REBELS v HIGHLANDERS - Harlequins RC 5th Feb @6:30pm

[waiopehu oldboy]

If you have to play the Crusaders away then round one is the best time, round two is next best and it gets worse from there.

The Crusaders will have up to a third of their first choice team unavailable, including Richie and Read. You'll NEVER get a better chance than this and if you think you're not favourites then you have no faith in Tony and the gang.

True & true but I think Rebels fans are a bit like Force fans in preferring to claim underdog status at every opportunity!

 

[Tex]

True & true but I think Rebels fans are a bit like Force fans in preferring to claim underdog status at every opportunity!

To be fair I think we've done all we can to rightfully earn underdog status!

I like what I saw of Sam Jeffries. Such a big man. He made an impact with a number of carries and hits on rucks.

I really like Fuglisataller. He hits above his weight and carries well for a bloke of his stature. I think he's one of the more underrated loose forwards in Aus. We've become complacent when it comes to opensides; Sir George Smith (long may he reign), Pocock and now Hooper have been very visible in their play. Fug isn't as flashy but does the 1-percenters well.

 

[daz]

True & true but I think Rebels fans are a bit like Force fans in preferring to claim underdog status at every opportunity!

Well, we are the reigning wooden spoon holders, and the Crusaders have played a billion finals. The game is at the 'Saders home ground, and the Rebels have shown historically that winning away is still a step up.

I'm as optimistic about the 2015 Rebels as anyone, but if the Rebels are not underdogs for this game, I clearly don't know the meaning of "underdog".

 

[Hugh Jarse]

<snip> .... ... .... the Crusaders have played a billion finals. <snip>

You have been told a million times to stop exaggerating.

 

[Ado Tornado]

• Sexton has to start, stronger at the set piece. His line out and scrum work will be more valuable than Leafa work around the park.
• Locks have to be Jones and Neville, totally agree with Tim, but thought Jones is not hitting as hard as usual, hope it's just rustyness.
• Thought the Defense was pretty good
• Jordy was everywhere when he came on, did a lot of ruck work.
• Rebels went to S@it when they made all the subs at once and took a while to get back into the game.
• Scrum Half, really need to start Burgo, made a massive difference in the last 10 minutes and Stirzaker is just to prone to making stupid mistakes. Would have been penalized a few times if this was a Super Rugby game.
• Higgers is looking like he spent a lot of time in the gym, need him to stay fit all year.

Think it needs to be at Box Hill if they play at local grounds, was a good Atmosphere but you would not fit anymore people in where Box Hill has the Hill for viewing.

Love the new jersey, but got to do something about the numbers, could not read them at all.

Just give me a moment on Stirzaker. Am I missing something? His D is average. He poses absolutely no threat ball in hand around the ruck base like Burgess and Meehan - Everyone knows he is going to pass the pill under all circumstances. His box kicking was appalling. He passed a couple of times to invisible men.. Inman had to catch one with his toe. His support play is good, but Geez.. Thought McMahon, Jordy, Sefa were all excellent last night. Sefa's high take was a cracker and he great in counter. Jordy involvement was fantastic when he came on. McMachon, well he just brings it for every second of the game. Now about Box Hill...That would be a big no thanks from me. The deck at Harlequins was great last night and parking wasn't that big an issue.

 

[Tex]

Just give me a moment on Stirzaker. Am I missing something? His D is average. He poses absolutely no threat ball in hand around the ruck base like Burgess and Meehan - Everyone knows he is going to pass the pill under all circumstances. His box kicking was appalling. He passed a couple of times to invisible men.. Inman had to catch one with his toe. His support play is good, but Geez.. Thought McMahon, Jordy, Sefa were all excellent last night. Sefa's high take was a cracker and he great in counter. Jordy involvement was fantastic when he came on. McMachon, well he just brings it for every second of the game. Now about Box Hill.That would be a big no thanks from me. The deck at Harlequins was great last night and parking wasn't that big an issue.

Yep. Agree with everything here.

Stirzaker looked good in the NRC against slower opposition. He gets frustrated and tries the Genia grubber behind the blind wing but fucked it up three times. Burgo was much more lively.

He did lay a heavy one on one tackle against a Highlanders forward. Didn't shirk it and really drove into the guy.

 

[KevinO]

Just give me a moment on Stirzaker. Am I missing something? His D is average. He poses absolutely no threat ball in hand around the ruck base like Burgess and Meehan - Everyone knows he is going to pass the pill under all circumstances. His box kicking was appalling. He passed a couple of times to invisible men.. Inman had to catch one with his toe. His support play is good, but Geez.. Thought McMahon, Jordy, Sefa were all excellent last night. Sefa's high take was a cracker and he great in counter. Jordy involvement was fantastic when he came on. McMachon, well he just brings it for every second of the game. Now about Box Hill.That would be a big no thanks from me. The deck at Harlequins was great last night and parking wasn't that big an issue.

I said Burgo needed to start. Stirzaker is still not ready for Super Rugby. His discipline will cost us if he plays in the same fashion as the two warm up games.

Any more people at Harlequins and your past capacity, it's a good set up but does not have the depth in viewing space compared to Box Hill.

 

[Brumby Runner]

He poses absolutely no threat ball in hand around the ruck base like Burgess and Meehan - Everyone knows he is going to pass the pill under all circumstances. His box kicking was appalling. He passed a couple of times to invisible men.. Inman had to catch one with his toe. His support play is good, but Geez..

Sounds like you're describing Nick Phipps. So maybe a big future for the other NicK after all.