Super Rugby AU Rd 9 Force v Waratahs

[Lightblue]

Completely agree. It may be the wrong decision - in the longer term it might be the right one.

But it is a very personal attack which isn’t warranted. Batger could have said 90% of what he said and coverred all the same points without making it personal.

Not a supportive article by SMH journalist Tom Decent, of a player making his first starting role with the Waratahs. Bring back Spiro Zavos!

Hope Donaldson and Edmed both play well, and help their team to a win for NSW for the first time this year.

 

[Froggy]

My understanding was that Donaldson had always been regarded as the back-up 10 for the Tahs but has been injured. Tough on Edmed, but this is professional rugby, selectors are required to pick (in their opinion) the best team, not the kid who tries hardest.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Completely agree. It may be the wrong decision - in the longer term it might be the right one.

But it is a very personal attack which isn’t warranted. Batger could have said 90% of what he said and coverred all the same points without making it personal.

Yeh I thought that was poor form by Batger personally. I hope for that reason alone Donaldson has a blinder as not cool for his first start as young guy to have that sort of stuff going on in the background.

 

[Braveheart81]

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olowofela, Kyle Godwin (c), Tevita Kuridrani, Richard Kahui, Jack McGregor



Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ian Prior, Grason Makara, Jake Strachan


INs: Greg Holmes, Jake Strachan, Grason Makara
OUTs: Byron Ralston, Tomas Lezana, Kieran Longbottom


WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Max Douglas, Lachlan Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, James Ramm, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks


Reserves: Tom Horton, Te Tera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Sam Caird, Jeremy Williams, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed


INs: Lachlan Swinton, Ben Donaldson, Sam Caird
OUTs: Michael Wood, Will Harrison, Mark Nawaqanitawase

 

[Equalizer]

 

[Equalizer]

Anstee in for a start could signal an all out attack mindset for the Force in an effort for the bonus point. Good to see the third tenor hold his spot at 10 and local product Makara on the bench.

 

[Dctarget]

Shame Michael Wood is out, he's looked great.

 

[Dctarget]

If Waratahs take 5 points from WF this week and conceding no BP, do the same against the Rebels next week, whilst WF and Rebels both get 0 in their other games, Waratahs finish 3rd yes on 12 points?

 

[7137]

Completely agree. It may be the wrong decision - in the longer term it might be the right one.

But it is a very personal attack which isn’t warranted. Batger could have said 90% of what he said and coverred all the same points without making it personal.

Agree. Donaldson has been in the squad for a few years working and training. Edmed only just blew in on the last beeeze. He’s the one who got a free ride to the match 23 through Donaldsons injury. He did ok but didn’t set the world on fire. He certainly didn’t do a lot to demand selection. Batger’s comments were uncalled for.

 

[formerflanker]

If Waratahs take 5 points from WF this week and conceding no BP, do the same against the Rebels next week, whilst WF and Rebels both get 0 in their other games, Waratahs finish 3rd yes on 12 points?

Hope springs eternal in the human breast.

 

[dru]

Hope springs eternal in the human breast.

Any fan should hang on to those enigmatic words "mathematically possible".

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Should be close encounter - tahs by 5

 

[Brumby Runner]

OK, I think this is the game where the Tahs finally get a win. Across the board, I think they have a stronger starting XV and perhaps they will have lost the losing mindset that came with Penney. However, if they don't get a decent lead when the benches are emptied, the Force could come home with a wet sail. Their bench looks a lot better than the Tahs.

 

[Braveheart81]

I'll be so relieved if the Tahs can snag a win in their final two games. They're up against it though.

 

[chiraag]

OK, I think this is the game where the Tahs finally get a win. Across the board, I think they have a stronger starting XV

Really? Might be my dark blue tinted glasses, but I'd go with the following:
1-3: Force slight advantage
4-5: Force clear advantage
6-9: Pretty even
10: Force clear advantage
11-14: Pretty even
15: Waratahs advantage

 

[ForceFan]

Good coverage in the West - but a few pages back.
The joys of living in an AFL strong-hold.

 

[chiraag]

Can Jake Strachan play fly-half? Didn't know that....

 

[upthereds#!]

Can Jake Strachan play fly-half? Didn't know that..

That was his position when playing Prem Grade in Brisbane

 

[Finsbury Girl]

if the last tahs team we saw turn up, NSW by 15.

 

[Rob42]

if the last tahs team we saw turn up, NSW by 15.

Always the big if - the worst time to be a Tahs supporter is usually the game after a great performance.