QLD v Crusaders trial lineup

[Geeves]

Well its the trial time of year when false expectations for supporters and squad players alike are raised.

It looks as though the Reds are trying to build confidence by running out most players in the 22 (No Cooper yet and still a few other being rested) to try for another win after defeating NSW in Lismore last week.

I have to keep reminding myself its a trial and means SFA.  But a few things are coming clear.  Lucas is being primarily considered as 5/8 cover only with Kingi (wallaby tourist) once again starting at half-back until the Super 14 when Genia takes over.  Hynes will be fullback this year and I'm expecting Ioane probably to be named as a roving winger.  While although only recently making the squad Tim Walsh might have the 5/8 sown up depending upon Cooper.  It will be interesting to see who finally makes the 22 come the real event

Reds team: Peter Hynes (vc), Luke Morahan, Will Chambers, Anthony Faingaa, Blair Connor, Ben Lucas, Richard Kingi, Scott Higginbotham, Daniel Braid, Ezra Taylor, Van Humphries, Robert Simmons, Dayna Edwards, Sean Hardman, Ben Daley (c). Reserves: Saia Faingaa, James Slipper, Jack Kennedy, Adam Byrnes, Andrew Shaw, Lei Tomiki, Jake Schatz, Will Genia, Tim Walsh, Ben Tapuai, Morgan Turinui, Rod Davies, Aidan Toua

Crusaders: Jared Payne, Sean Maitland, Robert Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Kade Poki, Colin Slade, Kahn Fotualii, Thomas Waldrom, George Whitelock, Ash Parker, Sam Whitelock, Joe Wheeler, Owen Franks, Ti'i Paulo, Ben Franks. Reserves: Quentin MacDonald, Wyatt Crockett, Isaac Ross, Jonathan Poff, Willie Heinz, Daniel Bowden, Adam Whitelock, Tim Bateman, Matt Todd, Andrew Olorenshaw.

[JJ]

Yep Geeves it is early days but I think while they mightn't be world beaters this year they might go better than expected. Do you hear any news about how the squad & coach are working together? Hope he can steer them towards a reasonably conservative game style & let them develop the flair as they build into the season. Read this morning Coopers review re his rehabilation is next monday & he should be ok to start playing after that.
Working on my final 4 at the moment thinking C/saders & Brumbies but can't get past that. The Bulls seem to have an even better & deeper squad this year & my saffa friends reckon the Stormers look like they could be good in 2010. Any thoughts or insight would be welcomed. I agree the trials don't mean much at all.
                                                               jj 

[Geeves]

As much as I hate to say it the http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/ is turning into an interesting source of information for Aus sides.  There looks to be a large number of people who have their finger on the pulse there in regards to how the team is transforming.

The Brumbies have a good structured squad and depth unlike last year.  I think the big question will be if the team can harness/control Giteau's ego something Mitchel and Deans are unable to do.  I still believe he should not be at 5/8 for the wallabies but he is alright for the Brumies here.  That then allows Tyron Smith at 12 who is a blood good hard runner at the line and a fantastic ball distributer if they get working in tandem it will open up a lot of opportunities for the outside backs. The other question will be the return of the Plank if he controls his temper and plays rugby he is a huge asset.  Unfortunatley I think they lost Peter Kimlin who surely has to be in wallabies contention in a couple more years.

The stormers are probably the dark horse for the 4.  They have lashed out and got themselves some good imports for the year.  Habana and Fourie (I think he transferred in?) But they always promise the world but rarely deliver.  Until about week 6 we just have no idea if they will gel as a team or remain a group of players which is there normal problem.

This is their side for the trial match against the Sharks looks bloody good though.
Stormers: 15 Joe Pietersen, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Juan De Jongh, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Dewaldt Duvenage, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger (C), 5 Andries Bekker, 4 De Kock Steenkamp, 3 Brok Harris, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Wicus Blaauw.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 JC Kritzinger, 18 Eusebio Guinazu, 19 Anton Van Zyl, 21 Pieter Louw, 22 Bolla Conradie, 23 Lionel Cronje, 24 Sireli Naqelevuki, 25 Frikkie Welsh, 26 Fabian Juries.

The Bulls are rock solid and will bring the Saffa game plan into the Super 14 yet again.  Once the pattern is broken they get exposed but their bloody 5/8 and halfback are just too good to let that happen.  No Habana will trouble them as the replacements are not up to that world standard so the kicks have to be pin point (they usually are) or a mall gap may just open if the forwards are a fraction late.

Top 4 picks well as much as I hate to say it: Crusaders, Bulls, Brumbies, Waratahs/Chiefs

[JJ]

Think you're probably right re the final 4. I'm still doubtful about the Chiefs - even knowing they had a good 2009 I'm still yet to be convinced they're the real deal. Further doubt following the announcement of their new captain? As far as the Tahs are concerned their squad looks good but their coach doesn't! Been down in Ballina for the last few weeks reading the Syd Morning Herald - seems to be a rupture between coach & captain as to what style they'll play. Phil W saying bright attractive running rugby - Hickey saying fans want winning rugby! Be interesting to see how it unfolds. Have a hunch although wouldn't put money on it that the Reds might roll them first up! I bet Ewan would love that.
                                                       jj

[Geeves]

Have a hunch although wouldn't put money on it that the Reds might roll them first up! I bet Ewan would love that.
                                                       jj

He would be the only one.  Wouldn't you love to be the fly on the wall at NSWRU the next morning.  You can also already see the headlines and backbiting the NSW hacks would have in the rags the next day.

[Geeves]

JJ did you make it to the game?

I have seen the result but some comments from a spectator would be great

[gluck]

It will be interesting this super 14. After last year three defeats to the Boks the selectors are gonna have to try something different. I never thought that Chris Jack would be a big time player again, but with Williams out. It looks like Thorn, Jack, Ross, Donnelly will be in the All Black squad. One injury away from disaster really. Gee Ross will be interesting this year, will the young lion keep one the old bulls on the bench. Weepu is another one left out of the end of year tour last year and then had a blinder in the NPC and made a mockery of the claim he was injured. We have Richard Kahui coming back to fight for a midfield spot. Joe Rocokoko is another one who will have to fight hard to get back in. Guildford, Smith, Gear will be fighting to keep him out.  Rodders needs a blinder to get back the eight jersy from Read. Demalmanche and Elliot will be fighting to keep Mealamu out.  Might start watching a few games.

[DH]

The redeveloped AMI seems to have brought back some excitement to rugby in Canty. Even the dodgy weather has had a winter feel, so doesn't feel so bad rugby is starting so early this year when it should be the cricket season.

Amazing the Phoenix got a 20,000 crowd. Also funny it'll remain the Phoenix's biggest home crowd for a while me thinks!

cheers
DH