A brutally honest NSW Waratahs captain Dave Dennis would welcome back Kane Douglas, even if it meant losing his starting spot in the Super Rugby champions’ side.
With lock Douglas moving to Irish team Leinster after last season’s Super Rugby triumph and Springbok enforcer Jacques Potgieter returning to his chief role of blindside flanker, Dennis has shifted from that position to the second row.
It’s been reported the Waratahs are trying to woo Douglas back from Ireland.
NSW coach Michael Cheika wasn’t keen to discuss the issue on Friday, but Dennis would be happy to see Douglas back in Waratahs colours at some stage of their title defence.
“I understand the value he adds to the club,” Dennis said on Friday.
“I’d love to see Kane back here.
“I’m not sure where the process is at the moment. I know `Cheik’s’ been talking to him a fair bit, so hopefully we’ll see him back playing here.
“You want all the best players in Australia and I think he’s one of the best locks, so I hope he comes back.”
Having played just 40 minutes of the pre-season after coming back from a knee reconstruction, Dennis isn’t surprised Cheika has picked two other locks on the bench.
“‘Cheik’ had a chat with me about it and I’m realistic about things.” Dennis said.
“If you look at the bench that says a fair bit about what he’s expecting from myself in terms of carrying two locks in Mitch (Chapman)and Sam (Lousi).
“I’m just going to go as hard as I can and see how long I go for.”
“I’m sure if I’m not really contributing, I’ll be pulled.”
Dennis said there was some satisfaction in meeting his goal of being right for round one coming off the third knee reconstruction of his career.”
“I probably would have been disappointed if I wasn’t playing, or watching from the stands,” Dennis said.
“I’m satisfied in the work I’ve done, but i’ll probably get more satisfaction of actually contributing on Sunday and having a solid performance when I’m out there, rather than just being out there for the sake of it.”
He was bullish about the potential in Lousi, who is poised to make his senior rugby debut after playing for the New Zealand Warriors NRL side last season.
“He’s been fantastic, he’s a big strong guy, he’s about 128 kilos,” Dennis said.
“He’s definitely got the physical abilities.
“He’s learnt a lot quicker than what I thought, to be honest.
“You see it a bit with the backs coming over to union, but for a forward to come over and pick up the game as quick as he has, has been very impressive.
“I expect you’ll see him go well when he gets on, on Sunday.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How'd that go for you?
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Changing policy that could destroy the fabric of your domestic product is certainly worth being done over a player who "would help add some depth"...
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Fairly well? He was poor against the Lions. His debut was great. Failed to replicate it in his next 13 though.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
"fairly well" yes, but good enough to spend big money to lure him out of his commitments to Lienster? I think not. Skelton is certainly not the answer for our starting XV but if Chieka gets it right, he may be a good impact player off the bench.... I was hoping Horwill would rediscover his 2011 form but on yesterday's performance I'd say he's done and dusted... Genia also looked like he didn't want to be there... shame as we could do with both of these guys back at their best this year...
Alex L
Roar Rookie
You may recall he played tests in 2012 and 2013, performed fairly well. Certainly a mile better than Skelton.
niwdEyaJ
Roar Guru
Until Douglas has proved himself at Test level, it's simply not worth gambling on a guy who may or may not be any worse than a number of untried locks we already have...
pick & go..!!
Guest
I can't wait to watch the Tahs tomorrow, especially this new league convert Lousi I'm expecting big things from him this year & he could be a WC bolter.
Simon_Sez
Roar Guru
Dave Dennis is not a lock, he is a 6 at best. Kane Douglas is contracted for 3 years to Leinster. If Australian rugby want Douglas back in the mix they will have to select him for the Wallabies. The cupboard is pretty bare of test level tight 5 forwards and Douglas would help add some depth. I was hopeful Rory Arnold from the Brumbies would step up, but I think he is getting used to the pace and intensity of Super Rugby, which is a level below test rugby. In my opinion it is a wait and see game. Dave Dennis at lock is definitely not the solution for the Waratahs!
MH01
Guest
If they need him so much, cough up the $$$$$$ and be done with it. The whole media PR push is really not needed. Not to mention the average punter in OZ does not rate him.