Trial matches do not count as caps....
the Reds were famous for giving caps out for any time one of their players wore a reddish strip. Thus the high number of centurions. They've tightened it up of late and yes, this game would not be capped.
Trial matches do not count as caps....
Nah, I disagree, I think there are a few selections who scream 'trial' still.
No Andrew Ready, I personally think is a test between Alex Maif and Paenga-Amosa for the reserve Hooker spot but regardless Ready would be in the 23 he was very impressive in the 10's and it would be quite difficult to picture him not being in the 23.
The Lance selection at 10 so soon with virtually no real training time is a little worrying, plus I actually felt like Stewart was really starting to gain some traction. But if Lance does moderately well should be selected to start against the Rebels.
CFS selected on the wing for the first time in a while looks experimental. While Daugunu has been more tried and tested in so far as the wing goes.
Then both Moses Sorovi and Tate McDermott are both in the 23. There is no way you don't use that extra bench spot either for a forward or a *real* back.
Edit: Also I'd be starting Blyth over Douglass after his 10's performance; and Douglas would fall out of the 23. We have yet to really see very much from Douglass, maybe (hopefully) this is a last chance to show he must be selected.
Nah, I disagree, I think there are a few selections who scream 'trial' still.
No Andrew Ready, I personally think is a test between Alex Maif and Paenga-Amosa for the reserve Hooker spot but regardless Ready would be in the 23 he was very impressive in the 10's and it would be quite difficult to picture him not being in the 23.
The Lance selection at 10 so soon with virtually no real training time is a little worrying, plus I actually felt like Stewart was really starting to gain some traction. But if Lance does moderately well should be selected to start against the Rebels.
CFS selected on the wing for the first time in a while looks experimental. While Daugunu has been more tried and tested in so far as the wing goes.
Then both Moses Sorovi and Tate McDermott are both in the 23. There is no way you don't use that extra bench spot either for a forward or a *real* back.
Edit: Also I'd be starting Blyth over Douglass after his 10's performance; and Douglas would fall out of the 23. We have yet to really see very much from Douglass, maybe (hopefully) this is a last chance to show he must be selected.
Mafi was playing better rugby then Ready at the end of last year in Super Rugby, and Mafi has runs on the board with Thorn at NRC level having played a key role in QLD Country. I agree its a close call between them but I don't think Ready has jumped Mafi based on the Tens. The big shift at hooker has being BPA who I think has jumped into the lead role.
Lance vs Stewart as starting fly-half will be a battle to have for quite a number of games, it could go either way and I think this trial will go a long way to deciding that.
CFS has played on the wing plenty of times, and whilst its another 50/50 call I think Daugunu is another who is better served being eased into Super Rugby. He made a few erratic decisions during Tens, I think he might still be adjusting to the step up.
Its a 28 man squad, it looks as though Thorn has selected his 23, and then added an extra 5 players onto the bench. In which case McDermott and Sorovi won't both be on the bench.
Weird. I’m starting to build just a little enthusiasm.
Don't worry - that's just the usual pre season Reds delirium settling in, it'll fade by about round 4..
Little depth ! They have played a trial and the 10’s without using any of the starting XV. The Rebels have a very good squad but have had even less time together and little deepth. ).
Well I think there are a few vulnerable teams kicking around. Looking at the SA conference the Bulls and Sharks are potential wins, the Jaguars are always a roll of the dice. The Lions have lost Johan Ackermann and now have a rookie head coach in Swys de Bruin who prior to being an assistant with the Lions had only coached juniors, so may have regressed. New Zealand will be hard, but the Highlanders apparently are looking slightly vulnerable, all new coaching staff and a very young side (if what I've been told is correct). Other than that the NZ sides are rock solid but maybe playing each other more will help reveal more of their flaws. Of the Aussies sides there are a number of sides that are completely unknown. The Waratahs 'should' be good. but they 'should' be good the last several season. The Rebels have a very good squad but have had even less time together and little deepth. And the Sunwolves should be an easy beat. And as for the Brumbies I think we are going to play a lot like the Brumbies, it is possible we out Brumbies the Brumbies (with their newly promoted coach). Mind you can can see a season where the Sunwolves are the second best team in the Aussie conference, so that should tell you there is almost infinenet margin for error for every team (bar the Brumbies).
Anyone know if the match tonight against Fiji will be live streamed?
Bump
I'm surprised that they don't have it as an option to pay for on the website. Why would anyone pay $22 at the gate if you can watch it at home for free.
They may announce a live stream late in the afternoon, to try and encourage people to buy tickets until the last minute. Worth checking their Facebook page an hour or so before kickoff.