it going one way. You're team is barely a team. It relies too much upon flashes of brilliance from key players, and not enough upon good structures or patterns of play.
Whilst Kerevi might break the line for a try, Gill might make some pilfers or Hunt might have some nice touches, this won't be pretty for Reds fans.
Waratahs by 25+.
