[2017 Super Rugby] Round 4: Waratahs vs. Brumbies (18/03/2017)

[TRF_heineken]

Venue: Allianz Stadium
Time: 10:45 CAT (SA, GMT+2)​

 

[TRF_stormer2010]

Its an interesting game in the context of the tournament but I can manage only so much rugby on a weekend and won't be watching this one. Not so early in the tournament.

 

[Radsy]

Tahs have been so shapeless without Foley, that I wonder if it's too much to expect he can turn his side around in returning for this clash. Folau likely back to 15, where he receives little distribution.

 

[SomeOke]

Tahs have been so shapeless without Foley, that I wonder if it's too much to expect he can turn his side around in returning for this clash. Folau likely back to 15, where he receives little distribution.

I've heard this sentiment voiced a few times but I'm not sure there is any evidence Folau is going back to 15 any time soon.
- Kellaway is actually pretty good and not the problem, the Tahs problems are not at 15 or 13.
- Folau has been at 13 for about 7 months now and still manages to score tries and do damage.
- The Tahs have next to no centres.

I don't see him moving anytime soon without the Tahs increasing their stocks at centre.

Foley will make a big difference when he returns though, no argument their. It's a sharp drop to Hagerty.

 

[Radsy]

I've heard this sentiment voiced a few times but I'm not sure there is any evidence Folau is going back to 15 any time soon.
- Kellaway is actually pretty good and not the problem, the Tahs problems are not at 15 or 13.
- Folau has been at 13 for about 7 months now and still manages to score tries and do damage.
- The Tahs have next to no centres.

I don't see him moving anytime soon without the Tahs increasing their stocks at centre.

Foley will make a big difference when he returns though, no argument their. It's a sharp drop to Hagerty.

I think he makes for a fantastic 13, his try-scoring since the switch has been unmatched in Super Rugby. I only wrote that because Kellaway has apparently injured his shoulder. Their coach had mentioned they would review his position during the Week 8 bye, but the Kellaway injury may force their hand.

 

[galumay]

What an appalling exhibition for our game. While the weather and conditions might be some cause for a slightly higher than usual error rate, that was one of the most ponderous and painful games I have watched in a long time. Its hard to have any hope for australian rugby if thats the best we can offer up. Last week we had the farce of the force being top of the conference, now tonight the bush donkeys will be top - although the hapless reds could go to the top if they win tomorrow!!

What a joke, none of them would come within a mile of the finals if it werent for the stupid conference system that guarantees one team at least a place.

The Tah's look to be a totally lost cause, the mate I was watching with pointed out it was like watching schoolboy rugby. The bush donkeys were little better but deserved the win for being less awful.

One can only despair at the thought that somewhere out of that mess about half the wallabies team will end up emerging. Its going to be a long season!

I am off to relieve the pain by hitting myself in the head with a hammer.

 

[Makos]

Why are the Tahs so bad these days? They have the core players from a few seasons ago when they won it..

 

[galumay]

Why are the Tahs so bad these days? They have the core players from a few seasons ago when they won it..

Beale is gone, Bernie out with concussion, a few other key players...but I think the coaching staff may also be a key, they were at their best under Cheika.

There were so many basic things wrong with their game tonight its hard to know where to start. Its endemic in aussie rugby though and ultimately its not good for our game.

 

[Radsy]

I've heard this sentiment voiced a few times but I'm not sure there is any evidence Folau is going back to 15 any time soon.
- Kellaway is actually pretty good and not the problem, the Tahs problems are not at 15 or 13.
- Folau has been at 13 for about 7 months now and still manages to score tries and do damage.
- The Tahs have next to no centres.

I don't see him moving anytime soon without the Tahs increasing their stocks at centre.

Foley will make a big difference when he returns though, no argument their. It's a sharp drop to Hagerty.

Folau is back at fullback, along with Foley returning. Why aren't they using, and starting Naiyaravoro?

 

[SomeOke]

Folau is back at fullback, along with Foley returning. Why aren't they using, and starting Naiyaravoro?

Yeah I saw that, I like the solution of playing David Horowitz at 12 as well, Tahs look at their best with a secondary play maker at 12, and Simone hasn't really worked out thus far. As for Taqele Naiyaravoro, I agree he should get a run, Kellayway and Robinson are both solid options but they are more in the kick receiving Cory Jane type of mold rather than the penetrative wing ala Savea/Naholo etc. The Tahs backline could use more players who can actually beat a defender in a one on one situation. With Foley back I'd drop Robinson.

Line up:
Waratahs: 1) Tom Robertson 2) Tolu Latu 3) Sekope Kepu 4) Dean Mumm 5) Will Skelton 6) Ned Hanigan 7) Michael Hooper 8) Jed Holloway 9) Jake Gordon 10) Bernard Foley 11) Andrew Kellaway 12) David Horwitz 13) Rob Horne 14) Reece Robinson 15) Israel Folau.

Reserves: 16) Hugh Roach 17) Paddy Ryan 18) David Lolohea 19) David McDuling 20) Michael Wells 21) Nick Phipps 22) Cam Clark 23) Taqele Naiyaravoro .