Good result to Waverley today … beating a TSS. who fielded a rather large pack of forwards,
However it would be a mistake to think that Waverley beat TSS, and TSS beat Joeys, so Waverley should easily steam-roll Joeys
The Joeys versus Waverley match should be a cracker
However Waverley in my view have a lot of work to do, to even contemplate taking the prized scalp of Joeys at Hunters Hill
Todays scrummaging was the usual debacle … I know I say it every year, and every year I get told the same thing … pull my head in
Yes TSS had a big front row … but if Finn Wright is to be a serious rep contender, he and the piggies need to do a lot better, at scrum time
Now a good scrum is not all about the front row, so not pinning it on Finn and todays front row
…if you have second rowers that aren’t pushing, and breakaways not doing their bit, you can forget about it
However Waverley needs to get some tapes of Joeys scrums
Joeys IMHO are 2nd to none come scrum time …
At one point in todays game Waverley had a penalty on TSS line and there is Finn Wright standing out in the backs, hoping for a quick ball, so that he can barrel over
A good Prop, should be hoping for the penalty to be taken as a scrum
You have to love the set piece … otherwise you aren’t a true Prop
The line out too … not great today
I am not sure throwing up Joel Ellis is a recipe for getting quality ball ?!
And with Donaldson and Andrews having a good kicking game, you don’t want to be playing to the touchlines, when your line-out is at best “messy”
Anyway I know it is early in the season, and they are embarking on a NZ tour, but certainly I think the tape of todays game, should give them plenty to work on
Anyway my positives:
Daniel Andrews – this kid is quality … he is a budding Michael Lynagh … he is only in year 11, and not much of him, but he is the perfect link man, great rugby head, and Mr Cool. He is already a revelation.
Broklyn Hardaker … the kid is a freak, how was todays solo try from a Waverley restart … I have seen this kid do things both in attack and defence that are freakish.
A number of other high quality backs : Donaldson – a classy 10. Liam Cornish a powerful centre who is one bloke that could knock the “bejesus” out of Scots goliath Yassmin. And you have a no-nonense 9 in Marco Bell and a number of great finishers (Eyles)
Luca Moretti & Eden Rogers-Smith : These 2 of have gone from big to bigger. 2 big strong hard-hitting leaguies, that have awesome athleticism. They might have been well contained today by TSS, but they will be running over the top of a lots of defenders in the weeks ahead. And will be a good test of Joeys defence come May 13th.
Finn Wright .. youngest of about 5 brothers, related to Owen Finnegan, and a wrecking ball that will bend any defensive line. Just needs to learn to love the scrum.
Depth – a long list of able bodies including Joel Ellis, Tadhg Murphy, Connor Molloy, Max Towns and new recruit Alex Rice (who had a brief run today .. and plays 2nd rower in Easts formidable under 16s team)
Anyway did I mention I am looking forward to Waverley v Joeys J
