First-time NSW Waratahs skipper Benn Robinson says he’ll lead by example against the physically powerful Sharks in Saturday’s desperation Super Rugby clash at Allianz Stadium.
Robinson has never captained a team before and takes the reins with the Waratahs at a crossroads, staring down the barrell of their worst ever start to a Super Rugby season.
The Wallabies prop might be new to the job, but he has a clear take on what kind of leader he needs to be to help the Waratahs turn their fortunes around against their physical South African opponents.
Robinson is planning on getting his hands dirty against the big Sharks forwards and set an example for his teammates to follow.
“I think my role is more to provide a voice when it’s needed as well as that inspiration at times,” Robinson said.
“There’s only so much I can say leading up to the game and during the game and if I can stand out there and have a strong performance and lead by example, I think that’s the best thing I can do.”
Embarrassed by the Force at home last week, coach Michael Foley has opted for a freshen-up, most notably introducing a brand new halves pairing in Berrick Barnes and Brendan McKibbin.
Incumbent captain and five-eighth Daniel Halangahu has been moved back to the bench, with Tom Carter to start at inside centre, while South African import Sarel Pretorius has also received a demotion to the interchange bench to make way for McKibbin at No.9.
Part of Foley’s thinking is Pretorius needs a rest after a taxing opening few weeks, and he indicated NSW’s star signing would soon assume his role back in the starting side.
While McKibbin has never started a Super Rugby match before, he’s also an accomplished goal-kicker, and with Barnes still treading carefully after a quad strain, he might be elevated as first choice kicker.
Foley will make a final decision on whether Barnes or McKibbin will kick on Friday at the captain’s run, but insisted changes were required in the playmaking department.
“We felt it was time for Berrick to assume the position he was intended to start with at the beginning of the year,” said Foley.
“We obviously went with three ball players for the last couple of weeks and probably felt we weren’t necessarily getting the go forward we needed and felt it was time for Berrick to step back into that role at 10.
“Sarel’s … got a few bumps and bruises. He’s extremely valuable to us and our intention with all our players is to try and avoid injuries rather than pushing people to the point where they break down.”
Pretorius, who possesses a dangerous running game, is likely to be injected into the action late in the match.
Wycliff Palu makes a timely return at No.8 to add some much needed muscle for the Waratahs, and brothers Sitaleki and Lopeti Timane will do the same off the bench – their first ever match playing together.
granville
Guest
ok so in that discussion i would pick Timani over Mumm any day........
granville
Guest
fair point
Bakkies
Guest
Would like to a Robinson, Moore, Palmer front row for the Wallabies
jeznez
Guest
in 2009 Robinson was on fire and getting accolades, not just from Aussies. Whether the ones saying he was world's best were really justified was touch and go. At the time Woocock probably carried the mantle but I think had been injured so Robbo was definitely in the mix. I can remember in that years Ireland game in Dublin, the Aussie scrum dished it out. Healy was on debut and although he had a great running game his scrum was way off. On the other side Robinson put Hayes under all sorts of pressure. Mike Hayes (younger brother of) was a member of of my rugby club in HK and thought that Robinson was illegally standing too close pre-engagement. My response was that he was 5 foot 8 inches and what else would you expect him to do? 2010 and 2011 he had injury issues so we haven't seen him have an uninterrupted run at international level to get a good gauge on his scrummaging levels. Agree with posters above who say that he isn't doing enough breakdown work at the moment.
WQ
Guest
brendon, not sure I agree with mania about Robinson being a b grade fatty, however he certainly is not one of the best loose head props in the world!
Jagman
Guest
In defence of Timani being benched, apparently you get several break weeks in Japanese comp before playing a game and he's probably underdone fitnesswise. Unfortunately the Waratahs season was over before it began. i counted 8 absentees for week one (all injuries except Timani) and its only gotten worse every week. Of course its a poor backline with our 3 best wingers out, including our biggest strike weapon Drew Mitchell and Barnes playing with an injury. To make the finals from here would be quite an achievement even within a so called "weak" conference. I'm just gonna go to the game tomorrow and cheer them, in my vain attempt to actually encourage my footy team.
jeznez
Roar Guru
granville, we are debating Timani v Mumm in a head to head selection battle. Based on Super Rugby performances over the last two years. Who do you prefer in the second row out of Timani and Mumm? I don't think the Samoa game is relevant to the discussion as Mumm wasn't in it.
Rory
Guest
Pretorius has been our best back in every game. McKibbin has LOST us the reds game and been uninspiring in every other game. Maybe it's him that has the relos in positions of power @ the Tahs. He hasn't been picked to start on the ability he's shown so far. Message to jameswm: you've been carping on about how useless Mumm & Halangahu are for about 2 years now. Time to realise the coaching staff aren't going to let you pick the team. Find another opinioin to express.
PeterK
Guest
Mumm has once again been useless. Weak in attack and defence. Worse still he is a penalty magnet and loses the ball in contact time and again. How he gets a start or is even in the 22 is beyond me. I would have Timani and Douglas starting. On the bench little Timani can cover 4,5,6. Simmons is getting just as bad mind you, Humphries at 45 years of age (exageration) is better. I posted before Foley is just as useless as Hickey as a coach, maybe worse. He is ultr conservative, and he make subs by the preplanned numbers. It doesnt matter if Pretorious is your best back must sub him at 60, it doesnt matter that Palu is smashing them must sub him, it doesnt matter that Mumm is playing terribly sub Douglas instead. This has to be the worst backline the Tahs have started in a long long long time. Pretorious should start even if a bit sore a bruised, McKibbin is useless. This is a MUST win game, let McKibbin start against Rebels, Cheetahs, Lions.
granville
Guest
Timani killed his chances against Samoa last year when him and the rest of the pack went hiding, he has everything to become a dominant force but its up to him.
granville
Guest
really?........better than Tony Woodcock, Gethin Jenkins, Andy Sheridan and the Boks loosehead props......u gotta be joking
jeznez
Guest
Most of the commentary I've heard has McKibbin being selected in order to take over the kicking duties. Any SU blokes here who can comment on Bernard Foley - he is a kicker isn't he?
jeznez
Guest
Correct Jim, he has been on the left. Big Kane is on the right. Tack Timani behind Fat Cat and they will start demolishing opposition packs - sadly we'll have to keep waiting until the last few rounds and a players forum before an obvious selection decision gets made. There has been concern that Timani might not be fit enough, if that is so start him and have him go until he is out of petrol and then sub him. Don't leave him on the bench while you try and get him fit during the week. There is nothing like match fitness so get him out there.
Campbell Watts
Guest
Didn't know that James! Now it all makes sense...... he's teflon boy!
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Am with mania.TBH have never heard of anyone rating him as "the best loose head prop in the world". A good SR prop yes, but nothing else. I dont think he would make any starting XV of the other top 8 teams. Nice bloke though.
Who Needs Melon
Guest
Ben S is right. But so is Ronnie88. Benn is very soft around the field. Hardly the guy you would describe as throwing himself into rucks and mauls and inspiring his team mates. There was some shocking footage of him up on YouTube put up by Green and Gold Rugby a few weeks back. I hope this changes on the weekend - maybe he'll put a bit more effort in now that he knows eyes are on him.
Ronnie88
Guest
Fat Cat holds his own at scrum time, thats about it, lazy around the park and spends alot of time out in the back line both in attack and defence, not up the guts where he is needed on a regular basis. Its a struggle to rate him world class.
jameswm
Guest
not by you obviously, mania
Denby
Guest
I wish we had Mowen back. He always puts in 100% and seems to play better as Captain.
Justin
Guest
If I was Foley and it was my job on the line then I would be picking my team.