Vunivalu shows class on Reds rugby debut

I thought his play was a bit stilted and choreographed, as if he was moving to set positions. Spent most of his night out wide in the tram tracks and moved into 2nd receiver a couple of times off lineouts and scrums, but didn't do much roaming. Clearly still getting a feel for it. The Waratahs young guns played with a lot of passion and shut him down. Best on paddock for mine were Maddocks and Newsome, though Hegarty's pin point kicking early in the game always found grass and a good wobbly bounce.

Interesting report. I’ve read other reports where he wasn’t given a lot and said he was no better and perhaps worse in some areas than the other wingers. I didn’t see the game so I can’t comment. I will say however, that I think this fascination with NRL players has never impressed me. I haven’t seen one yet that I’d rate higher than average most of the time with a few cases of good but so many more of poor. For me, the sooner RA stops wasting money on these cross code players the better

Yep. Journo’s talking about mutterings and making links that the quotes don’t back up. Hate reading reports that there are complaints about Penney from fans. I’d like to think we are fairly representative on this site. Very few voices offering him anything but time on here.

I’ve struggled a little with Gordon at times, but your 9 and 10 were the only guys on the field that looked sharp, the rest seemed pretty flat. Perhaps just hot and muggy conditions?

None of the comments seem to actually be about Penney.

I actually thought these comments were more so aimed at management rather than the coaching staff.

Not much of the Reds best right 5 spent much time on the park. But probably an indication that their bench tight 5 may struggle

Harrison/Walton was working well. Walton/Perese had good connection on defence too. In the forwards I was impressed by Wood. Was surprised he got as little time as he did. Looked like only half an hour, not sure if he picked up a knock. Certainly would have liked to see him have a go in the backrow ahead of Williams.

Yeh I got the same then looked a bit further

I missed it first time round but just read the article with Jed’s comments. This is a classic example of Chinese whispers in journalism. Tom R says there is behind the scenes issues and they use Jeds support for that comment to suggest it is about Penney. Reading Jeds comments directly though it is all about the era after 2014. Saying they lost their way. He also puts some blame on the players for not kicking on from the reasonably successful 2018 with the right attitude. Nothing Jed had to say was directed at Penney. Merely that there was a lot of tension within the group about not getting the results they wanted. Sure, The Australian reports there was tension between Rapp and Penney, but that is hardly surprising. All things considered.

Yep, the players that have the biggest influence on the game in attack are the 9 and 10. They touch the ball the most and are the key decision makers. Plenty of teams have brilliant outside backs but no teams win trophies without top halves (just look at the Fijian national team as one example). The million spent would be better developing/buying halves

Bit hard to judge the packs with so many reserves, but in the first half I’d say Will Harris and Seru Uru stood out for me. I hope Harris gets a proper chance and takes it this year, and I’m surprised Uru’s aggression isn’t used more by the Reds as a backup for LSL in the locks. I don’t think he looked as light as the 92kgs Wikipedia lists him as! I haven’t always been a fan of Gordon, but he really looked like a leader out there. Harrison was really combining well with Walton, so I hope the Tahs at least try 12 Walton 13 Perese. They have enough quality wingers, and I fail to see how either Moeroa or Newsome can be considered a starter at this level. All in all, there may finally be a Tahs team in there somewhere I can finally properly get behind!

Yep and sometimes ill feelings can develop for no particular or obvious reason. The only certainty is that 2021 is a new season.

I could probably reach out to Robertson (through mutual friends) but better to just let it be I think. I find it hard to believe the players are out for Penney after just one season when they put up with Gibson for so long. I think that there is something in that it was about the tightening of the purse by $1m putting a few noses out of joint. Particularly with the players moved on. But in the case of Holloway at least, the Tahs paid his bills for years and he never had more than a few months here or there where it looked like he was putting in the effort.

Interesting to see a report of off field trouble at the Tahs. Normally I don’t give this stuff much oxygen but Robertson doesn’t strike me as a drama queen. . https://www.smh.com.au/sport/rugby-union/penney-defends-waratahs-culture-after-former-prop-s-claims-of-off-field-issues-20210206-p5704r.html

I thought he was solid for his first game. Can definitely see the potential and where he will be used. Cross field kick will be one including kick restarts similar to how Folau was used, taking up the ball and bending the line. Made his tackles and used his size well in defense. He will be folding a few players this season. The main thing is he didn't look lost at all out there, hit the rucks well, took the hit ups and recycled ball well and knew where he needed to be. He will get better as the season progresses as team gels.

Yeah mate it’s a big peeve of mine, the rugby orgs in this country are useless at promotion.

Beaut, ta.

Streamed on another site. It’s still there to replay Cluch.tv

Paul was it streamed on the Tahs/Reds websites?