Waratahs 2012

[Braveheart81]

Yes. It looks like I well and truly jumped the gun in thinking that it was serious.

 

[mark_s]

the latter of course.

actually a new article today in the herald is saying Foley is resisting widespread changes to show faith in the team.

Sound slike crap reporting on the news I was listening too last night.

 

[Ash]

Isn't Alcock also out for another week? So Jenkins should be guaranteed to start, and likely to get 80.

 

[Hawko]

Isn't Alcock also out for another week? So Jenkins should be guaranteed to start, and likely to get 80.

I'd like Jenkins to start, he would be a better match-up for Pocock. Lee is reporting on the match thread that Alcock is OK to play, but I would have him on the bench this week.

 

[Intruder]

There has been little talk about Seilala Lam if Alcock is supposedly out for another week he'll slot onto the bench.

 

[tranquility]

There has been little talk about Seilala Lam if Alcock is supposedly out for another week he'll slot onto the bench.

Seems only logical doesn't it? He must be a little aggrieved that he hasn't been given a chance before then (in the sense that he is being considered the fourth no7 in the state).

 

[fatprop]

Nice to see Rocky running around again

 

[Lee Grant]

M foley was quoted in the news tonight saying there would be widespread changes for this weeks game. Who else is there?

His options are limited. Everybody knows Sitaleki T is in town. I saw him practice yesterday and he is very rusty; looks like he has been in a good paddock too. He trained with the 22 though and is probably on the bench.

Obviously McCutcheon won't be playing again this season. Word was that Alcock could take his place. He's had a head knock and and a bit of footballers' migraine or whatever Barnes had last year, but it's not as bad as his. That would be a change. If he is not right then Jenkins would start.

As I mentioned yesterday in the game thread: Lopeti T is stuck in NZ with visa problems. He played bloody well from the bench in Dunedin though he stuffed up one pick up from the scrum. Since it's very unlikely that Palu will play, Lopeti could start in front of Metusiela who seems to be recovered from his game injury last weekend. On the other hand the Tahs didn't have a lock reserve last week; so big brother could take little brother's spot on the bench.

Kepu didn't train yesterday and Fat Cat hurt is knee; so there could be a change in the props. TPN could be rested too; he's still not throwing straight to the lineout and might need a break from starting to freshen him up.

I doubt if there will be any changes in the backs. They all trained where they played last week. Pakalani hasn't had a lot of contact work since his shoulder operation and has "watch this space" status.

There's not a lot of options for change. It's a bit like the qualifying final last year against the Blues: the fit guys get the jerseys.

 

[Lee Grant]

Nice to see Rocky running around again

It's very laboured but he is running more every time I see him at training. The word was that we would know more in 2 weeks time; nudge, nudge, wink, wink.

 

[Joe Mac]

If they don't get Lopeti back it seems that they are going to really struggle to put together a decent pack...

4 S. Timani
5 Douglas
6 Mumm
7 Jenkins
8 Dennis

This looks like their best option. Either that or you shift everyone up one (bar Jenkins), Timani to the bench and put Mes in at 8...

The Force must smell an opportunity here...

 

[Lee Grant]

They'll get Lopeti back; I was told he was an official Australian resident and the visa thing was a kerfufflle.

Sitaleki is on the bench - he was never going to start IMO; he was rusty and clumsy at training yesterday. That will change though if last season is any guide: his rise was rapid.

I see that both Timani brothers are on the bench for the Force game and may play together for the first time.

The Tahs trio of 6. Dennis, 7. Jenkins and 8. Metuisela will have their hands full against Brown, Pocock and Hodgson. Dennis is a contracted player but Metuisela is in the EPS and Jenkins is not even in the 35.

 

[Moses]

Jenkins handed first start against Force
Jono Jenkins will make his HSBC Waratahs FxPro Super Rugby starting debut against his former club, the Western Force on Saturday.
The Sydney University flanker’s elevation to the run on team is the only change to the starting XV that faced the Highlanders last weekend, losing by a single point in the 80-minute Dunedin thriller.
Originally called into the squad as a short term replacement, after two cameo appearances, Jenkins now looks set to become a regular in the sky blue, impressing Head Coach Michael Foley when he came on for the injured Pat McCutcheon, who broke his ankle in Saturday’s match.
“Jono played well last weekend, it was a particularly physical game and I thought he thrived,” said Foley, who has chosen to start Jenkins ahead of the returning Chris Alcock. “We will assess the game and look to bring in Chris at the right time.
“This weekend will be a great challenge for our back row and both players have a clear understanding of their roles. Last week’s match was very intense and, as a team, it was a good measure for us, as far as giving us an understanding of what is required.”
The match will also give NSW fans a first glimpse this season of towering Tongan Sitaleki Timani, returning after a season in Japan and whose younger brother Lopeti has impressed with limited game time. Both brothers are on the bench and, if they make it on to the field, will play together for the first time.
With good weather forecast and a Lady Waratahs theme, fans heading to the newly-named Allianz Stadium can expect a great night of action and entertainment.
From mums and wives to club officials, administrators, players, members and fans, the HSBC Waratahs appreciate the wonderful support they receive from women. The first 200 ladies to visit the HSBC Waratahs’ marquee near Gate A on the night will each receive a free gift, courtesy of ACP Magazines, and the first 500 will also win a champagne voucher for the Imperial Hotel in Paddington. As well as the on pitch action, one lucky winner and two friends will be joining TAH Man for a romantic floodlit dinner on the pitch at half time. Simply head to the HSBC Waratahs marquee and register before 7.30pm for your chance to win. Half time will also see one fan win $5000 with HSBC’s Flash for Cash.

HSBC WARATAHS v Western Force
FxPro Super Rugby round 4 Saturday March 17, 2012
Allianz Stadium, kick off 7.40pm

15. Bernard Foley (Sydney University)
14. Tom Kingston (Sydney University)
13. Rob Horne (Southern Districts)
12. Berrick Barnes (Sydney University)
11. Adam Ashley-Cooper (Northern Suburbs)
10. Daniel Halangahu (Sydney University), captain
9. Sarel Pretorius (unattached)
8. Tevita Metuisela (Manly)
7. Jono Jenkins (Sydney University)
6. Dave Dennis (Sydney University)
5. Kane Douglas (Southern Districts)
4. Dean Mumm (Sydney University)
3. Sekope Kepu (Randwick)
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau (Parramatta)
1. Benn Robinson (Eastwood), vice captain

Replacements16. John Ulugia (Southern Districts)
17. Paddy Ryan (Sydney University)
18. Sitaleki Timani (unattached)
19. Lopeti Timani (Southern Districts)
20. Chris Alcock (Eastwood)21. Brendan McKibbin (Eastern Suburbs)
22. Tom Carter (Sydney University)

Coaching Staff
Michael Foley – Head Coach
Alan Gaffney – Senior Assistant Coach
Scott Bowen – Assistant Coach
Greg Mumm – Coaching Coordinator
An HSBC Waratahs membership is your ticket to a number of exciting benefits including the chance to win a Volvo C70 Convertible, valued at over $77,000. One lucky member will be driving away from the match against the Sharks on March 25 in a brand new car. Membership packages start from just $38 for a 2 Game Associate adult package, for your chance to win sign up online at www.waratahs.com.au/win by March 21, 2012 or call membership services on 1300 733 899.
Ends

 

[fatprop]

They'll get Lopeti back; I was told he was an official Australian resident and the visa thing was a kerfufflle.

Sitaleki is on the bench - he was never going to start IMO; he was rusty and clumsy at training yesterday. That will change though if last season is any guide: his rise was rapid.

I see that both Timani brothers are on the bench for the Force game.

The Tahs trio of 6. Dennis, 7. Jenkins and 8. Metuisela will have their hands full against Brown, Pocock and Hodgson. Dennis is a contracted player but Metuisela is in the EPS and Jenkins is not even in the 35.

I thought Metuisela did pretty good on Saturday until he ran out of puff

 

[qwerty51]

Yep I was worried about how he'd go after watching him play earlier in the year but he impressed. Jenkins was excellent right from the go, he came on and straight away put on a massive hit, he was a menace in the ruck and made plenty of tackles, including a try saver at the end.

 

[Lee Grant]

Agree about Metuisela. He played better than I thought after watching him in the trials against Samoa and Tonga. A contest between Lopeti and he to back up Palu when he is unfit is only good news for the Tahs.

It was a good strategy to chose two specialist no.8s in the EPS, given Cliffy's spotty fitness record.

 

[maxdacat]

Quick question (not worthy of a separate thread)....i looked into buying tickets for the Tahs v Force game this weekend:

- go to waratahs website
- press tickets"

http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Tickets/ForceSatMarch17.aspx

- get a page that just has some spile about dinner with Tah man.

WTF! Do they want me to get a ticket or not?

I realise i may need to go to ticketek or the ground's site but feel that in terms of the waratah's own marketing, they are not doing all they can to get fans to go to matches. Am I right?

 

[matty_k]

Try the link from this page

http://www.waratahs.com.au/Waratahs/Tickets.aspx

 

[Braveheart81]

Umm... you clicked on the link about the game next to Community Connection regarding events relating to upcoming games.

In the little table listing all the matches, the right hand column is Tickets and the BUY TICKETS link will take you to Ticketek.

 

[AngrySeahorse]

Just saw a small segment on Drew Mitchell on Fox sports. He had a primary school kid take him to his school for show-&-tell & then he signed autographs & handed out Waratah back packs. He may be injured but he's still doing great work off the field. Most people would expect this anyways but I think this is really good stuff from Drew.

Hopefully they get to the bottom of sorting out his ankle issue ASAP.

 

[Braveheart81]

http://a5.sphotos.AK (Andrew Kellaway).fbcdn.net/hphotos-AK (Andrew Kellaway)-snc7/417147_10150617836372144_10622282143_9537738_125089494_n.jpg