Waratahs 2022

[Wilson]

Neither can I but likewise the Tahs should have more information at hand to determine the priorities for retention. With any luck one of them will be considered important to retain for Rugby Australia and they'll get some assistance there.

If we assume Beale is just a one season return for 2023 which seem pretty likely than it's a question of how much do you spend between your 10, 15 and back up 10 (when the 15 covers it just as well). There'll probably be RA money for one, maybe two of them but I don't think it'll be huge as none of them are likely to be capped by then. If it's two of them it might not actually be too helpful as it would apply to them where ever they go in Australia, and it'll really drive home the need to start in their preferred position to push their wallaby credentials.

 

[Lindommer]

with KB (Kurtley Beale) back into the fold next season, it's pretty likely he will lock down the 15 jersey.......

Hasn't Kurtley been playing 12 at Racing?

 

[Purce]

We're only talking about Edmed for next season. The other two are contracted already.

Now maybe the Rebels do make him a big offer for multiple years for Edmed but I would also be surprised if they did.

My question is why would Edmed move for what is most likely a backup role next season? That's not materially better than he has at the Tahs. I can certainly see him only signing a one year contract so he can work out the lay of the land post RWC.

Brumbies I'd imagine.
10: Lolesio - Edmed - Iona
12: Edmed - Lolesio

Between the 3 of them should have it covered. No doubt another 12 backup somewhere in the squad.

Edmed would go a great way to securing a stronger 10/12 combo from 2023 onwards with Simone leaving.

 

[Wilson]

Hasn't Kurtley been playing 12 at Racing?

He's played about 80% 15, 20% 12 but I doubt he's coming back to play 12 for the tahs or the wallabies - Rennie used him at 15 on the end of year tour last year and there's too many strong candidates at centre to bother with him there for the wallabies.

 

[fatprop]

with KB (Kurtley Beale) back into the fold next season, it's pretty likely he will lock down the 15 jersey. We then have 3 super ready 10s competing for 2 jerseys, so one is likely to look elsewhere for more playing time.
Reds could do with a back up 10, Brumbies could be on the lookout a back up to Lolesio (Although Iona is solid) and I'd take all three over Carter Gordon every day of the week.

Again, they would be moving as "back ups" not a starting spot unless they punt and try to start at the Rebs or Force

So not for money, back ups don't get much, starting from scratch, the cost of moving - it isn't a compelling sell

 

[Drew]

On top of that they’re all in the race

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I wouldn't categorise Newsome as someone who is low-error.

He's definitely having a better season this year but he certainly makes his fair share of errors. Look at Pasitoa's try on the weekend - Newsome was in position and got totally bumped off.

He's a solid player but more in the placeholder variety or ideally a guy who is squad depth rather than someone who is regularly starting in your backline.

I think this season he has more then not made good decisions and some useful attacking plays such that hard to leave him out where season past questioned leaving him in.

improvements in players like Sinclair and newsome amongst others why tahs doing well.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Again, they would be moving as "back ups" not a starting spot unless they punt and try to start at the Rebs or Force

So not for money, back ups don't get much, starting from scratch, the cost of moving - it isn't a compelling sell

Not like KB (Kurtley Beale) expected to stay long as coming back to compete for spot at RWC.

 

[Pass it to Dunning!]

It's possible Beale will play at 12, which is what he played in the 2014 season. Foketi will move to 13 and Perese will move to the wing.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

It's possible Beale will play at 12, which is what he played in the 2014 season. Foketi will move to 13 and Perese will move to the wing.

He would be earmarking 15 for wallaby Audition

 

[Jamie]

Proud of the boys, I honestly think the score doesn't reflect the game but the Chiefs were definitely the better team, those cards in the first 20 killed us.

My thoughts:

- I said this before but Will Harrison is not the right guy for the FB spot, he paid the price last night. Also his exit kicks were poor, would love to see him back at 10. Although his season is over.

- We had good moments but the backline did not seem to click, I don't think it was because of Roberts but more about the lack of ball, the Chiefs controlled the game really well.

- We needed more punch in the forward, they made meters every time their forward had the ball, we didn't

- It is Jack Gordon by a mile at halfback and then the rest

- We need another winger, I keep saying this but I guess we will have to wait until next year.

In addition, I seriously dislike watching games with Nick Berry and Angus Gardner, regardless of whether the cards are correct or not, they always seem to take the spotlight.

I do think the boys will learn from the game and they will be better next week. I also loved the pace of the game, this is what Super Rugby should be about. Th Tahs game vs the Force for instance was played in slow-motion by comparison.

Go Tahs!

 

[WorkingClassRugger]

Proud of the boys, I honestly think the score doesn't reflect the game but the Chiefs were definitely the better team, those cards in the first 20 killed us.

My thoughts:

- I said this before but Will Harrison is not the right guy for the FB spot, he paid the price last night. Also his exit kicks were poor, would love to see him back at 10. Although his season is over.

- We had good moments but the backline did not seem to click, I don't think it was because of Roberts but more about the lack of ball, the Chiefs controlled the game really well.

- We needed more punch in the forward, they made meters every time their forward had the ball, we didn't

- It is Jack Gordon by a mile at halfback and then the rest

- We need another winger, I keep saying this but I guess we will have to wait until next year.

In addition, I seriously dislike watching games with Nick Berry and Angus Gardner, regardless of whether the cards are correct or not, they always seem to take the spotlight.

I do think the boys will learn from the game and they will be better next week. I also loved the pace of the game, this is what Super Rugby should be about. Th Tahs game vs the Force for instance was played in slow-motion by comparison.

Go Tahs!

Something that was very noticeable in defence was the amount of space we afforded them to run. It's something we always do. Kiwi besides play the quick recycle ball movement style one you need to crowd out and bring the physicality for. As I was saying to my brother. Make them uncomfortable. But we didn't and they made metres.

So Gardener was the TMO. Actually walked right past him for my ride into the city last night and noted it was him.

 

[Jimmyjam]

You can't beat quality teams with a 2 man shortfall. The points scored whilst undermanned was pretty much the difference, adding to that when you can't win your own lineouts due to being 2 hookers down it's near impossible.

I was extremely proud of the fight and effort by the boys last night. To come within 3 points with 20m left was outstanding. Whether we could have won or not with 15 on 15 and at least one hooker standing will never be known, but the thing they did prove was the character is there and that's massive compared to last year.

I'm pretty sure if the Chiefs had been down to 14 for 20m, 13 for 10m and lost both their hookers the shoe would have been on the other foot.... and there would have been plenty of excuses trotted out too.

BTW, I'm an ex ref/coach and player and absolutely not into ref bashing, but IMO Berry seems to do a serious job on the Tahs whenever he officiates? I know he played a few games for the reds a while back, but this guys throws out cards and penalties against the Tahs like there's no tomorrow! Inconsistently I might add....

 

[Wilson]

BTW, I'm an ex ref/coach and player and absolutely not into ref bashing, but IMO Berry seems to do a serious job on the Tahs whenever he officiates? I know he played a few games for the reds a while back, but this guys throws out cards and penalties against the Tahs like there's no tomorrow! Inconsistently I might add....

This is well wide of the mark, the tahs earned the penalties and cards they were given. They should be the target of your frustrations, not Berry

 

[Jamie]

You can't beat quality teams with a 2 man shortfall. The points scored whilst undermanned was pretty much the difference, adding to that when you can't win your own lineouts due to being 2 hookers down it's near impossible.

I was extremely proud of the fight and effort by the boys last night. To come within 3 points with 20m left was outstanding. Whether we could have won or not with 15 on 15 and at least one hooker standing will never be known, but the thing they did prove was the character is there and that's massive compared to last year.

I'm pretty sure if the Chiefs had been down to 14 for 20m, 13 for 10m and lost both their hookers the shoe would have been on the other foot.... and there would have been plenty of excuses trotted out too.

BTW, I'm an ex ref/coach and player and absolutely not into ref bashing, but IMO Berry seems to do a serious job on the Tahs whenever he officiates? I know he played a few games for the reds a while back, but this guys throws out cards and penalties against the Tahs like there's no tomorrow! Inconsistently I might add....

100% And I get that being a Ref is difficult AND I wouldn't want to do it but F.... me!!

Gamble was massive last night and everyone worked hard to put on a good show.

We missed Bell, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) did not make many meters and we never really get Perese and Co in the game.

Bring on Saders

 

[Drew]

100% And I get that being a Ref is difficult AND I wouldn't want to do it but F.... me!!

Gamble was massive last night and everyone worked hard to put on a good show.

We missed Bell, HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) (Harry Johnson-Holmes) did not make many meters and we never really get Perese and Co in the game.

Bring on Saders

HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) was playing to a game plan where he submitted to tackles so we were within the 22 when he was tackled, so we were able to to kick out on the full. His stats suffered, but was good for the team. He generally is given clean out duties for Bells runs. It’s not that easy to change roles on the run.

 

[Lightblue]

The Waratahs will no doubt be keen to sign Edmed ASAP, with the unlucky Harrison looking like being out for an extended period due to his badly injured knee.

 

[Silverado]

The Waratahs will no doubt be keen to sign Edmed ASAP, with the unlucky Harrison looking like being out for an extended period due to his badly injured knee.

Harrison's injuries have really hurt (No pun intended) his prospects with the team. Both Edmed and Donaldson were handed a chance at 10 and grabbed it with both hands. With Beale returning next year, probably at 15 he might find it hard to get a spot. On the fullback thing, does Newsome drop back with Harrison out? I'd like to see Edmed at 10 and Donaldson at 15, but it's not ideal experimenting against the Kiwis

 

[Wilson]

The Waratahs will no doubt be keen to sign Edmed ASAP, with the unlucky Harrison looking like being out for an extended period due to his badly injured knee.

Harrison's injury should definitely help the tahs chances of retaining Edmed, but with the talk of Lolesio potentially leaving the Brumbies Edmed might pause to consider his options. If the Brumbies are hunting for a starting 10 rather than a backup/option at 12 the equation changes massively. If it was Donaldson or Harrison who was off contract I'd expect they'd already be gone, given Larkham's history with those two. That may still happen if RA are keen to facilitate a redistribution - something Rennie flagged on Rugby Heaven this week.

 

[Drew]

James Ramm played half a game at fullback for Randwick, not sure if he came off injured or was playing limited minutes to test his recovery though. If he’s 100% he’s another option at 15. They will probably use Newsome at 15 as he’s played a few games there, but I’ve liked his play from 11.