Waratahs vs Reds - R3 2014

[Pete King]

I know the Tahs pride themselves on the set-piece, but the line out might be an area of weakness this weekend.. Potgieter wasn't a renowned jumper at the Bulls and losing Dennis the main jumper from last weekend is only going to place more pressure on.

The Line out overall is a problem for the tahs, a result of having battering rams like Potgieter, skelton and douglas. I dont think they particularly lose anything this week as Hoiles is at least on par with Dennis as a jumper/lineout general and has been running the lineout (along with dennis) for quite a few weeks now at training. Palu took a few at 2 and they threw to hooper at the back a few times in the first half - not ideal. Expecting alot of short lineouts (4MAN - robbo-palu-hoiles-douglas) with variations. Think Hoiles is around 98kg Palu and douglas should be able to launch him into orbit!

 

[Pete King]

Tap down of hoiles, Phipps onto Poiteger with a full head of steam. PHASE. KB (Kurtley Beale) back the short side with Folau.... Move over Chiek

 

[A mutterer]

Hoping the weather clears so we get a better branded spectacle aka running game

 

[Set piece magic]

Biggsy its one thing to know where ANZ is it's another matter altogether of getting there.

I actually feel for Tahs supporters this weekend, if the game was at Allianz I honestly think it would go very close to selling out. Why the game is at ANZ beats me (financial guarantees // money I believe?).

From a marketing perspective the Waratahs need to concentrate on building value through long term customers (ie fans that will start coming every week). Playing at ANZ is a short term money grab with a horrific match day experience - shithouse view, shithouse service, shithouse atmosphere, shithouse travel. In fact ANZ has been verified by multiple sources as being a giant house that is literally made of shit. I was there for the third lions game last year and I can understand why Sydney sports fans have a rep for being fickle.

I hope the Tahs see this and move the game to allianz next year. I also hope they do take a game to Western sydney but play it in a reasonable stadium like Paramatta.

Rant over

 

[matty_k]

If the game was at Allianz only about three people would be able to get there. Tomorrow night is Mardi Gras.

 

[cyclopath]

If the game was at Allianz only about three people would be able to get there. Tomorrow night is Mardi Gras.

But they'd be three fabulous people.

 

[Pfitzy]

ANZ is shit for watching a game, but its far fucking easier to get to than Allianz if you live anywhere west of the M3 and as a bonus, near a train line.

As it is, with this shit weather not forecast to clear, we'll be lucky to see a crowd of 20K.

Plus its Mardi Gras weekend, so all the Kings boys will be in the parade.

 

[barbarian]

Can we just copy-paste the last time we had the Stadium Australia v. SFS debate and just save everyone the time and energy?

 

[RugbyReg]

Really interested to see how Hooper goes as captain. I wonder if he will curtain his work at the ruck somewhat so he doesn't risk giving away to many penalties as captain. If he does, Gill will dominate.

yeah, and I know we are supposedly the banjo players but c'mon.

The guy from Deliverance and Hooper are almost twins!

 

[boyo]

Yeah, but he plays for the Tahs, not the Reds.

 

[RugbyReg]

exactly...them times are changing.

Well that's how it seems up here with all us hip cats.

 

[suckerforred]

Just not sure why everyone is worried about the Reds lineout. Yes it was a weapon last year, and even better a couple of years ago when Higgers was still here, but what I have seen so far this year is nothing to write home about. Hopefully this is just some of the rustiness that will work itself out but I don't think that we have a giant clear advantage anymore that some others seem to think.

Or am I just judging harshly and remembering the 'good ole days'?

 

[suckerforred]

But they'd be three fabulous people.

So who would you be taking with you Cyclo?

 

[Braveheart81]

exactly.them times are changing.

Well that's how it seems up here with all us hip cats.

Biggsy being able to post a map on an internet forum was definitely a surprise to me.

 

[Scrubber2050]

But they'd be three fabulous people.

Is that because they are not going to the Mardi

 

[TheBigDog]

I have a feeling the breakdown will be more tightly policed than people are assuming. Yes Glen Jackson's control of it has left something to be desired in the past, but after watching a couple of replays from the round, as a whole I think each game the breakdowns have been an area which needs more control from the refs.

If the referee panel or whatever they're called are doing their jobs then hopefully things get a little stricter this weekend to allow quicker ball.

 

[Braveheart81]

The match preview is now up.

http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/preview-waratahs-v-reds/

Get amongst it.

 

[Pfitzy]

Can we just copy-paste the last time we had the Stadium Australia v. SFS debate and just save everyone the time and energy?

No we fucking can't. If you live near SFS then you're a lucky bastard but I don't so fuck that.

Now, don't you have a parade to get ready for?

 

[JSRF10]

ANZ Stadium should be bulldozed to the ground, its a soulless ground with no atmosphere. They should have built a 20k rectangular ground at Barangaroo instead of another casino, now that would have been awesome.

Anyway with Glen Jackson in charge the breakdown will be a mess, this probably favours the Reds. If the game is in anyway close he'll shit himself and not award any penalties a la Christchurch last year where it took the Tahs 6 minutes to get one at the end after about the 20th Crusader offense.

 

[Pfitzy]

I've been there when it was full - nearly 110K in the old days back in 2000, and it was alright that night. But you've got to get more than 70K in there to give it any balls.

The problem, even with the SFS, is no-one knows how to get properly tribal and scream until they're hoarse. Too many wankers, ultimately.