brokendown
Bill McLean (32)
no we don't--have we ever won an opening round?
Waratahs vs Force - Super Rugby R2 Sunday 23 February 2014
- Thread starter Braveheart81
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GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
No we haven't nor have we ever won our first game at home either.
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caymantim
Herbert Moran (7)
Except the Force have never won their first game or their first game at home! I hope the Force cause the upset, but I think their combinations need more time. Too many new folk. However hoping I am wrong.....
Trying to put together a bit of a preview... who do Force fans think will be starting in the Force backrow?
Do you think Cottrell starts at 6 with Hodgson at 7 or will Hodgson and Alcock play 6 and 7?
Do you think Cottrell starts at 6 with Hodgson at 7 or will Hodgson and Alcock play 6 and 7?
JSRF10
Dick Tooth (41)
I think it will be close but thats more to do with how the Force approach the breakdown. They are very good at slowing ball down and making life difficult for the opposition. The Tahs front 5 will have to be accurate in their clearing out if we want to generate quick ball for the backs. At this stage I'd be happy with a win, but if we're to reach Cheikas top 2 finish goal we should be looking at a bonus point win.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
According to the west the "Squad" will be announced today weather that is the actual team or the traveling party im not sure but we should see something today.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
What i think it will be:
6 Cottrell
7 Hodgeson
8 McCalman
What i want to see sometime this year:
6 McCalman
7 Alcock
8 Brynard
D
daz
Guest
What do the Tahs supporters think of Hoiles on the bench? I'm curious to see what impact he will have when he runs on.
D
daz
Guest
Do you think he is a good pick up for the team, or would you have preferred to see young talent promoted?
I only ask because there is always noise when a veteran makes a come-back. If it works, the coach is a genius. If it doesn't, out come the daggers.
I hope he does well, personally.
I think he's definitely a good pickup for the Tahs and fortuitous that he is around given the injury to Chapman (even if they aren't like for like).
Hoiles is a better option on the bench to cover 6 and 8 than McCutcheon. If you were looking to cover 7 then McCutcheon would be preferred.
I'll be interested to see if Tala Gray can force his way into the 23 in the next few weeks. I think he is the best backup for Palu who is the only player in the backrow likely to be routinely subbed each match.
Hoiles is essentially the 35th man in the squad right now (or 34th as Hodge hasn't been replaced yet) so it's not like he was recruited higher up the pecking order ahead of younger players. It's impressive that he's on the cusp of making the team for round 1 given that he was only an invited player at training and doesn't officially have a contract yet (to my knowledge).
ChargerWA
Mark Loane (55)
I think Hoiles situation is a little different to most older players making a come back. He isn't an old player coming back after a stint off chasing money (Miluania at the Chiefs) or a proper old player who got itchy feet (Matfield at the Bulls). I see this as a genuine extension to Hoiles career after coming back from a serious injury.
I think with the big Saffa , cliffy, Douglas and Skelton there is enough size, physicality, power there and Hoiles brings something a bit different as youve suggested.
For those of you who aren't aware of it, the annual New South Wales Cellar Door's on in Hyde Park on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Why not start Sunday with a few delightful wines from our wonderful state accompanied by some delicious food before wandering up to the SFS for the rugby? Interstate visitors, look what we put on for you in Sydney when you come here for a rugby match.
Details here: http://www.nswfoodandwine.com.au/sydneycellardoor
Details here: http://www.nswfoodandwine.com.au/sydneycellardoor
brokendown
Bill McLean (32)
a few of are flying in from Perth for the game,having lunch at the Clock bar--less of a stagger to the game from there!
M
Moono75
Guest
I agree on Alcock. I think his level of play last year was above that of Hodgo but you can never discount the intangible lift given by having a good leader on the field. I think Brynard Stander could be excellent for the Force this year too with an injection of mongrel and he seems to have the drive to succeed. Would be great to have a really physical tackler looking to dish out some punishment. If Gus Cottrell continues his progression we will maintain a very strong backrow for years to come.
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