Waratahs vs Force - 2011R12

[Bruce Ross]

should be a cracker of a game..pleased to see ben roberts finally get a go. he just missed out on the rebels 3rd hooker. he is very aggresive and is cool under pressure. i have been told that he is an all round great guy as well. go ben good luck to him

I'll bet you weren't told that by any of the Eastwood First Grade forwards, freddy. He's played them twice this season. But I couldn't agree with you more.

 

[ned]

About time Ben Roberts is given the opportunity to play Super 15 Rugby. I am sure he will give a great account of himself and definitely won't leave nothing in the tank.

 

[Lee Grant]

I gave Bruce an agree on this suggestion in January:

I think the Brumbies would be well advised to have a close look at Ben Roberts in the Shute Shield this year.

He's one of those hard head, meat and potatoes players that Oz rugby is all too short of and IIRR I picked him for a Rebels gig before I knew that so many foreigners were going to be allowed. I didn't think he had a prayer to play Super Rugby this year after Nick Seymour was picked as 2nd string in the Junior Tahs matches, which made him 4th string over all.

I congratulate the Tahs for doing something different: looking beyond who was in their professional academy. Nick Seymour played well enough for the Junior Tahs without setting the world on fire. He will be disappointed to miss out but Roberts has obviously been in good form for Sydney Uni.

Nick had some trouble throwing to the lineouts for the Junior Tahs, though in those matches, where personnel changes a lot from game to game, it is less often the thrower's fault.

The last time I saw Roberts for the Juniors, in Huxley's comeback match in 2010, he had a bit of problem with the lineouts himself, but I thought he was throwing better than Charles last year when they were were rotated by Uni in 1st grade and I got a chance to see them play.

I am sure that had the ARC been in operation from 2007 to 2010 that Roberts would have a Super squad gig before now, but better late than never.

.

 

[Grandmaster Flash]

From the wries: Shep has been ruled out with a knee injury, but should only miss one game due to the bye for the Force next weekend. Dellitt will go to fullback with Inman back at 13. Hodgson's return will see McCalman go to the bench.

 

[Lance Free]

Here's the full list: (Charles starts again + The Fox back on the bench)

2011 Super Rugby – Week 12

Waratahs v Emirates Western Force

Saturday, 7 May 2011 at Sydney Football Stadium

Kick-off: 5.40pm (AWST)

1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Matt Dunning
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Brett Sheehan
10. Willie Ripia
11. David Smith
12. James O'Connor
13. Mitch Inman
14. Nick Cummins
15. Patrick Dellit

Reserves

16. Ben Whittaker
17. Tim Fairbrother
18. Tom Hockings
19. Ben McCalman
20. James Stannard
21. Rory Sidey
22. Alfie Mafi

 

[tranquility]

2.80

 

[Tank]

That is a good looking Force side.

This should be a cracker of a match.

 

[Lee Grant]

2.80

Afterwards tell us honestly trank, how much you put on them.

 

[Tank]

hmmm. very quiet thread for such a cracker of a game.

was interested to read today that Tom Carter is going to help the Tah backrow at the breakdown. I like the look of Dennis and Mowen going up against Brown and Hodgson but Pocock and McCutcheon is not a good match up for the Tahs.

Is this the first time Dunning has started against his old teammates? Tah frontrow should really make things tough for Force but lineout should probably go to Force.

Some great match ups across the park and I am really looking forward to it.

 

[Sandpit Fan]

With the Chiefs getting up over the Highlanders today, a win for the Tahs puts you guys back into the 6 for the moment. Talk about a conflict for a Reds supporter. Would like to see the Force get up, and think they may well do so, but for the greater good of Aussie rugby, carn the Tahs!

 

[daz]

This game is important for both teams on so many levels. I agree it will be a cracker and have just cracked a beer and kicked the kids off the sofa in anticipation.

I hope I'm not being too soft, but while I love the Oz derby games, I spend half my time hoping none of our top shelf RWC Wobs get hobbled.

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

With the Chiefs getting up over the Highlanders today, a win for the Tahs puts you guys back into the 6 for the moment. Talk about a conflict for a Reds supporter. Would like to see the Force get up, and think they may well do so, but for the greater good of Aussie rugby, carn the Tahs!

Go the Force!!!!!!

 

[daz]

With the Chiefs getting up over the Highlanders today, a win for the Tahs puts you guys back into the 6 for the moment. Talk about a conflict for a Reds supporter. Would like to see the Force get up, and think they may well do so, but for the greater good of Aussie rugby, carn the Tahs!

No conflict. Oz rugby needs 2 teams in the finals, period. No offence to the Force, but the Tahs are best placed and I have no problem hoping they get there.

May the best team win.

 

[daz]

Forget the odds for first try scorer, how about a new betting market:

First Tah to get knocked out.

Barnes - Evens....

 

[Nusadan]

Just tuned in...what's the story with the red in the Tahs' socks please?

 

[GC]

Tahs getting slaughtered on penalties. They outplaying the force otherwise. Silly stuff.

 

[ChargerWA]

Just tuned in...what's the story with the red in the Tahs' socks please?

Tip of the hat to their 10 year sponsor HSBC.

 

[Nusadan]

Cheers Charger...

Blow me...last throw in ruled crooked?

 

[Piglet]

Very uninspiring first half... Gee, why are Australian derbies that involve the Waratahs so boring?

 

[Victorian Reds Fan]

Kearnes having a fair whine in commentary.