Waratahs 2020
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KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
5 years actually, I think he left in 2014. Your point stands though and FWIW Foketi and Meoroa played in the centres together for Aus Schools
Edit sorry you are correct, I knew they played v Crichton but that was the latter’s first year in the 1sts, not his last!
Heh. I just went with Wikipedia saying he started at Parramatta in 2014 so assumed he finished school in 2013 and that was 7 years ago (ignoring that it would be only part of that 7th year given he played towards the end of whatever year he finished school and it is only early in 2020).
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
Left in ‘13, Crichton was 14’. Pretty sure Tepai was 12 and Taane Milne was 13 in 2013 for Aus schools as well but Tepai may have played with Foketi in 2012.
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
KOB1987
Rod McCall (65)
I think that is right
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
He's been found out in defence a fair bit. I think we have to play him though. He's our best attacking threat.
Also, he is something of a contortionist. Somehow he not only survived this but is expected to be available this weekend.
If he keeps that leaping to score action up, I suspect he will soon be out with a serious injury.
It's certainly risky. You're putting your body in a vulnerable position trying to score an acrobatic try.
I think it is becoming more and more a trait of top line wingers though. League wingers have been doing it a lot longer (and there have been some serious injuries).
Silverado
Dick Tooth (41)
Wallabies 2020 thread?
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
Started to come into League in 2010 when they changed the rules so coming into contact with the corner post was no longer out. You almost have to have it in your repertoire nowadays but liable to go wrong when the cover defence gets across in time (also a good way to do a shoulder).
Joe Blow
Peter Sullivan (51)
Yes.
molman
Peter Johnson (47)
No one is doubting his effort/workrate. All the young lads are doing really well for their age and experience. I think as Up the Gut's said there is some question of his defence (to my eye it really hasn't been great). Problem with some of those stats is I don't think they capture the whole picture - eg. where on the park some of the issues/misses occurred, tackles that didn't occur because he was out of position (so didn't even attempt) or the tackles he made/completed but continued to be dragged over the line due to his poor technique or stopping power. He'll get there I have no doubt but I suspect that his higher tackle count is more the by-product of other teams having identified a potential weakness and proceeding to run a lot of traffic down his channel. It seemed like the Blue's were targeting his wing somewhat. With their kicks as well.
Like I said, he'll get there. Players like Vincent Rattez for the French is light compared to Mark and does ok at International level, so I have no doubt he'll improve but there is a bit of a balance to be made of his attacking prowess vs. his defensive abilities at the moment. He's a starter because he offers a point of difference and to be honest Newsome hasn't been great and there must be a reason for Clark being out of the 23. I'd personally probably rather Maddocks on one of the wings but I'm sure Penney has his reasons.
molman
Peter Johnson (47)
Could be totally wrong but I think they might ease him back in off the bench. If you are going to start him, Rebels might not be a bad option. I guess one good thing about the game this w/e is one of these two aussie sides should finally get a win.
I wonder if Crichton ever will make the swap to Rugby or that rumour will just resurface every time he is renegotiating his salary.
Strewthcobber
Mark Ella (57)
Interesting interview with Rob Penney on rugby ruckus podcast this week. Pretty passionate and obviously frustrated with some of the effort particularly against the Blues
Hawko
Tony Shaw (54)
It wasn't the two losses. It was the manner of the losing that was so disheartening. Too many problems were revealed right across the park.
molman
Peter Johnson (47)
I concur. It was the effort factor in the Blues game in particular which was a little concerning and ultimately disappointing. Penney makes mention of it in the Rugby Ruckus interview Strewthcobber made reference to. I actually thought Penney spoke reasonably honestly whilst still being restrained in how and what he said but you got a reasonable feel for his thoughts if you listened carefully. Like me I think he saw positives in the Crusaders game but was rather disappointed by the Blues game mentioning some of the effort from the players to plug the defensive gaps, the urgency in getting back etc..
He did elude to the aspect of inheriting a squad and the fact that some players may make the step up to what is required of them and some wont. I think it will be interesting to see how the squad evolves as he has more control on the makeup of the squad.
At the end of the interview he was also pretty keen to assure/clarify that Maddocks will be getting some time to develop at fullback, so that is definitely part of the plan.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
I wouldn’t be surprised if Crichton comes back after his Chooks’ contract expires to take a stab at the 2023 WC. Although, he wasn’t nearly as good last year as he was in 2018 and query whether he would be able to break into the Wallaby backrow with some of the talent coming through. Still would probably be an improvement on the Tahs this year though.
B
Bobby Sands
Guest
If he came back he would most likely play 12 unfortunately.