Who should play for the Rebels in the Super 15?
Roar Pro
By Nick P, 10 Mar 2010 The Crowd is a Roar Pro
- Tagged:
- Melbourne Rebels, Rugby Union, Super 15, Victorian Rugby
Some of you may remember an article I wrote regarding who should play for the Melbourne Rebels. Perhaps I should have called them the “Victorian Rebels”, but that is a different discussion the administrators will have to sort out amongst themselves.
The article created some enjoyable debate. Some people said the theoretical squad I named would be hopeless; others suggested other names that would be interesting.
Since then rumours about signings have been aplenty. Some have been great to hear about, others haven’t. I’m sure people’s opinions on this differ greatly. However, no rugby fan can say that reading about it hasn’t been damn interesting.
Basically, this article details what playing personal I think the Rebels should be made up of. I would love to hear what the learned people of The Roar have to say on the subject and would be keen to discuss my choices, but I digress.
If I picked the Rebels squad it would look something like this:
Loosehead Props: Jack Kennedy, James Slipper, John Uglia (Victorian/Hooking cover).
Tighthead Props: Rodney Blake, Juan Pablo Orlandi (Argentina).
Hookers: Adam Frier, Ole Avei (Victorian).
Locks: Pat O’Connor, Dylan Sigg, Chris Thompson, Sitaleki Timani (Blind-side cover).
Open-Side Flankers: Julian Salvi, Pat McCutcheon.
Blind-Side Flankers: Rocky Elsom.
Number 8s: Tamati Horua (Victorian/Blind-side cover), Gareth Delve (Welsh).
Scrum-Halves: Richard Kingi , Agustin Figuerola (Argentina), James Stannard.
Fly-Halves: Daniel Halangahu, Mike Hercus (American).
Inside Centres: Lloyd Johansson (Victorian), Christian Lealiifano (Victorian/Fullback cover), Ben Tapuai (Victorian).
Outside Centres: Mark Gasnier, Stirling Mortlock, Rex Tapuai (Victorian).
Wings: Peter Betham, Matt King (Ex-Storm), Lepani Nabuliwaqa (Fijian).
Fullback: Danny Cipriani (English).
Most of these signings speak for themselves. No other Australian franchise is too plundered and there are as many Victorians that meet Super 14 standard as possible, not to mention the fact the franchise has many interesting internationals, but not too many (we need to develop Australian talent).
The only name that may take people by surprise is Matt King. Matt is a terrific league player who could not only be a bustling attacker and defender, but would also turn the cross-kick into a prime weapon in the Rebels’ arsenal. On top of this he would allow the Rebels to connect to the Storm’s fans without poaching any of their players. It’s a win-win.
In addition to the squad, I would hope there is a “Tier 1” academy-type structure. This is the manner the Western Force has chosen to structure their squad. Tier 1 players are full-time and fully professional but can’t expect as much game time as full squad members.
The main difference I would hope for is that all Tier 1 squad members would be Victorian players. This would ensure the side becomes as Victorian as possible in years to come.
Some names that come to mind for this squad are the 2009 Australian Schoolboys: Rodney Esekia (Flyhalf/Center), Angus Hamilton (Lock), Jack De Guingand (Open-side Flanker), Nathan Palia (Number 8); current Australian 7s player Talelei Grey (Number 8); or even the more dominant Victorian grade players like Tim Finau (Winger/Fullback).
There are a lot of options and this kind of academy set-up would be great for Victorian Rugby. Obviously there would be other levels set-up to allow other Victorians, that mightn’t quite be there yet, opportunities with the team.
Last but certainly not least, the 22. If I named a Rebels 22, based on the squad I listed, it would look a little like this:
1. Jack Kennedy
2. Adam Frier
3. Juan Pablo Orlandi
4. Pat O’Connor
5. Sitaleki Timani (Covering 6)
6. Rocky Elsom (Captain)
7. Julian Salvi
8. Gareth Delve
9. Richard Kingi
10. Daniel Halangahu
11. Peter Betham
12. Christian Lealiifano (Covering 15)
13. Mark Gasnier
14. Stirling Mortlock (Vice-Captain/Covering 13)
15. Danny Cipriani (Covering 10)
Reserves:
16. John Uglia
17. Rodney Blake
18. Chris Thompson
19. Timati Horua
20. Agustin Figuerola
21. Ben Tapuai
22. Matt King
So, what do you think? For me, as a Melbournian, this would be a dream come true.
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Banger said | March 10th 2010 @ 2:21am | Report comment
Interesting they were talking on the Super 14 show here in the UK about Radike Samo returning to play for Melbourne. That would certainly be interesting to see if he had anything left to offer. Was a great player on his day. Another couple of experienced expats like Paul Warwick and Brock James wouldn’t go astray either, both have been consistent performers in Europe for a number of years now, and would add a great deal to the squad
Nick P said | March 10th 2010 @ 7:00am | Report comment
I agree Warwick and James would be great acquisitions.
I just can’t see it happening as the Rebels have already signed an international fullback in place of Warwick, Cipriani, and they are already looking to sign Halangahu in place of James, who would have an extremely high asking price.
I’d be particularly keen if the Rebels got James, apparently he even lived in Victoria at some point in his life which would mean he has a link but alas it’s unlikely to happen.
Rockin Rod said | March 10th 2010 @ 6:14pm | Report comment
Nick P. Any reasons Gerrard isnt mentioned????
seeing is believing said | March 10th 2010 @ 9:12pm | Report comment
What about the no name young guns from the COE or Interstate, many of the interstate rep boys from NSW Country and also Adelaide Black Falcions showed alot of potential in their games against the state side.
Nick P said | March 14th 2010 @ 11:44am | Report comment
Gerrad isn’t going to come back to Australia to play on the bench. Cipriani will be the Rebels 15 till his contract expires.
Rockin Rod said | March 12th 2010 @ 6:00am | Report comment
Nick
3 days out from Melb allowed to announce their 8 – 12 currently contracted players at other stae unions. WHO ARE THEY
Mortlock,Betham,Kingi ???????
Nick P said | March 12th 2010 @ 9:01am | Report comment
Not Betham, I think he is just extended squad. Apparently Weekes will be in there. Maybe Shep as well.
Front row stocks are looking even better than I predicted.
Alders said | March 10th 2010 @ 8:37am | Report comment
Brock James will be getting a great deal of consideration I would of thought. Highly thought of in France.
formeropenside said | March 10th 2010 @ 8:44am | Report comment
and highly paid by the French too, as I understand it. Probably not affordable, as the Rebels have Cipriani, despite the talk of him playing at 15.
AndyS said | March 10th 2010 @ 1:55pm | Report comment
Rumour I heard was that he may be thinking about playing for the French team. He has probably been there long enough, so it would only be a question as to whether they rate him highly enough.
Joh4Canberra said | March 15th 2010 @ 4:19pm | Report comment
@AndyS:
That may well be the rumour currently doing the rounds, but like a lot of rumours it would appear to be without any grounding in reality. Even if James satisfies the three year residency requirement, it would appear that he’s ineligible to play for France (or any country besides Australia) on account of having already represented Australia in sevens (he did so in 2002 according to both his English and French wikipedia pages). The relevant part of IRB Regulation 8 provides:
“8.2. A Player who has played for the senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the senior National Representative Sevens Team of a Union is not eligible to play for the senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the senior National Representative Sevens Team of another Union.”
Colin N said | March 10th 2010 @ 2:25am | Report comment
Michael Lipman was about to sign for the Rebels, but ARU blocked his move. He’s apparently ‘furious.’
Although the reason is unconfirmed, it’s probably due to the fact he was banned for nine months for not turning up for a drugs test.
formeropenside said | March 10th 2010 @ 7:27am | Report comment
Yeah, but Real Canberra was able to sign Justin Harrison, so that cant be the real reason. Typical ARU meddling.
Colin N said | March 10th 2010 @ 7:41am | Report comment
That’s why Lipman’s seeking answers.
Roger Rational said | March 10th 2010 @ 12:05pm | Report comment
The real reason is ARU sour grapes that Lipman played for England. Their statement made a big song and dance about Lipman being a “foreign” player. That, together with the drugs issue, seems to have tipped the balance against him.
Nick P said | March 10th 2010 @ 6:45am | Report comment
Banger,
Samo was a good player, but he is 35 and has played in Japan for a very long time. He will be 36 by the time he plays Rebels and he won’t be used to playing a very high standard. I mean, if his asking price is good take him but he won’t be setting the world alight.
Colin N,
Yeah I heard about Lipman and decided not to pop him in. Australia needs to develop Wallaby eligible opensides, which probably doesn’t help his case.
Rockin Rod said | March 10th 2010 @ 6:12pm | Report comment
Samo only 33, still has 2 good years in him and was flown to Qld last week to meet with the REDS.
Would be great for the Rebels
Working Class Rugger said | March 10th 2010 @ 7:16am | Report comment
Was reading yesterday the Todd Clever was looking to continue his Super Rugby career in Australia. Good player who has really developed from last season. Considering he’s supposedly eager to make the move would be a good option at No.8.
Rin said | March 10th 2010 @ 10:44am | Report comment
I agree WCR, i have been watching him more closely this season in the Lions games and he has really been a standout for them, he would be a great 8, he reminds me a bit of Rocky Elsom (albeit differents pos.) i.e. good runner of ball, good ball skills, but always willing to get stuck into the rucks and mauls as well where necesary.
Rin
Working Class Rugger said | March 10th 2010 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Clever would be a relatively inexpensive buy but would definitely prove a greater return. While I’m at the Rebels should be looking at a couple of other Americans. Most particularly winger’s. No not Ngwena. But Kevin Swiryn and Zach Test. Particularly Test. Knocked back scholarships as a reciever to several 1 Div College Football programs to pursue Rugby. Quick, strong and has been playing Rugby for a long time so has all the necessary skills to go along with his obvious talent.
Nick P said | March 10th 2010 @ 11:04am | Report comment
I wish I knew more about rugby in America and Canda, sadly I don’t.
Clever on the other hand i’m well versed in. Great player but you wouldn’t need him if you have rocky (which the rebels will hopefully have).
Working Class Rugger said | March 10th 2010 @ 12:26pm | Report comment
Rocky’s a number 6 who if needed can play No.8 while Clever is a No.8 who can play No.6. They would complement each other quite well. Would also give the Rebels 4 lineout option aswell as a pretty mobile pack.
I am a somewhat versed in American Rugby. Zach Test is only 21 and is a very impressive athlete. Starred for the USA in Las Vegas. Again would be a good buy who would provide a very good return.
formeropenside said | March 10th 2010 @ 7:26am | Report comment
Hands of Slipper, he’s a Queenslander, and the future of a strong Reds scrum. If Qld has to provide someone up front besides Kennedy, we can give you Dayna Edwards, who has never come back to form from 2008. Why no Jeremy Tilse? Or how come NSW give up none of their 3 Wallaby props, if actual talent is an issue?
I’m still not sure why all these players will come home to Australia in the first place, myself.
Nick P said | March 10th 2010 @ 9:17am | Report comment
Tilse would be just as good.
I think I’ve only listed 2 or 3 returning Aussies. Hardly excessive.
Luminous said | March 14th 2010 @ 11:19am | Report comment
I’ve been following the shute shield trials in recent weeks & it’s shown up some good forward options who would be cheaper buys and are desperate to break into and solidify positions at Super 14 level. It’s worthwhile to continue the local search. Last year’s Rebels announcements seems to have motivated many to do extra work in the off season judging by yesterday’s Gordon vs Randwick trial match yesterday.
Brett McKay said | March 10th 2010 @ 9:45am | Report comment
think it was Wayne Smith in The Australian over the weekend, or late last week, who suggested that the Rebels had agreed to terms with 8-12 players from other states (but wasn’t clear whether these guys were current S14 or Academy players). Apart from the string of players knocking them back, it seems Kingi and Betham are the only two that have been somewhat widely named.
And from next Monday, we find out just how well the Rebels recruitment drive is going…
Bay35Pablo said | March 10th 2010 @ 12:50pm | Report comment
I’ll say it again – bring back Beau Robinson!!!!
If I were the Rebels I’d snaffle 2-3 American Eagles players, which would greatly assist, and I expect they’d be cheap. They’ll just be eager to play paying rugby.
max power said | March 10th 2010 @ 4:34pm | Report comment
Considering he’s a Warringah player I’m sure McQueen has looked at Robinson.
Working Class Rugger said | March 10th 2010 @ 1:28pm | Report comment
Todd Clever, Kevin Swiryn and Zach Test. Worth the investment.
King of the Gorganites said | March 10th 2010 @ 1:51pm | Report comment
WCR,
Totally agree with you on Clever. Having a huge year. big strong runner. just what the rebel will need. it would also be very useful for USA rugby.
The Truth said | March 10th 2010 @ 4:29pm | Report comment
How about a bunch of Victorians? The anti-league crowd have long derided the Storm for being fakes and mercenaries, so why are all these overseas names coming up for the Rebels?
Nick P said | March 10th 2010 @ 4:37pm | Report comment
Did you read the article or just skim the squad?
Because I did briefly touch on this.
The Truth said | March 11th 2010 @ 3:38am | Report comment
I did not see you directly address the hypocrisy, no.
Nick P said | March 11th 2010 @ 7:24am | Report comment
Two points were made:
“there are as many Victorians that meet Super 14 standard as possible” – in regards to the main squad.
“I would hope for is that all Tier 1 squad members would be Victorian players. This would ensure the side becomes as Victorian as possible in years to come” – This was in regards to a professional academy setup.
There are many talented Victorians but give it some time. It isn’t in anyones best interest to have a side fully staffed with Vics that gets destroyed every week. Viewing numbers and profits will dwindle and the side will shutdown if it isn’t successful.