Are Burgess and Barnes our future 9 and 10?
Roar Pro
By Jamestheconvict, 31 Jul 2009 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Australian rugby, Berrick Barnes, Rugby Union, wallabies, Waratahs
Many Roarers have been suggesting the switch of Giteau and Barnes for a long time now. I think it’s a great idea and one the Wallabies should definitely be considering. But is there more behind Barnes’ move to the Waratahs ?
It’s clear that Burgess, barring a complete drop in form and injury, is going to be around for a while, if not in the gold 9 jersey, then very close behind.
This combination is crucial to the development of both their games.
The Brumbies will have Valentine and Giteau (I’m still not sure why Valentine was dropped from the Wallabies) and the Waratahs will have Burgess and Barnes.
We all read the articles and quotes from the players and management about the reasons for their moves but I ask the question: are players “incentivised” by the ARU to switch clubs to further develop their combinations ?
Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.
The Crowd Says (12) | Page 1 of Comments
Have Your Say
Do you have what it takes to become a sports writer? Write for the roar
Rugby Union articles
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (201)
- Will South African rugby force a Super 21 by 2018? (173)
- The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down (70)
- Dan Parks and the unsolved questions of expat rugby (65)
- Australian teams at Super disadvantage (58)
- Pocock set to be named new Force skipper (56)
- Can the ‘Tahs win the battle after losing the Waugh? (51)
- Wales show Southern Hemisphere how to play running rugby (29)
- What opening matches of Six Nations taught us (19)
- Will Super Rugby crowds continue their slide? (201)
- Clinical Chiefs cost rusty Rebels in Corio (9)
- Six Nations shows rugby is a parochial game at heart (5)
- Goose’s Super Rugby up-and-comer XV for 2012 (29)
- What does the future hold for the Six Nations (50)
- Explore:
- Australian rugby, Berrick Barnes, Rugby Union, wallabies, Waratahs
Spencer said | July 31st 2009 @ 2:07am | Report comment
James – The reason Valentine was dropped from the Wallabies is because Will Genia is the future (hopefully next week) Wallaby scrum half. Although I do agree that Valentine should not have been dropped Lollipop Luke should be back in club land learning how to pass, box kick and make decisions. You’re dreaming if you think Burgess is going to be in the Wallabies next year.
Giteau will remain at 10 for the rest of his career. O’Conner will be the Wallaby 12 and Berrick will be warming the bench this time next year.
jamestheconvict said | July 31st 2009 @ 9:27am | Report comment
Spencer – both are pretty big calls mate. Barnes on the bench and Luke not even in the squad.
Reckon TAB or Centrebet will give you good odds on that punt?
GreenandGold said | July 31st 2009 @ 10:52am | Report comment
That being said, where will Beale feature next season for the Tahs? Bench or perhaps AFL? lol
Will Genia reminds me of a young George Gregan and his passing is very crisp – Deans really wont have much of a choice but to start Genia is Burgess continues to fire erratic passes.
Where is Cam Shepherd?? The Wallabies really need big imposing wingers who can get over the advantage line and I just dont feel that Turner or Mitchell can provide that. Hynes needs a start ! !
jamestheconvict said | July 31st 2009 @ 11:04am | Report comment
GreenandGold – i think the wingers we have are the way forward – out and out speed and good reading of the game in attack, defense and general play.
Cam Shepherd must be one of the unluckiest footballers around – he gets himself back into form and then gets felled by an injury at the most unfortunate of times for representative honors.
Tah’s will have 1 winger with size, Ratu whatever his nameis – lotes cousin, he is a big boy. If he gets anything from Lote though – watch the opposing fast outside backs run at him all day to show him up in defense.
Even looser said | August 2nd 2009 @ 5:52pm | Report comment
On Ratu – I tuned into the ABC Wicks v Uni game interested in what Ratu could produce as a contestant for a spot on the Tahs next season.
Don’t wish to sound too critical of him …… however….. much the same as I’d observed before when the Wicks played the Rats (I believe it was). He’s not prepared to take on the opposition. Strewth with a frame that size most opposition players would expect him to back himself more often than not and have a go. Not him. At one stage he only had to cut back inside and use his size to set-up play for the next phase or better still run right over the top of the Uni player. Instead he tried to kind of tip toe along the side-line & was bundled out easily. So I’m not sure if has no brains or no ticker.
Or maybe he just needs glasses? Does he realise who that big dark guy is when the team photo comes out.
Also worth noting were his 2 ‘dropped cold’ catches. Ahhh. Having said that he was willing at the breakdown time and there were occassions when he showed good hands with a loose ball.
Deez said | August 2nd 2009 @ 9:38pm | Report comment
jamestheconvict – current wingers may be fast, but neither is great under the high ball. While I would throw Hynes in for Mitchell if I were Deans (who is better under the high ball than either current winger), they all need to really get some high ball practice before next week’s match vs the Springboks – watching their two demolitions of the ABs suggests that they will definitely put up the high ball and chase well.
And while I am also a fan of Genia over Burgess right now, I don’t think Burgess is that bad – all he needs is to sharpen up his passing (a large part of a halfback’s game, granted) – his attacking runs and defense are often some of the best in the side. Gotta get the basics right though before the backline can gel.
Jason said | July 31st 2009 @ 4:21pm | Report comment
Burgess is terrible. Genia for 9.
Hansie said | July 31st 2009 @ 4:24pm | Report comment
Burgess is not the long term solution at half back. His pass is too slow and inconsistent.
Spencer said | July 31st 2009 @ 4:30pm | Report comment
Immediate changes required:
1. Genia for Lollipop Luke
2. O’Connor for Barnes
3. Hynes for Mitchell
4. Weekes for Baxter
reds fan said | July 31st 2009 @ 5:16pm | Report comment
gee i thought I was the only cheering for weekes! i’m with ya spencer!
Bulldog said | July 31st 2009 @ 6:22pm | Report comment
No
retired rucker said | July 31st 2009 @ 6:59pm | Report comment
Burgess is a halfs arsehole, Genia all the way- i hope robbie sends him back to u-12′s for skills and puts genia in for the boks