The NSW Waratahs are facing a massive test in their match against the Wellington Hurricanes. The Tahs are riding in 6th position on the ladder and the Hurricanes are leading the New Zealand conference.
Waratahs coach Michael Cheika has tried to keep the same team together and he has managed to do so, except when injuries have occurred.
Maybe he should have looked at changing the team though. Most opposition sides have worked out the two-playmaker strategy. Too often we see both Bernard Foley and Kurtley Beale running across field looking for straight runners.
The problem is that defences are aware of this and play for it.
This tactic worked well earlier on in the season but it is now expected by the opposition. Last week’s loss to the Blues should have been an eye opener for Cheika. Changes need to be made.
Moving Rob Horne at 12 would provide the go forward which would enable Adam Ashley-Cooper and the other outside backs a bit of freedom. A solid defender, Horne would bottle up the ‘Canes inside backs as well as provide momentum forward.
I would move Beale to 10 and Foley to the bench. On the wing, Horne’s lack of pace was seen last week when he was hauled in near the try line.
The forward battle will probably favour the Hurricanes. Ben Franks will be playing his 100th game and the other Hurricane forwards are going to want it to be memorable.
The changes in the forward pack for NSW do little to improve the team. Will Skelton has played well recently and is unlucky to be dropped to the bench. Wycliff Palu had to come back but Skelton should not have been the player to go.
Playing Jacques Potgieter at lock nullifies much of his attacking flair, as he will be required to keep in the tight. Captains have been dropped before so Dave Dennis should have gone. Losing Skelton’s size will adversely impact on the scrum.
Kicking is another area of concern for the Tahs, with both Beale and Foley often failing to find the line or find it when they shouldn’t. Beauden Barrett meanwhile, has been both playing and kicking well and his goal kicking could easily be the difference between the two sides.
Nothing would please me more than to see the Tahs play a free running and passing game to notch a 7-10 point win with a bonus point for four tries. But with Barrett being in fine form for the ‘Canes, they look likely winners by six points. The kiss of death has spoken.
RobC
Roar Guru
Chan Wee, not sure on what basis. He comes from league team Sydney west. Not able to crack the top team. 120kg, 6'4. Apparently fast. Played Rugby til he moved to Sydney to play league. Starts training in a few days.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
He played ruby in NZ before being picked up by league talent scouts. He played Holden Cup and NSW Cup and has now gone to the Waratahs. Can't say I have seen him.
Chan WEE
Guest
@ RobC : how is he signed on? as injury cover , development , wider training ....? can he play immediately? most importantly , how good is he?
Squirrel
Guest
Just depends who turns up. I'm expecting big games from the captains. If ever is a game for a leader to rise this is it.
Jerry
Guest
Somewhere between zero and two, inclusive.
felix
Guest
I wonder how many bonus point tries we will witness on this one?
Cadfael
Roar Guru
I'm the opposite. Heart says Tahs and brain says Hurricanes.
Winston
Guest
Heart, canes Head, Tahs
Jerry
Guest
He went on the last tour, but didn't play a game.
The Other Steve
Guest
I think that TJP has been on an end-of-year tour. Never saw Cullen play.
Chan Wee
Guest
@ The Other Steve : Has TJP played for MIB? except him and Taylor, everyone else is a test player. btw does anyone else think Taylor looks a little like Cullen when running from the back?
die hard
Guest
He is looking alright playing for the crusaders. What happened?
Markus
Guest
Hopefully the Tahs actually do something with him and it doesn't end up being a repeat of their last 'Next Lomu', Nemani Nadolo.
The Other Steve
Guest
A backline of Taylor, Jane, Savea, Conrad Smith, Leuia, Barret and Perenara is one that any international coach would drool over.
RobC
Roar Guru
Tahs finally signed up a speedy strongman: Naiyaravoro. Too many lighweights. Reds take note. For this game, they should hold onto the ball. If they do, they will win. In defence, line speed is important, and mindful of 10/12 channel. Would like to see Phipps challenge the ruck area a bit more. Canes, needs to rattle the Tahs a bit, and pressure Beale. Canes outside backs, and centres have the firepower to clean up their Tahs counterparts.
Paul
Guest
With the Highlanders playing the Stormers and Chiefs playing Lions at home, the Canes time at the top on NZ conference will be short lived and they'll find themselves out of the top 6 should they lose. Same goes for the Tahs though aswell. Crunch game
Marty
Guest
Totally agree Popeye. Canes look like they having fun out there and at the moment are by far the most entertaining team to watch. I think their run is sure to continue. It's gonna by try time for gold all night.
Digby
Roar Guru
Haha! Kiss of death has spoken. Like it! ;)
JB
Guest
Canes deserve to be favourites here but you get the feeling that the tahs are desperate. I reckon it will be a cracking game
Popeye
Guest
The Canes have got their s**t together and having a lot of fun playing under inspirational leadership, while the Tahs are still wallowing in theirs with no apparent idea on how to get it sorted.