Brumbies 2016

[Brumby Runner]

Yeah, could be, but Andrew, I think, is also in the 13 mold rather than 12. If he does substitute, as a strong straight runner it will be a contrast to either Matty or Christian at 12. Would probably need quite a different overall game plan.

 

[mst]

Yeah, could be, but Andrew, I think, is also in the 13 mold rather than 12. If he does substitute, as a strong straight runner it will be a contrast to either Matty or Christian at 12. Would probably need quite a different overall game plan.

I hope (mostly wishful thinking) that we can mould Dragaville in to a creative McCabe MkII with some kicking ability, or its simply some new blood - a bolter.

The other left field idea would be to see how Powell would go at 10. He is young, creative, has no fear and nothing to lose by having a dabble.......

Its a worry, and I think we cant revert to previous combinations.

 

[Slim 293]

There's no need to try and convert a promising young halfback into a flyhalf........

We have Jooste..........

If required, Smith has plenty of experience partnering Kuridrani in the centres..........

 

[Happy to Chat]

What about young Mitch Third, he went pretty well in the NRC IMO.

 

[Brumby Jack]

They signed Nick Jooste over him but he was invited to train with them in pre-season

 

[Brumby Runner]

I also think there's no need to try to convert Powell. I expect Joe to establish himself as Cubelli's back up this year. Third did have quite a strong NRC, but as BJ says he's not contracted to the squad. A few years ago a non-contracted player or a player from the wider training squad etc could only be used if a contracted player was injured and unable to play. Is that still the case? As I remember, both Scott Fardy and Jesse Mogg were brought into the playing group under that provision.

 

[Happy to Chat]

IMO Third is a better option than Jooste. I watched him play in the Aus Schoolboy against NZ and he did not impress me to the extent of a Super Squad contract and was infact pretty average at schoolboy level as he was not even originally picked in Aus schoolboy team. Maybe a long term investment.

 

[mst]

There's no need to try and convert a promising young halfback into a flyhalf....

We have Jooste....

If required, Smith has plenty of experience partnering Kuridrani in the centres....

I was thinking in the context of if we hit a mid-season crisis and lose Christian or Matty and we have to work with who we have in the squad. A bit like the Frisby experiment (certainly not converting Powell to a 10!).

Looking at play-maker options we seem to be fairly light-on and he does seem to have a some game "flair" that I would take a punt on in a crisis especially bookended by Cubelli and either Matty or Christian.

We have a lot that fit in the more 13 mould but a 10, 12 that can kick / game manage / be a play-maker?

I also not sold on Joost TBH - yes I have seen the prestigious boot for kicking penalties (the next Wilkinson?), but I have not seen nothing else. I think he is probably 2+yrs away - that is if he has more to offer than a boot.

 

[I like to watch]

IMO Third is a better option than Jooste. I watched him play in the Aus Schoolboy against NZ and he did not impress me to the extent of a Super Squad contract and was infact pretty average at schoolboy level as he was not even originally picked in Aus schoolboy team. Maybe a long term investment.

I agree,I think it would be in the kids best interest to play at a level where he could dominate,and improve his skills,rather than treading water at a higher ievel.

 

[Happy to Chat]

I agree,I think it would be in the kids best interest to play at a level where he could dominate,and improve his skills,rather than treading water at a higher ievel.

He is however creating a blockage for a potential player like Third to progress. Should he not have been put on a EPS rather? A brave call to offer a school lever a full contract without seeing him run in the seniors.


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[Viking]

The new breakdown rules being trialled in the NPC are designed to encourage counter rucking and discourage pilfers. At least that's what this article concludes http://www.theroar.com.au/2015/12/18/new-laws-proposed-by-world-rugby-to-be-tested-in-2016-npc/

Any concerns about what that would mean for Pocock and his price tag if these rules were taken up globally? Ben Robinson was offered a 3 year deal and wallabies top up by Deans back in early 2013. The rules changed and he couldn't do his big trick in the scrums any more and has been for the most part left out of internationals whilst still being on a international's salary even to the end of this year.

Pocock is a better overall player but he still has one big trick that makes him world class and World Rugby might make it harder for him to perform it.


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It will probably be like the last time they changed the rules. Everyone said how ineffective Poey will be since the interpretations of "release the tackled player" was changed. Oh how pilfering was now a diminished skill.....

Then he returned from injury, adjusted his game, and was the best player on the park 9 times out of 10 and still pilfering like a king.

 

[USARugger]

Pocock would still be the first man you'd want in if it was a counter-rucking effort, anyway.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Stephen Moore and Christian Lealiifano named as co-captains for the Brumbies in 2016

 

[fatprop]

Stephen Moore and Christian Lealiifano named as co-captains for the Brumbies in 2016

That will mean that Lilo will be the captain for last 20-30 minutes of each game

 

[neilc]

Stephen Moore and Christian Lealiifano named as co-captains for the Brumbies in 2016

I don't quite understand the co-captains thing. Shouldn't it be a vice captain? Who makes the key decision when they're on the field? Do you think that the reason for this is a transition for Moore leaving or part of the sweetener that kept CLL in Canberra?

 

[mst]

IMHO the decision was influenced by:

Moore - good (incumbent) captain but reduced time on field by his own desire to reduce workload, introduction of new hooker combination and his departure at the end of the season. (his departure would influence the psychology of the playing group, its human nature; like working with a contractor - in your mind you know once he has done his bit he is gone so his commitment is always questionable both to quality of the outcome and anything bigger picture).

Lealiifano - Stable, consistent and well entrenched in the club. Communicates well and has shown leadership abilities including mentoring the younger players. Organises and lead well on field and plays most games out.

Others like Pocock and Fardy would be tempting. I think Pocock if re-signed is a front runner, and Fardy is almost the unofficial on field captain.

It sounds odd but if you watch Fardy he has the ability to be able to engage with nearly all the referees on field which is quite unique and a real benefit. If you watch referees, at times they will seek him out to provided him with explanations etc. Its an asset to any team and almost worth more than having him as a captain.

 

[Slim 293]

I don't mind it...

Moore is still going to be taking on most of the leadership duties, particularly communicating with the ref up front...........

But he won't play 80mins, and he's off next year............

I would still expect Pocock to get the captaincy next year if he re-signs.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Who attends the coin-toss and runs out first will be decided by rock-paper-scissors

 

[TOCC]

Is Vaea injured at the moment, he looks he has put weight back on since the NRC

 

[Scrubber2050]

I don't mind it.

Moore is still going to be taking on most of the leadership duties, particularly communicating with the ref up front.....

But he won't play 80mins, and he's off next year....

I would still expect Pocock to get the captaincy next year if he re-signs.

I think it is highly unlikely Poey will re-sign , I reckon he would have been offered the captaincy role as a part of his negotiations but refused same.

If he wants to continue playing in Australia there is only one viable franchise, dependent on Gill heading offshore. He, like Moore may want to return "home". Now that would be interesting...