Maybe the playbook will start working if someone like Houston starts getting them over the advantage line on a more regular basis?
Reds 2016
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WHAAAT? madness.
Ignoto
John Thornett (49)
From what we've seen this year, the playbook is all of 2-3 pages long. But in all honesty, you're over re-acting to what Leroy needs to learn. I'll just take a guy smacking other blokes to get us forward ball for a change.
With Leeroy signing, it's a massive shame to lose Gilly, having those two plus Tui will make for a very dynamic backrow! We'll only get to see them in action for what, 2 games?
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
I will be really surprised if he is in the final Wallabies squad. He should then get a few weeks with the Reds while the internationals are played out. If he impresses in those few games he may be a chance for the TRC. EOYT may be a more realistic scenario though unless injuries hit.
Sword of Justice
Vay Wilson (31)
Do you have a link for us?
No4918
John Hipwell (52)
Wallabies related - Fardy has the most to lose from his selection. Pocock and Hooper are bound to start which makes selecting McMahon a tough call. Looks like provides a lot of the same benefits without weakening the set piece. I see why Cheika is a fan.
Big signing for the Reds.
Big signing for the Reds.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
Not sure on that. As good as Hooper is, I always reckon that Fardy's contribution is seriously underrated.
It is also a question of how the backrow is best balanced.
I think it is the same for the Reds. The thing I find interesting is that I would have thought Tui is currently doing to role we would want Houston to play, and has been doing it pretty well. But hey - not a bad problem to have.
So far, Cheika has helped deliver Douglas & Houston to the Reds. Gotta say I am liking his work.
It is also a question of how the backrow is best balanced.
I think it is the same for the Reds. The thing I find interesting is that I would have thought Tui is currently doing to role we would want Houston to play, and has been doing it pretty well. But hey - not a bad problem to have.
So far, Cheika has helped deliver Douglas & Houston to the Reds. Gotta say I am liking his work.
Getwithme
Cyril Towers (30)
Sword of Justice
Vay Wilson (31)
From what I can see from his highlights posted by Sully above - he certainly takes advantage of a much slower game over there.
If we did sign him balance in our back row would be paramount. I can't see him lasting 80 in Super Rugby any time soon and I think Curtis Browning's spot is safe.
I suppose it makes sense considering that Cheika has selected Palu and Powell also who have only really played bench minutes this season, so it's not like Cheika necessarily thinks he could go for a whole match at a much higher tempo.
If we did sign him balance in our back row would be paramount. I can't see him lasting 80 in Super Rugby any time soon and I think Curtis Browning's spot is safe.
I suppose it makes sense considering that Cheika has selected Palu and Powell also who have only really played bench minutes this season, so it's not like Cheika necessarily thinks he could go for a whole match at a much higher tempo.
neilc
Bob Loudon (25)
Agreed, looks pretty pedestrian - his conditioning doesn't look too flash in that video either - plenty of grunt but can't see him running around too much with that bulk. Happy to be proven wrong and I guess the training squad will allow a chance to see how he goes.
I don't think he looks any different from when he played for us before.
I was actually surprised with his line out skills in the clip. He's a big guy but seems to explode into the air. I actually think it's more his body shape rather than his conditioning. He doesn't have a really athletic rig but uses what he has to great ability.
The more I've been thinking about it the more I'm liking the signing. The issue, like others have mentioned, is going to be balance. We need a quality 7 for next year. I'm hopeful Gunn has a big NRC and off season as I think he may need to add a few kgs to be Super quality.
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The more I've been thinking about it the more I'm liking the signing. The issue, like others have mentioned, is going to be balance. We need a quality 7 for next year. I'm hopeful Gunn has a big NRC and off season as I think he may need to add a few kgs to be Super quality.
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Scoey
Tony Shaw (54)
We're signing McMahon for next year and beyond remember?
On Leroy but, he doesn't look much different to when he left here other than the obvious few years that he has matured. He was what, 24 when he left? A bit younger than Schatz is now and a bit older than Browning is. Big bodied backrowers take time to grow into their size and 'harden up'. I'm hoping he is where we thought he'd get to but the best part is he is a natural physical 8. He's always relished contact, loves hitting hard in defence etc. You can't teach that.
Scrubber2050
Mark Ella (57)
Like the Leroy signing - strengthens backrow bigtime.
When last at the reds I think Fitness was always a problem. Hopefully he can adjust from NH rugby to SH rugby, and very quickly.
Think Shatz was up for renewal this year and it will be interesting to see if he re-signs.
When last at the reds I think Fitness was always a problem. Hopefully he can adjust from NH rugby to SH rugby, and very quickly.
Think Shatz was up for renewal this year and it will be interesting to see if he re-signs.
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