pipe dream? - Brown 6, Pocock 7, Elsom 8...

[zimeric]

just read foxsports article that says Elsom is likely to return to AU in may and is looking for a contract....


/drools.....

[GIGS20]

Surely you'd put Elsom in 6.......it's where he's played virtually all his rugby!

I think we've got bigger holes to plug in our pack BTW

[zimeric]

Elsom is bigger than Brown & less mobile thats why i swapped them around... I suppose they could switch if the opposing team had a more brutal no8 that needed stopping early, but generally having two quicks on each side is more the Force Style. Just so happens we have a quick on the back as well

[Burgs]

There seems to be forming two distinct schools of thought on #6 & #8 with the biggest now not always at #8.
Several packs you see almost have three Locks (#4, #5, #6), a "Blindside" (#8) and an Openside (#7).
Yesterday there were a couple of classic #8's in action in Thomas Waldron and Cliffy but especially with current SA packs that often isn't the case.

In your mouth watering hypothetical Zim, I agree with Gigs on this one, but either way it would be an awesome combination

Now just for a Hooker and a Prop...

[TOCC]

just read foxsports article that says Elsom is likely to return to AU in may and is looking for a contract....


/drools.....

it also said he is talking to QLD

[tic]

if Rocky returns, it will be on the east coast, and likely in a Reds jersey. From Fairfax/AAP -

NSW have a fight on their hands to regain Wallabies enforcer Rocky Elsom with arch-rivals Queensland sizing him up for a Reds jersey.

And in what would rub salt into Waratahs wounds if Elsom opts to return to the state where he began his rugby, the Ireland-based Test flanker could immediately line up against NSW in a July interstate match.

The Queensland and NSW state unions are currently negotiating with the ARU to stage a return Templeton Cup clash on July 5, in the middle of a four-week international hiatus for the Wallabies.

A second 2009 interstate clash, following this Friday night's grudge match at the Sydney Football Stadium, hinges on Test coach Robbie Deans' support in releasing the Reds and Waratahs Wallabies.

Elsom, who has announced he will return from Irish club Leinster in late May to play for Australia, would be among about 15-20 Reds and Waratahs expected to be in Deans' 30-man squad heading into the Tri-Nations, which kicks off on July 19.

QRU high-performance manager Ben Whitaker has been speaking with the 26-year-old who also has current links to Brisbane where his girlfriend studies.

"Rocky is a Queenslander and went to school here at Nudgee College so we're definitely interested in him for sure," Reds coach Phil Mooney said on Saturday.

The mere thought of possibly losing the star of their 2008 march to the Super 14 final, would rankle Waratahs fans and officials.

Although he played his junior rugby in Queensland, Elsom started his 40-Test senior rugby career with NSW after an unproductive stint in league with the Canterbury Bulldogs.

QRU chief executive Ken Freer will meet his NSW counterpart Jim L'Estrange before Friday's Super 14 grudge match to nut out further details of the proposed crowd-puller.

Both unions are happy to play the return game in Sydney on a revenue-sharing basis, and see a definite opening after Australia's final in-bound domestic Test against France on June 27.

"I want to kick-start a proper Templeton Cup series again, preferably three games," Freer said.

"We won't be able to do that this year but an extra game will help (both unions) financially.

"We've put our case to Robbie Deans as well because if we get this up and running we will want the best teams out on the pitch as possible."

Deans isn't known to be a coach who "cotton wools" his troops, preferring to see them play rather than train when off-duty mid-season but would be excused for holding some concerns with interstate battles traditionally fiery affairs.

Unbeaten NSW will head into next Friday's round four clash as favourites with Queensland needing to overcome the Cheetahs in Brisbane on Sunday for their first win of the season.

"NSW is a big game and important for us but tomorrow is paramount and we have to prove to everyone we're a willing team and ready," said Reds

[zimeric]

Elsom, who has announced he will return from Irish club Leinster in late May to play for Australia, would be among about 15-20 Reds and Waratahs expected to be in Deans' 30-man squad heading into the Tri-Nations, which kicks off on July 19.

hmmm a bit arrogant to assume that..... the brumbies are showing good form and there are at least 7 Force players in contention for a spot as well.

[Flamethrower]

If he's not interested in coming West, I hope the QR Reds get him.


Just to piss off the Tahs

[sandgroperrugby]

If he goes to the reds it would be a major boost for them especially if Braid does leave at the end of the year. He is an awesome 6 and a hard mobile unit with the ball in hand!

[TOCC]

I hope he returns to the Reds, it would be pretty great to have Horwill, McMenimen and Elsom all in the one side.

hmmm a bit arrogant to assume that..... the brumbies are showing good form and there are at least 7 Force players in contention for a spot as well.

not really arrogant, going on last years numbers its pretty likely

[robyn <3]

If he's not interested in coming West, I hope the QR Reds get him.


Just to piss off the Tahs

What more could you ask of the man!? To piss of the tahs is to befriend every other team

[Burgs]

I hope he returns to the Reds, it would be pretty great to have Horwill, McMenimen and Elsom all in the one side.

The only downside would be the potential of having to pack down with five players while the mongrel mob are all sitting in the bin

[Hoolly Doolly]

Uncontested scrums for the win!