Brumbies 2019
- Thread starter Brumby Jack
- Start date
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Aside from the repeated spear tackles, Peni has been pretty disappointing and I would certainly keep Dargaville ahead of him.
Peni signed a 2 year deal so keep speculating
Fakaosilea, Naisarani, Godwin, Smith, Mayhew, Erasmus, Leali'ifano, Dargaville, Hyne, Verity-Amm.
Given how average the Brumbies have been this season anything less than a 25% turnover of the squad seems too little.
Given how average the Brumbies have been this season anything less than a 25% turnover of the squad seems too little.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
If I was in charge, I'd be keeping Peni and considering him as our 12 next season, and Dargaville should certainly be kept forthe bench and given a few starting chances.
However, I also think the board will look at it and say that Peni is a player who has been suspended for 30 weeks over the last two seasons and is probably not someone you fight too hard to keep. I don't know why we haven't seen much Dargaville lately, nor why he seems to be on the way out, but it's a real waste of a guy who has all the physical ability plus a mean defensive edge. Experience will show his class, I'm sure of it.
If we lose all others, our confirmed centre options are Jackson-Hope and Kuridrani. That's it.
Intentionally so, we don't need to consider players who won't be there.
"The Plus500 Brumbies have signed former Wests Tigers and Western Force winger Chance Peni on a one-year deal for the 2018 Super Rugby season." Source: https://www.brumbies.com.au/2017/11/peni-wings-plus500-brumbies/
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
Regarding turnover, I think our forwards have been great and we should be retaining as many as possible.
For our backs, a re-do is needed. The back three works (though we need to do something to stop Speight being forced into 3-on-1s out wide), and Kuridrani is a defensive rock. Our scrumhalves have all the potential and, though improvement is welcome, there's no need to abandon our current crop.
Our playmaking is trash and needs to be fixed. Lealiifano can pass and tackle, but he isn't making good decisions anymore. Hawera is much the same, though with added goal kicking. What we need is a traditional 12, the jack-of-all-trades, and a playmaking 10. If Lealiifano is willing to play 12 and accept that he isn't our playmaker or goalkicker, then he can slot in. Otherwise, we need changes. I'm happy for either Lealiifano or Hawera to remain as our reserve in that scenario.
If Kuridrani goes down, we need cover. Both Smith and Dargaville are able, but a more specialist 13 would be nice, so taking Foketi from the Tahs would be nice. Likewise, we need another false-15 winger, and I think Tom Williams from Scarlets is an ideal fit.
For our backs, a re-do is needed. The back three works (though we need to do something to stop Speight being forced into 3-on-1s out wide), and Kuridrani is a defensive rock. Our scrumhalves have all the potential and, though improvement is welcome, there's no need to abandon our current crop.
Our playmaking is trash and needs to be fixed. Lealiifano can pass and tackle, but he isn't making good decisions anymore. Hawera is much the same, though with added goal kicking. What we need is a traditional 12, the jack-of-all-trades, and a playmaking 10. If Lealiifano is willing to play 12 and accept that he isn't our playmaker or goalkicker, then he can slot in. Otherwise, we need changes. I'm happy for either Lealiifano or Hawera to remain as our reserve in that scenario.
If Kuridrani goes down, we need cover. Both Smith and Dargaville are able, but a more specialist 13 would be nice, so taking Foketi from the Tahs would be nice. Likewise, we need another false-15 winger, and I think Tom Williams from Scarlets is an ideal fit.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
That presentation is a little misleading iro Nos 6 and 8. By the numbers we have two in each spot, but in reality they are the same two, so we are definitely short there. I think the same happens at wing and fullback.
I would add Andrew Deegan as a possible addition at No 10, but I don't know his contract status with the Force.
I would add Andrew Deegan as a possible addition at No 10, but I don't know his contract status with the Force.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Some of the suggestions in the above table I have to wonder about.
Why retain Alexander if he is not performing? Look at how the scrum improved after he was subbed on Saturday night. We ditch a young prospect like Mees to have Alexander hang around for a year then go looking for a replacement in a years time? I prefer to invest in development.
Lilo is done. It hasn't worked so why keep forcing the issue. We have an opportunity to try something new. But that new is not QC (Quade Cooper) nor Adams or the shuffle king Mason. We need to stop trying to grab other peoples scraps and left overs. Larkham did enough of that with the like of Godwin etc. Enough! Even the Aviva clubs have learned that you can top quality flyhlaves at 20 if you give them a shot with good coaching and support. Let Garden-Bachop be a reminder of how Aussie methods and thinking can dud talented players. I would even be happy to see JJH as the other flyhalf TBH.
Dargaville is a really good option at 12 but now we have a gap of course he will be let go. Peni is too light and doesn't have the vision or ball playing abilities or that are needed let his defensive issues. As a 13 option he is a possible option but in reality he is an out and out winger. Round peg square hole.
The experienced 3 (10, 12 and 13) did lots of nothing the other night and the new blood really showed us where the talent and future of this team is. We are stuck with non-performing stale Tevita but do we need to repeat the same mistakes again?
What is most interesting to me is to work out if this is a cut due to budget issues or because McKellar selects the same players regardless of who is in form so those on the fringe (AKA: our depth) are looking for more opportunity?
Its a question worth considering as it goes directly to the list above and who we could attract. We certainly are not an attractive prospect nor has our coach got a decent reputation to trade off. Will we end up trading down?
Why retain Alexander if he is not performing? Look at how the scrum improved after he was subbed on Saturday night. We ditch a young prospect like Mees to have Alexander hang around for a year then go looking for a replacement in a years time? I prefer to invest in development.
Lilo is done. It hasn't worked so why keep forcing the issue. We have an opportunity to try something new. But that new is not QC (Quade Cooper) nor Adams or the shuffle king Mason. We need to stop trying to grab other peoples scraps and left overs. Larkham did enough of that with the like of Godwin etc. Enough! Even the Aviva clubs have learned that you can top quality flyhlaves at 20 if you give them a shot with good coaching and support. Let Garden-Bachop be a reminder of how Aussie methods and thinking can dud talented players. I would even be happy to see JJH as the other flyhalf TBH.
Dargaville is a really good option at 12 but now we have a gap of course he will be let go. Peni is too light and doesn't have the vision or ball playing abilities or that are needed let his defensive issues. As a 13 option he is a possible option but in reality he is an out and out winger. Round peg square hole.
The experienced 3 (10, 12 and 13) did lots of nothing the other night and the new blood really showed us where the talent and future of this team is. We are stuck with non-performing stale Tevita but do we need to repeat the same mistakes again?
What is most interesting to me is to work out if this is a cut due to budget issues or because McKellar selects the same players regardless of who is in form so those on the fringe (AKA: our depth) are looking for more opportunity?
Its a question worth considering as it goes directly to the list above and who we could attract. We certainly are not an attractive prospect nor has our coach got a decent reputation to trade off. Will we end up trading down?
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
The confirmed staying and probable re-signing columns are what I've been lead to believe, and I agree that there's a lot to question in the decision making.
Again, agreed. Much as I love Ben, he wasn't great for us on the weekend and was clearly done before he was subbed. I'd much prefer to keep Erasmus.
As it stands, I just wish we had some kind of attacking spark at 10. If Jackson-Hope offers that, then I'm all for it. I still wish we had kept Jooste and gave him a run there.
You're spot on about our chances of keeping the fringe players; we can't even argue that they're behind guys in form. I think our best bet is inside backs who haven't been getting game time, as we can offer them a starting opportunity, and outside backs with potential who don't even get into a 23, as they're more willing to accept a rotation spot. Apart from our 10 and 12, I don't think this team would benefit from much overhaul, but it's still tough to avoid getting worse.
With the confirmed departures, I treat the Naisarani exit as a trade for Samu, so that's one where we won't know the value until we see some games. Unless we get someone like Paia'aua or Eastmond, the Godwin loss will be a trade down. Fakaosilea is a good player but it isn't really a loss.
RebelYell
Arch Winning (36)
"McInerney was thrust into the starting XV to face the Sunwolves earlier this month. He put in a flawless performance.
"The former Australia under-20 is now competing for a contract with Robbie Abel and the duo will fight for game time when they play Suntory in an exhibition match in Tokyo on Saturday."
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...e-belongs-in-super-rugby-20180612-p4zky5.html
"The former Australia under-20 is now competing for a contract with Robbie Abel and the duo will fight for game time when they play Suntory in an exhibition match in Tokyo on Saturday."
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-...e-belongs-in-super-rugby-20180612-p4zky5.html
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
I hope you're right! I want him to stick around and compete with Fainga'a for the starting jersey. Worst case, he's a great reserve who can tackle, scrummage, hook the ball, and throw in the lineout. We should be fighting to keep him.
Giving Josh Mann-Rea a two year contract seems like a high risk play for someone his age.
Returning from that injury is going to be really tough.
Returning from that injury is going to be really tough.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Funny you should say that. I spoke to him post the Brumbies v Sunwolves game and he was about 4 week ahead of where they though he would be. I was pleasantly surprised. He was already starting to do some pool work. Said he was feeling really good but being cautions as to not push too far with his recovery. A NRC late season run was a possibility.
RoffsChoice
Jim Lenehan (48)
He was our best hooker and only behind TPN (imo) in the country, it's a shame about the injury but I hope he returns in good nick for his final season. Then, I agree, time for younger faces.
mst
Peter Johnson (47)
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
Yes outside the high tackles I am surprised one would not want to retain Peni….as when on song very good player but yes had some form and obviously suspension issues.
Darcy Swain signs a new 1 year deal for 2019