S15 - Rebels V Reds

Good team

Curious selection with Higgers at 8 and Schatz at 6. I think they play better the other way around.

Do you think with Higgers iminent departure looming, they are grooming Jake to be our next 6? If so, it leaves a hole at 8 for next season that Jake looked like he was filling well.

Really? I've thought both have found their best form in those positions this season, plus Higgers is safer at the back of the scrum. Shatzie will be our 8 next year.

I wonder why he gets the VC? I am sure he is deserving but I would have thought it would go to one of the "normal" starting line up, with the amount of organising Ant Faingaa seems to do in the backline I thought he would have been a shot at it, or even look at Gill as a preview for the future

Gill's captaincy quite frankly was woeful at the JWC. He'll improve no doubt but he's no where near ready to take the reigns at Super rugby level.

Yeah I have always thought Higgers was better at 6 and Jake at 8, but I do agree with in terms of speed and ball service from the back of the scrum, Higgers has the edge.

I only suggested him as an alternative as I am guessing that some coach at some time thought he was worthy of the role at the JWC.

Was he the issue, or was it his team?

Has someone like Pocock been a good captain at the force? He has had similar results, but seems to get the job done by leading by example no matter how bad the players around him are going

Reckon the Reds will be so fired up knowing they need to win their last 3 games. This "should" be the easiest (of the 3).

IMO the Reds will blast 'em off the pitch - REDS by 25

I hope so!

This is a real test of champion players proving why they are champions. This is the time of the season where our star players need to show they have what it takes.

I am looking forward to plenty of tries and hopefully no penalty attempts at goal by the Reds

the unknown quantity in all this is the mid-season break..
Some teams react positively to the break, some don't..

Thanks Sam!

Secure the win, than get the bonus point if you can. Underestimate any team at your peril.

I think AWH is an excellent choice for VC. He has the maturity, experience and poise to keep the forwards focused if things get tough.

I agree, and hopefully with plenty of highball in KB's direction, we should see the Reds cruise to victory!

Reds need to get back into gear quickly. Or at least in to a high enough one to score 4 tries and win.

Rebels Team:

STARTING TEAM:
1. Nic Henderson, 2. Adam Freier, 3. Jono Owen, 4. Cadeyrn Neville, 5. Hugh Pyle (VC), 6. Tom Chamberlain, 7. Hugh Perrett, 8. Gareth Delve (VC), 9. Nick Phipps, 10. James O'Connor, 11. Cooper Vuna, 12. Stirling Mortlock (C), 13. Mitch Inman, 14. Mark Gerrard, 15. Kurtley Beale
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Ged Robinson, 17. Rodney Blake, 18. Al Campbell, 19. Tim Davidson, 20. Nic Stirzaker, 21. Lachie Mitchell, 22. Julian Huxley

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/s...ons-a-tough-balancing-act-20120627-212tx.html

This is from the SMH by Link, I think he has the task in hand.

Link knows how to get the best out of his players, we will win

I don't see how one can judge a captains performance so critically based on that..
Pocock is a much better captain at test level then he is at super rugby level, there is only so much if the team is performing badly

Nice lineup, I think it will do ok. Is Luke Jones injured?

Ath.