Don’t be surprised if the lowly Reds upset the Brumbies in Canberra tonight, with giant lock Lukhan Tui showing the way.
The 19-year-old, who has only been playing rugby for two years, has just returned from the Under-20 World Cup, where he was outstanding in a disappointing Australian performance.
Sure, Super Rugby is a vastly different ball game, but talent is talent at any level.
I expect Tui to be named in the Wallaby squad for the Rugby Championship, in a position that was sadly lacking in the 3-0 whitewash by England.
Tonight will also see the welcome return of lock Kane Douglas off the bench to make his Reds debut after eight months on the sideline since the Rugby World Cup final.
It’s been a tough time for Douglas after knee surgery, and he’s keen to make up for lost time. Wallaby coach Michael Cheika will be just as keen to see how Douglas re-surfaces.
The lock position was one of the problem positions against England, as Tui and Douglas join the genuine Rugby Championship contenders.
The Wallabies have never boasted tall timbers in such numbers:
Rory Arnold – 208 centimetres and 120 kilograms
Adam Coleman – 204 centimetres and 122 kilograms
Will Skelton – 203 centimetres and 140 kilograms
Kane Douglas – 202 centimetres and 123 kilograms
Caderyn Neville – 202 centimetres and 120 kilograms
Sam Carter – 201 centimetres and 116 kilograms
Rob Simmons – 200 centimetres and 115 kilograms
And Lukhan Tui – 198 centimetres and 121 kilograms
I’ve left Dean Mumm (196 centimetres and 109 kilograms) out of contention through lack of form, but he may force his way back if he fires for the Waratahs during the final three rounds of Super Rugby.
But he’s a long way behind the eight ball.
Simmons will be missing tonight with a knee injury that might kill his Rugby Championship chances. But he is the senior lock and line-out caller, so Cheika will give him every chance to retain his berth.
With only three rounds to go before the Super Rugby finals, the Brumbies and Waratahs are locked on 34 points at the top of the Australian conference.
Only one will qualify for the finals series, with the Brumbies leading on points for and against difference, 91 to 68.
The Brumbies’ three rounds – the Reds in Canberra, Blues at Eden Park, and the Force in Canberra.
The Waratahs have the tougher draw, with the Sunwolves in Tokyo, Hurricanes at Allianz, and the Blues at Eden Park.
Fox Saker
Guest
Pot calling the kettle black their Antoni and some
Antoni
Guest
TWAS and fox, both legends in their own lunch boxes who love to slam anyone and everyone.
Fox
Roar Guru
Jeff
Guest
Why have all of David's responses disappeared from the comments section.Is he now doing his own editing ????
Jeff
Guest
And the last thing he needs at this time is to be hyped up as the next John Eales. Let the kid develop at his own pace and the end results will be far better.And as for naming him in the Wallabies for the RC that would be sheer madness.One bad game against the likes of Retallick could ruin his confidence. But David is always seeing the next great thing and raving about it. Remember the headline when Skelton first came on the scene. ALL BLACK DESTROYER !!!!!!
Faith
Guest
You forgot the one sentence paragraphs that pretend at brevity and insight. The simplistic summary of what is to come - basically a regurgitation of team press releases. How many points on table, who a team is to play next etc ... super-rugby summary for dummies ... look at this little gem: 'With only three rounds to go before the Super Rugby finals, the Brumbies and Waratahs are locked on 34 points at the top of the Australian conference.' WTF ...
Westie
Guest
Tui is an outstanding prospect and an excellent young man to boot. He does however have quite a road ahead of him. He is still very young though so with dedication and plenty of hard work who knows what he may achieve but at this stage he doesn't need media hype like this. Ffs let him get on with the job.
Geoff
Roar Rookie
Best summation every lol.
Fox
Roar Guru
Yep exactly TWAS - and big time at that
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
The irony of David accusing people on not being able to cop being picked up on mistakes, and dummy spitting.
Fox
Roar Guru
I think David you should take some of your own advice after reading some of your responses to Roarers who pointed out how wrong was your prediction of a 3-0 Wallaby England series and I might say how out-of-touch with the global game in 2016 you seem to be, meaning the England Premiership and 6N contest as a barometer of how good this current England touring side would be under EJ.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Shane D
Roar Rookie
What mistake DL? You stated that there is tall timber. I remarked that size is not everything that is required anymore. I did not infer or state that you did not share that opinion. What I was doing was engaging in discussion in an adult manner. You decided from there that I was a "keyboard warrior knocker' & had belittled a player, Randwick, The Reds & the Australian U20's. How you came to that conclusion is beyond me. If you care to know I actually believe that Tui has a ton of potential. I base that on what I saw of him for the U20's & the endorsement of Brad Thorn as his forwards coach. I have previously enjoyed reading your articles as you have strong opinion that generates debate. With your personal attack above though I have lost a great deal of respect for you albeit I am sure that means nothing to you. As you are Roar Expert, I believe you should be setting an example to others here but that does not seem the case. I am certainly not spitting the dummy & am sitting comfortably in my home now.
abdul
Guest
priceless!
soapit
Roar Guru
i think we all really just want to know what davids assessment of his lineout skills is
soapit
Roar Guru
thats strong talk for someone who has so far been unable to prove he really even is david lord
Dontcallmeshirley
Guest
That's more believable. He was quite skinny.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
David, I was making comment about your point that Australia has a stock of large locks. I think it's a valid point that sheer size is not the be all & end all of requirements to play that position at the top level & that additional skills are required. Your response to my comment in all honesty has left me a little gob smacked & I doubt that will bother reading articles posted by yourself.
Fox
Roar Guru
And well said Browny by-the-way
Fox
Roar Guru
You mean like you do David when get things wrong? - which by the way is quite often