Reds 2023
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
This. I feel like Wright often flies under the radar especially when compared to the entertaining style of McReight, Wilson and Uru, but having him fit and firing at 6 is a huge plus. His set-piece and breakdown work is phenomenal but I think his best trait is just his general rugby smarts. He always seems to make the Wright (pun intended) decisions and makes very little mistakes. Not to mention his clear leadership qualities. I'm backing him in for a huge year.
he's not in my best XV (having not seen him play for a few years). He's in my 23 for round 1 only on the back of injuries.
As for expectations? I reckon we every chance of being the top Aussie team. Brumbies pack is awesome, but I think there's many questions about their backline. Tahs still feel a work in progress and have their own injury concerns. Tight five is their weakness I reckon. Force will struggle for continuity. Drua an unknown quantity somewhat. The Rebels aren't.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
Not really. I thought he got overhyped at times - but he’s always been a quality Super rugby player and is a step up from guys like Vest & Tualima. I am pretty happy with Blyth, Smith, Jones, Uru, Wright, McRieght & Wilson to fill 5 starting & two bench spots. Jones aside, the rest have shown they can match it with any of the other Aussie packs (still need to show they can match the Kiwis though). Unless he’s dropped away then Jones will compete for a starting spot at lock but, I suspect, will probably play off the bench.
I think there is likely to be a notable step down as soon as one or more of the above aren’t available.
Sir Charles
Larry Dwyer (12)
1-Fa'agase
2-Faessler
3-Ravai
4-Smith
5-Vest
6-Wright
7-McReight
8-Wilson
9-McDermott
10-Lynah
11-Vunivalu
12-O'Connor
13-Flook
14-Petaia
15-Campbell
2-Faessler
3-Ravai
4-Smith
5-Vest
6-Wright
7-McReight
8-Wilson
9-McDermott
10-Lynah
11-Vunivalu
12-O'Connor
13-Flook
14-Petaia
15-Campbell
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
I thought Lynagh was great at Roma but I don’t think he’ll be starting unless O’Connor and Creighton are injured. Even then they might want to use another option.
Parts of Lynagh’s game appear Super Rugby standard by physically he doesn’t look ready to me. Henry, on the other hand, looks ready to go.
Also wouldn’t think Vest would be starting lock unless non of the injured locks are ready.
Parts of Lynagh’s game appear Super Rugby standard by physically he doesn’t look ready to me. Henry, on the other hand, looks ready to go.
Also wouldn’t think Vest would be starting lock unless non of the injured locks are ready.
Misunderstood fan
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Missing a bit up front this year and it’s going to hurt. Held together greatly by McReight, Wilson and Wright in the back row. In that order. Anderson one to watch and looking to establish himself in the 23. Our tall timbers are ok. Line outs are going to be interesting.
O’Connor the only option at 10 if fit. I like the look of Lynagh in passing and kicking but consciously hides from the defensive stuff. A lot of hype for a player who isn’t proficient in all areas. He did good. Creighton the next in line and give Lynagh a couple of year to learn how to tackle. Henry should be first choice at 12 and Paisami at 13 if Petaia switching in the back 3. Flook a good backup but not a starter. McDermott and Campbell locked in. I think we were all hoping for a game changing recruit and have fallen short this year. No injuries please.
TSR
Mark Ella (57)
I thought he did really well against the Aussie teams (for a guy newly in Super Rugby). But was well off the pace against the Kiwis.
Of course, the rest of the team was too and it would have been a pretty tough gig to be a rookie hybrid lock/flanker when the Reds were being beaten relatively comfortably. So maybe he’ll surprise in the upside.
Hopefully he will because he’s probably only one or two injuries (or the testing of a player) outside the 23.
Misunderstood fan
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Who else? Where is Blyth?
Misunderstood fan
Jimmy Flynn (14)
Can’t forget Uru.
dru
Tim Horan (67)
Vest: to be proven
Lynagh: ditto and we have other options
JOC (James O'Connor): If he doesn't make 10 I can't see him in the 15. 23 Maybe.
Swap the wings as Petaia is likely to make more opportunity tight side and Vunivalu needs space.
Have to say that I'liking the return of Fa'agase.
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Realrugby63
Stan Wickham (3)
I’d love to see the stats because Henry was in so many breakdowns if I was watching correctly. I can’t see how you wouldn’t have him at 12. Also I’m guessing they will put hunter at 13 with Flook on the wing but I honestly thought the centre pairing of Henry at 12 and Flook at 13 was excellent. Side note: if we can get our forwards to aim up I don’t see why we should doubt our ability to aim as high as possible (I have seen some who doubt we can make it much at all this season).
The Phoenix
Sydney Middleton (9)
My team for round 1 considering current injuries. is O'Connor isn't fit then Creighton to start and Lynagh on the bench. I'd have Vunivalu at 23 but if he isn't fit then either Grealy or Daugunu comes in at 23. Other than that the team pretty much picks itself.
1. Peni Ravai
2. Matt Faesslar
3. Zane Nonggorr
4. Luke Jones
5. Ryan Smith
6. Liam Wright (c)
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Tate McDermott
10. James O'Connor
11. Josh Flook/Suliasi Vunivalu
12. Isaac Henry
13. Hunter Paisami
14. Jordan Petaia
15. Jock Campbell
16. Richie Asiata
17. Dane Zander
18. Sef Fa'agase
19. Seru Uru
20. Connor Anderson
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Lawson Creighton
23. Suliasi Vunivalu/Josh Flook
1. Peni Ravai
2. Matt Faesslar
3. Zane Nonggorr
4. Luke Jones
5. Ryan Smith
6. Liam Wright (c)
7. Fraser McReight
8. Harry Wilson
9. Tate McDermott
10. James O'Connor
11. Josh Flook/Suliasi Vunivalu
12. Isaac Henry
13. Hunter Paisami
14. Jordan Petaia
15. Jock Campbell
16. Richie Asiata
17. Dane Zander
18. Sef Fa'agase
19. Seru Uru
20. Connor Anderson
21. Kalani Thomas
22. Lawson Creighton
23. Suliasi Vunivalu/Josh Flook
Ignoto
Greg Davis (50)
Probably helps that Creighton has/was working with Dave Alred for the last two years or so. Hopefully Dave is back out in Aus this year as the Reds kicking from hand has been pretty good over the last few seasons.
Wilson
Michael Lynagh (62)
He's with Bristol these days:
Kicking Coach Alred extends Bears stay - Bristol Bears Rugby
Kicking Coach Dave Alred has extended his stay with Bristol Bears for the 2022/23 campaign.
www.bristolbearsrugby.com
Not sure if he still has any involvement with the Reds as well.
PhilClinton
Geoff Shaw (53)
2014 or 2019 for me
I like the 2023, but not the collar for some reason
I like the 2023, but not the collar for some reason