2012 predictions

[BDAVEY]

SA
sharks, stormers, cheetahs , bulls, lions
Nz
Blues, chiefs ,saders ,highlanders, hurricanes
Aust
Tahs, Reds , EWF , rebels, brumbies

[James]

Good call Bill.

I reckon the Crusaders will be better than the Chiefs though. The Chiefs aren't as strong as the Crusaders in the tight five.

[GIGS20]

I can't in all good conscience, suggest that the tahs will top the conference, every year they look good for much of it, but seem to fall over their feet at some point.

The Brums and the Rebels will suck ass this year and I can't seriously suggest the Force are conference leading material, no matter how much I love them, I think it has to be Reds first and Tahs/force to fight it out for second spot (barring injuries of course) with a strong possibility of three Aussie teams making it into the finals this year since the other two conferences seem to be a bit more competitive and therefore points will be shared around more.

[jono]

i dunno. unfortunately i think the rebels are going to be a bit of a surprise, but only if their forwards can get their shit together. backline plays will be electric as much as i hate to admit it...

[Little Ox]

i dunno. unfortunately i think the rebels are going to be a bit of a surprise, but only if their forwards can get their shit together. backline plays will be electric as much as i hate to admit it...

I've just been to the Rebels and Blues trial game. Blues won 31 to 21. Very close in the first half and the rebels pack held up well. They could be a surprise packet but everyone over here is expecting them to win just because Beale and O'Connor are here. Personally I could see them finishing at least 3rd in the Aus conference.
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[Little Ox]

backline plays will be electric as much as i hate to admit it...

There was a glimpse of this tonight: Phipps, Cipriani,Vuna, O'Connor, Inman, Gerard and Beale combined extremely well in a few plays, leading to 2 tries and some great runs.

On a side note Vuna and Cipriani have also learnt how to tackle.
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[jono]

i think it's a bigger shame we let inman go than pretty boy. JOC punches above his weight. but inman is a unit. would love to see him line up for one of the trademark stirlo tackles we all enjoy

[Little Ox]

i think it's a bigger shame we let inman go than pretty boy. JOC punches above his weight. but inman is a unit. would love to see him line up for one of the trademark stirlo tackles we all enjoy

Inman was fantastic tonight! I know Mortlocks the captain but I would rather see Inman start at 13 each week.

They play the crusaders next week here in Melbourne, should be an interesting game.
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[Burgs]

...backline plays will be electric...

If they get the ball...

[wqerti]

If they get the ball...

Agreed, it looks like their forward pack would be exploitted by oppositions every games this year

[James]

I'm curious to see which Blues pack fronted up for the game. It is hard to see the Rebels not getting minced by the first choice Blues forwards.

[todd4]

The WA TAB has the as the outright favourite to win the wooden spoon.

Whats going on? Any thoughts on why we are considered the weakest team in the comp ??

[beige]

The WA TAB has the as the outright favourite to win the wooden spoon.

Whats going on? Any thoughts on why we are considered the weakest team in the comp ??

Dunno - Inside Rugby at least had us ahead of the Rebels and Brumbies. Anti-rugby WA bias maybe

[GIGS20]

The WA TAB has the as the outright favourite to win the wooden spoon.

Whats going on? Any thoughts on why we are considered the weakest team in the comp ??

Sounds like there's good money to be made on the Rebels and the Brumbies