Waratahs 2026

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Doran said Tahs don't see Jorgo as a 15

I'd say that opinion was solidified with seeing Hendren in Super Rugby Aus. We still suffer from the idea that Wingers are Wingers because they lacked skill at other positions and were just quick.

Somewhat correct in lower tier comps but it's a game changing specialist at the top level and Jorgo is quickly rising the ranks of world Rugby Wingers. These guys can change games and being left to excel is the best place to be as long as they are told to look for work and the game plan encourages their involvement.

 

[dru]

And going wide in those situations, too early, ends up in turnovers in quite shit areas of the field

I'll never forget the Honey Badger's response to a side line question in warm up "what's the game plan?". Clearly not expecting an honest response but the Badge didn't hesitate:

"Up the gut's and into 'em. Spin it wide, score in the corner."

There is wisdom there that years later Australian rugby aught listen to.

 

[JackJill]

Jackson Ropata and Chlayton Franz seen training with the Western Force in the off-season via socials. Any idea when these guys moved over?

 

[Wilson]

Jackson Ropata and Chlayton Franz seen training with the Western Force in the off-season via socials. Any idea when these guys moved over?

They're on train and trial deals, the Force announced it with their full squad at the start of November.

 

[Yoda]

I'll never forget the Honey Badger's response to a side line question in warm up "what's the game plan?". Clearly not expecting an honest response but the Badge didn't hesitate:

"Up the gut's and into 'em. Spin it wide, score in the corner."

There is wisdom there that years later Australian rugby aught listen to.

Yep! Instead of 'a thousand' pick and drives going no where! And get Ikitau back into the backline in attack and not joining the pick and drives. While on 'The Badge', he should be the first bloke Stan sign for RWC sideline commentary. He'd definitely bring some humour to some of the drones they use now.

 

[fatprop]

I'll never forget the Honey Badger's response to a side line question in warm up "what's the game plan?". Clearly not expecting an honest response but the Badge didn't hesitate:

"Up the gut's and into 'em. Spin it wide, score in the corner."

There is wisdom there that years later Australian rugby aught listen to.

I have spent too many times at the SFS watching the Tahs run out of units (and ideas) after 3 or 4 phases and go to ball flops, lose a cleanout and be turned over

To spin it wide early means investing in backrowers lurking wide. Great concept, but this year that meant having Leota lurking/counting flower buds for little results and we just don't have a mobile 7.

Our backline this season stopped at 12, didn't matter who played, we throw static ball to our 12 and hope for the best as the opps umbrella defence blotted out opportunities to go any further

I would prefer to see better functioning forwards, getting over the advantage line, we could even have someone latched on the ball carriers hip at times (we have lost our two most effective ball carriers, we need to work on solutions that provide quick front foot ball), how about decent, accurate cleanouts.

I would prefer a smothering, frustrating defence, that forces opps team to kick

I would prefer a team that works hard to give those kick receivers options and support, to run support lines and chase kicks hard and create pressure - I still see kick return as the biggest attacking opportunity

 

[Homer]

You talking about the tahs or wallabies here fatprop? works for both of them.

 

[BobbyD]

You talking about the tahs or wallabies here fatprop? works for both of them.

According to those outside NSW, the Wallabies and Waratahs are one in the same ...

 

[fatprop]

You talking about the tahs or wallabies here fatprop? works for both of them.

Yeah, it would, I was watching some clips of the Boks and their cleanouts, driving the blocker not only back, but around the corner and then watching the 9 scoot straight through that cleared space

A functional, effective pack is the foundation of rugby, everything grows from that - even our mediocre 10s can look like geniuses if they are continually given clean quick front foot ball