Waratahs vs Brumbies RD 14 Saturday 18th May

[Alex]

Thanks for the updates Ash - much appreciated. Seems like a few of Robbies decisions may have been made easier for the wrong reasons - but Barnes composure in his two cameos looks to be very pleasing going into a series where maturity in the midfield will be critical.

 

[Mr Doug]

According to ABC Grandstand radio, George Smith has a serious knee injury.

Well played Tahs.

 

[Hugh Jarse]

I agree, though I didnt realise the Tahs were playing the Cockatoos.

I think the curtain raiser was Cockatoos vs NSW Suburban Union.

 

[qwerty51]

The Brumbies conceded 11 penalties to the Tahs 7. The Brumbies are the most penalised team in the competition, I suggest looking at your own side for 'boring rugby' before pointing the finger at Walsh.

Referenced post was deleted.

 

[Set piece magic]

Personally I love Walsh because he doesn't tollerate crap from festering spoiling teams like the Brumbies and Force. Fantastic. People like Glen Jackson are great for games where you know both teams are going to turn up and play footy, but when one/both team is going to try and kill the game you need Walsh. Outstanding ref

 

[Brumby Jack]

Berrick Barnes was the main difference in tonights game. He only played half the match but was involved in 15 points which was ultimately the difference.

The Waratahs are now winning games in the last 10 minutes that they probably would not have 12+ months ago.

Wins against the Blues, Chiefs, Stormers and now the Brumbies are evidence that Cheika's game plan is now being understood by the team.

The Brumbies will need to sort out a few areas if they are to be title contenders.

Discipline is still an issue, even though they are giving them away out of kicking at goal range it means the other team get a free pass out of their own 22.

They gave up 3 second half tries, all on the edges of their defensive line.

However, they did win the battle at the ruck and Cheika confirmed this post match.

Injury update:
G Smith - Possible left knee medial injury, 6-8 weeks if so.
C Lealiifano - corked leg
P McCabe - just a knock on the knee
TPN - probable broken forearm
Horne - finger poked in the eye.

 

[Quick Hands]

Fantastic win by the Waratahs. To come from behind against a top team like the Brumbies showed character and composure. Berrick Barnes certainly made a difference when he came on - I've certainly had a late night snack eating my words. His consistent goal kicking steadied the ship and that's the best I've seen him with ball in hand for years.

I'm afraid I can't join the Steve Walsh fan club though. His decisions are bewildering, but I will say he is always in control of a game, unlike Jackson who is not up to this level yet.

Waratahs will be looking back on those early losses to Force and Highlanders and thinking what might have been.

 

[qwerty51]

Force and Highlanders?? Cheetahs loss and no bonus points vs Hurricanes/Bulls/Reds are the killer.

 

[louie]

Tactics have nothing to do with boring rugby. Some of best games of all time have very conservative tactics. Watch some NZ and Euro rugby. It's all about intensity and aggression at the contact and breakdown.
Walshs decision early on killed that.

Also if one of the mods could pm why my post was deleted thatd be appreciated.

 

[James Buchanan]

Waratahs will be looking back on those early losses to Force and Highlanders and thinking what might have been.

I was under the impression that the Force had only beaten the Reds and the Crusaders thus far this year and the Highlanders only recently just notched up their first win against the Sharks?

 

[Cassius88]

The Brumbies conceded 11 penalties to the Tahs 7. The Brumbies are the most penalised team in the competition, I suggest looking at your own side for 'boring rugby' before pointing the finger at Walsh.

Referenced post was deleted.

Well I don't think 11 to 7 is exactly damning. If it were 11 to 4 or less I'd say it was conclusive. Also, people love calling the Brumbies play cynical, but up until today they were leading the competition with their 'cynical' play. If there is a sport that has rules that allow a team to be the best team in the competition whilst giving away the largest number of penalties, then that is either a failing in the sport/rules, or the team is obviously doing something right. To put it simply, don't hate the player, hate the game.

 

[p.Tah]

At the 70th minute Mogg took a short drop out from the 22. He regathered and charged off. About 7 Brumbies were wandering back and were not behind Mogg when he kicked.

Should the Brumbies have been behind Mogg?

 

[qwerty51]

Yes

 

[p.Tah]

how did the refs miss that? 9 Brumbies offside

 

[louie]

Because there not very good.

 

[fatprop]

Great to see the side trying to play positive rugby, win the game, even better to see that team being the Tahs

Watching the game live, I was surprised how much offside stuff there was from the Brumbies, after getting home and watching the tape, I now understand that Walsh had to focus so much on the breakdown as they were taking out the half and slowing down were ever possible, they were able to get away with it.

Interesting comment from Cheika at half time when he was queried on the Tahs approach to running it out from their 22, he said that the Brumbies give so many penalties away in that area of the field that they thought they were likely to get one (instead of just kicking to their kickers)

 

[qwerty51]

Has anyone ever seen someone so nonchalantly break an arm? The slo-mo was pretty sickening, you could see the forearm bend. TPN just went down held his arm in displeasure and walked himself off.

 

[redveincheese]

Has anyone ever seen someone so nonchalantly break an arm? The slo-mo was pretty sickening, you could see the forearm bend. TPN just went down held his arm in displeasure and walked himself off.

yep, that will see him omitted from the wallas. Moore to start, but who no.2, Saia or Ged. G.Smith also in doubt, more a blow for brums than wallas for mine. Tahs played well.

 

[James Buchanan]

yep, that will see him omitted from the wallas. Moore to start, but who no.2, Saia or Ged. G.Smith also in doubt, more a blow for brums than wallas for mine. Tahs played well.

Ged is not eligible for the Wallabies having being 'capped' for NZ. As others have mentioned, for the Wallabies I'd probably favour Hanson for the game he provides, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Saia.

Reports are that G. Smith is out for 6-8.

 

[redveincheese]

Ged is not eligible for the Wallabies having being 'capped' for NZ. As others have mentioned, for the Wallabies I'd probably favour Hanson for the game he provides, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Saia.

Reports are that G. Smith is out for 6-8.

Thanks, didnt know Ged was from the darkside. Hanson is quality,could make a claim. Bad luck for Smith and Brums. Hooper or Gill a race for seven, hope they both play in the starting side, Lions wont know what hit em.