Where to play Issy?

They're starting to ramp up the talk on Israel Folau now with the first trial match against the Melbourne Rebels in Hobart approaching.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/folau-earmarked-to-lead-from-the-back-20130129-2diyk.html

I think he'd be good at either fullback or in the centres. I wouldn't like to see him stuck out on the wing. He'll need to be more involved with the play closer in to have full effect. He was a freakishly devastating player in the NRL but it will be interesting to see if he can adapt this destructive power running with the backs in rugby as well as he did in league playing alongside the likes of Inglis, Slater, Smith, etc.

Waratahs' Squad:

Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes,Peter Betham, Tom Carter, Cam Crawford, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas,
Damien Fitzpatrick, Israel Folau, Bernard Foley, Grayson Hart, Michael Hodge, Michael Hooper, Rob Horne,
Sekope Kepu, Tom Kingston, Pat McCutcheon, Brendan McKibbin, Drew Mitchell, Wycliff Palu, Greg Peterson,
Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson, Paddy Ryan, Jeremy Tilse, Lopeti Timani, Sitaleki Timani, Lachie Turner, John Ulugia

Ins
Cam Crawford – Brumbies
Michael Hodge – Sydney University
Michael Hooper - ACT Brumbies
Peter Betham – Sydney University
Grayson Hart – Extended Playing Squad
Lopeti Timani - Extended Playing Squad

Outs
Chris Alcock – Western Force
Rocky Elsom – N/A
Brackin Karauria-Henry – NTT Docomo, Japan
Daniel Halangahu – Zebre, Italy
Dean Mumm – Exeter Chiefs, England
Sarel Pretorius – Cheetahs, South Africa
Dan Vickerman – retired


Melbourne Rebels:

Higginbotham is not playing and there are injuries to promising kiwi-born outside back Jason Woodward and Kimami Sitauti.
They still look stronger than last year though with JOC back at last and Beale, Delve, Neville, Inman all set to play.

http://www.melbournerebels.com.au/News/ArticleDetails/tabid/270/ArticleID/8290/Default.aspx

FIRST HALF

1.Eddie Aholelei
2. Ged Robinson
3. Laurie Weeks
4. Hugh Pyle
5. Luke Jones
6.Tim Davidson
7. Scott Fuglistaller
8. Garet Delve (C)
9. Nick Phipps
10. James O'Connor (C)
11. Cooper Vuna
12. Rory Sidey
13. Mitch Inman
14. Lachlan Mitchell
15. Kurtley Beale/Alex Rokobaro

SECOND HALF

1. Nic Henderson (C)
2. Pat Leafa/Shota Horie
3. Paul Alo-Amile
4. Chris Thomson
5. James King
6. Cadeyrn Neville
7. Jarrod Saffy
8. Trent Dyer
9. Nic Stirzaker (C)
10. Angus Roberts
11. Cooper Vuna
12. Lachie Mitchell
13. Tom English
14. Alex Rokobaro
15. Bryce Hegarty

North Hobart Oval on February 2
17:30 (local) 06:30 GMT

Linebreaker wrote:
Ins
Cam Crawford – Brumbies
Michael Hodge – Sydney University
Michael Hooper - ACT Brumbies
Peter Betham – Sydney University
Grayson Hart – Extended Playing Squad
Lopeti Timani - Extended Playing Squad

Israel Folau - GWS Giants

As a general rule, RL converts often get phased in on the wing dont they? Although maybe its best to just throw him in at centre and see if he sinks or swims!

Is JOC going to try and settle on being a 10?

The fitness training, marking and kicking skills will have probably helped his overall game. There will be pressure put on him for sure so it will be good to see how he handles the high ball and clearing kicks from inside his own half.

Bathman_in_London wrote:As a general rule, RL converts often get phased in on the wing dont they? Although maybe its best to just throw him in at centre and see if he sinks or swims!

Is JOC going to try and settle on being a 10?

They do Bathman - hence the chat he had with Lote. I reckon he has got more to his game than Tuqiri though.
Maybe O'Connor or Beale could play 10.

If we had him for 3 years I'd love them to ease him into it, but I feel at this point he's only treading water for a year until he goes back to the NRL so maybe toss him in and see what happen's. I'm certain we messed up our last big Mungo by throwing him in head first but with only 1 year on the table they may as well see what happens. Maybe the new Tahs will be so super LB he'll turn out to be more Bellevue Hill than Rooty Hill and we'll finally have ourselves one of the big boys.

I like our build up this year. It's quiet but positive without anyone who counts banging on about this being The Year. Cheika is a grumpy Tinkywinky who needs a wash and shave. Perfect I reckon. All I need now is for Paddy Ryan to be captain.

Yeah, just what the doctor ordered with Cheika as coach. The squad looks fairly decent. Surely they can do a lot better compared to last year.

They have a leg up with so many homes games to begin with - need to win them as the SA/NZ rounds are always a handful and where it usually gets all undone... or is too late anyway.

I agree mate. The squads alright, but not much of it shines through to make it a big deal. Sound, but not sexy. Cheika is pretty much the great new hope.

Captain's a question. Are you with me on Paddy Ryan?*












* no need to feel bad - three forums plus work = no supporters

The Tahs are my team in Super Rugby. Due several things. Having several family members there. Rocky Elsom, and now Michael Cheika who had 5 years at Leinster.

Tough bloke. You don't want to be anywhere near him when his team lose.

Might be just what the Tahs need after last year

Jenifer McLadyboy wrote:The Tahs are my team in Super Rugby. Due several things. Having several family members there. Rocky Elsom, and now Michael Cheika who had 5 years at Leinster.

Tough bloke. You don't want to be anywhere near him when his team lose.

Might be just what the Tahs need after last year

Mine too Jen. Was in Oz over the summer and took a liking to them, mainly due to the folks I was staying with having links to the Tahs and Luke Burgess, formerly of the Tahs.

I'd like to see them do well and when the coaching team exploded at the end of last season, I thought Cheika would be just the character to sort them out.

Bit of a Knights fan too, as I spent my summer in Newcastle!

Also, Breaker/Boomeranga what do you think of the rumours that the SRU will try to make a move for Grayson Hart? They had been trying for a year or two to get McKibben, but failed. But Hart is also Scots qualified and would be an option to chase? Would he move or will he get enough time at the Tahs in the next few seasons?

Not many would accuse us of being a popular team so good to have your support Jen and Ulster

Regarding Hart mate, he obviously has very strong family ties to the All Blacks rather than us, but he's miles off getting a look in there, and having left NZ he is probably a chance of heading over.

I don't think he has shown enough yet for you to get too excited about him but he's only young. He has an opportunity this year to make a go of it as while McKibbon started to break out a bit last year, he didnt finish the job. McKibbon is still available as well having made the bench but not getting a cap.

boomeranga wrote:
Captain's a question. Are you with me on Paddy Ryan?*


* no need to feel bad - three forums plus work = no supporters

Would like to see him make more of an impact this season - not so convinced on his leadership qualities although it would be difficult to argue with the bloke.

UlstermaninGlasgow wrote:Also, Breaker/Boomeranga what do you think of the rumours that the SRU will try to make a move for Grayson Hart? They had been trying for a year or two to get McKibben, but failed. But Hart is also Scots qualified and would be an option to chase? Would he move or will he get enough time at the Tahs in the next few seasons?

This year will probably be a watershed one for Grayson. So much talent and promise but unfortunately wasn't given a proper chance last year. I'm not sure of his 'allegiances' - he's obviously here to try and crack into the international scene but has some competition. From the little I've seen of him (at club/state level) he can be impressive but simply needs more game time this season. If things don't move quickly for him he may consider the Scotland option like Maitland but I'm not really all that familiar with his intentions.

McKibbin seems more committed to Australia than Scotland I would say - hence the SRU's frustrations. It will be a crucial season for him too. He's the sort of player that will rise to the ocassion but needs quality go-forward and clean delivery from the pack to properly show his capabilities.

Unfortunately for us, the Tahs have that knack of preforming brilliantly for short patches - then going into an 'Abysmal - throw it all away' mode. This is what Cheika has to purge from the players' repertoire of recent years. It's a horrible habit and it's so frustrating to witness - as Boomer and me know all too well.

I have a funny notion the SRU have given up on McKibben, mainly as their immediate focus shifted to Maitland once it became clear he was available, and following that Robinson has been linked big time.

Obviously with Lineen in charge of overseas recruitment, i.e. find they guys with Scottish grannies, there was going to be a big focus on Kiwi links. And this is where the Hart idea becomes interesting...

I'd agree on McKibben, needs to put in a big effort this year to get a shot at the Aussie team again. Hopefully Hooper can help give him a bit more clean ball.

Cheika is the man most Leinster fans would equate with giving them the 'hard edge' they needed to finally get over that hill and win the Heino so I'd expect him to try and emulate that with the Tahs.

Their biggest problem last year was their pack got mushed in most of the games, hell even the Rebels pushed them around and with Cheika's forward knowhow I'd honestly be a bit more optimistic about their chances next year. But don't they say that every year about the Tahs?

Yes they do. Second only to Auckland probably in the "this will be their year" stakes but at least they (the Blues) have a rich history of success in the modern era and have won a few Super Rugby titles.

Linebreaker wrote:
Would like to see him make more of an impact this season - not so convinced on his leadership qualities although it would be difficult to argue with the bloke.

I admit him being a bench prop who has never spoken in public isn't helping my campaign LB.

He must be a good talker on the field...

As Issy appeared to always favour the right side in league, it makes sense to that he should carry on in that vein as centre or right wing, but linebreaker asks a very good question, as one position I would like to see him tried, is at fullback.

He probaby was one of those league players that played in teams with some utterly talented fullbacks ie Carmichael-Hunt or Billy Slater to name but two, even Lockyer in his early years at the Broncos. But to me he always needs to be tried there.

This guy could be another Issy Dagg, just bigger..

It's good to hear you say that Laurie.

How do you reckon he will handle defence? With all the rule changes and his layoff in the AFL - he'll be like a blank slate... ready for training, special rugby drills, etc. Just hope he can get it all together and be a really damaging player.

It wouldn't surprise me (if he finds early form and sets the town on fire) to see him fast-tracked to the Wallabies.

By early June hopefully.

Linebreaker wrote:

Unfortunately for us, the Tahs have that knack of preforming brilliantly for short patches - then going into an 'Abysmal - throw it all away' mode. This is what Cheika has to purge from the players' repertoire of recent years. It's a horrible habit and it's so frustrating to witness - as Boomer and me know all too well.

This is EXACTLY what Cheika did at Leinster.

We supplied the full Irish back line for most of the noughties, Munster supplied the pack & the halfbacks, with a few exceptions from Ulster and beyond.

Hickie, Darce, Drico, Shaggy, Girv.

Those guys could cut you to bits in seconds. However we were always let down by what was perceived to be a "soft underbelly" in the pack. So we could win a thriller one week and lose an arm wrestle the next.

We also came off a period of 4 coaches in 4 seasons just before Cheika.

He supplied the knowhow through bought in players and coaching that gave us consistency.

In his first 2 years we lost the League on the very last day of the season. The 3rd year we won it, and consistency was what did it for us. The following year we won the HC and the rest is history.

In his last year we topped the league but sadly lost the inaugral final at home to the Ospreys, (we have been in EVERY league final and lost them all ) and lost the away semi in the HC to eventual winners Toulouse, mainly due to injuries. we have never been outside top 3 in the League since his arrival.

We now have a serious home grown pack and supply half of the Irish starting pack on Saturday and 4 out of 7 of the starting back line.

This was all built on the values that Cheika brought to us in his 5 years.

To be honest Linebreaker, I have never doubted Izzy in defence and he has all the attacking ability of a Greg Inglis, most players going from Rules to Union that I know of have adjusted quickly to full back ( the wider field gives them a better perspective when it comes to positioning ).and Izzy does have all the required ball skills.

I dont know about the wallaby bit though yet, as long as Dingo doesnt feel pressured, but I hope he doesnt end up like Lotte Tequiri who had all the ability in the World, but was pushed into the Wallabies too soon and didnt get the time to adjust to the finer points of the role of a Union outside back.

Final score 24-16 to the Tahs over the Rebels who decided not to play Kurtley Beale.

Israel Folau scored 2 tries... plus a sin-bin.

Hurricanes 27 - Crusaders 26,
Chiefs 36 - Highlanders 14,
Reds 41 - Blues 35.

Lets hope he doesnt get a runaway...and then bounce it after 10 yards...or take a droppie...and forget the drop part...

interesting to see how he'll go as a sxv back, he'll sure be tested every conceivable way possible. One of the more exciting prospects this year for sure.

aucklandlaurie wrote:
Hurricanes 27 - Crusaders 26,
Chiefs 36 - Highlanders 14,
Reds 41 - Blues 35.

Blues did rest their stronger players though given last years results not sure how wise that was.As well as seeing how the young guns will go, JK needs to see how the old guns will go also and hit the ground running with the first games...otherwise we are in for a long long season in Auckland.

That first game looked like a good one.

We have a tipping comp set up. Would be great to see you there for the Super XV season. (47 punters so far)

www.superbru.com

Pool: v2 Rugby
Code: togomoat

aucklandlaurie wrote:
As Issy appeared to always favour the right side in league, it makes sense to that he should carry on in that vein as centre or right wing, but linebreaker asks a very good question, as one position I would like to see him tried, is at fullback. He probaby was one of those league players that played in teams with some utterly talented fullbacks ie Carmichael-Hunt or Billy Slater to name but two, even Lockyer in his early years at the Broncos. But to me he always needs to be tried there.

This guy could be another Issy Dagg, just bigger..

Hey linebreaker, I just read a reort on last saturdays game and they played him at fullback, he played brilliantly there, and they are going to give him another run there this weekend against the Blues.

Not sure mate. Cheika had a grin... so he must have been pleased with his first effort at union. I'll keep an eye out for any news. I think he would be good there or at outside centre.

My only reservation with him, is he has had a couple of years now out of League and I wonder if learning another game might be a bit too much for him at this stage??? He has to be carefully managed in this his first season at Union.

yeah I know what you mean but he seems to have a hunger to make amends for his dud move into AFL. I think they will try and ease him into the game but if he starts to shine.... it might be hard to stop him being looked at for Wallaby representation.

LB
They just showed highlights on our news of the game this afternoon, Issy got a good try up the muddle of the field, but the best part was the two that he set up....Just like SBW.

in case anyones interested.


http://www.theblues.co.nz/News/2013-2-9/Blues-snatch-victory-over-Tahs-in-Whangarei.aspx

So 40-36... must have been quite an entertaining match.

I saw Issy scored and did a Benji flick to set up another. Only saw some quick highlights.

Anybody impress you from the Blues, Laurie?