Where is it set in stone that a winning junior VIII crew automatically becomes a winning 1st VIII crew? Each school would know who is leaving this year and who is coming up - but I sincerely doubt that sort of detail would be revealed on this forum.
I am going to sound like a broken record - but pulling a good erg does not necessarily mean you have great technique on the water. I think you could train a monkey to pull a good erg - but on water technique is a skill and working as one with precision blade work and direction from the cox - nine monkey's or cattle - or young men - Different story.
Having a legend as a coach consultant sounds impressive - but he can only work with what he has got - and like Major Rennie said - poor cattle - poor crews. You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
Personalities of each of the boys and the relationship they have with their coach is again a contributing factor.
I have heard rumours that Shore parents are very confident and they might be choking on their humble pie - but again if they push to hard the boys might just slip up. Again it might come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes on the day as to who wins.
I really think it is to early - I think it will be very interesting season. Watch this space.
What I will share with you - is that I an overjoyed that some ex GPS Rowers are heading to Rio. Last year I was worried that the boys stopped rowing after leaving Yr 12. I was pleased to "Support the Crew" and find out that young men who started rowing in GPS schools were selected.
Off to Rio they go - go the mighty Aussie's.
I cannot stop singing when my baby smiles me I go to Rio - to much red wine for a Monday night.