Today I am going continue my preview of the 2018 Super season and take a look at the Tahs and Rebels and run the rule over there prospects for the season ahead.
Waratah’s:
Key player: Israel Folau is such an influential figure in this team and in many respects as silly as it seems to say their chances often live and die on his game breaking brilliance. After taking the end of season wallaby tour to Europe off he should be fit and firing and not carrying any niggles which will be a scary prospect for oppositions.
Under pressure: The halves last year just didn’t fire for the Tahs, there was a fair bit of movement at the 9 and 10 all year with injuries and Nick Phipps drop in form. If Phipps and Foley can re-establish themselves as Australia’s best 9 and 10 combo it will go a long way to determining whether the Tahs can push back in to the finals.
Player to Watch: Kurtley Beale had a stellar season in both the sky blue and wallaby green and gold, if he can maintain this rich vein of form playing at 12 or 15 the Waratahs can expect a good season. Another to watch will be Jack Dempsey who looks Australias best number 6 prospect for years, if he can return fairly unscathed from that nasty hammy injury look for big things from the big flanker.
Prediction:
6th: If they get it right they have the talent to win the Australian conference but that’s the still a big if, I expect them finish 2nd in the conference and mid table overall.
Rebels:
Key player: Will Genia has made his way to Melbourne after a stint in France and will be looking for a big year after being spurned by his home town team the Reds. If he can provide spark from the scrum base with his running game and get the balance right with his kicking and passing he provides an instant upgrade at the scrum base and will go a long way to determine the Rebels chances of a move up the ladder.
Under pressure: The entire franchise finds itself under pressure after winning the battle to be booted out of the competition with the Force all eyes will be on the boys from Melbourne. The ARU will be monitoring the situation closely and will be expecting a return in the faith they showed in the franchise.
Player to watch: Jordan Uelese at only 19 made his full international debut for the wallabies last year and big things are expected from this giant kid. If he can continue to progress and iron line out throwing issues the young hooker can bookmark himself as the Wallabies long term answer at the hooker position.
Prediction:
15th: Even after an infusion of talent and coaching from the scrapped Western Force I still see this season being an uphill battle for the Rebels, look for them to battle the Reds for wooden spoon in the Australian conference.