Super XV 2015 General Discussion Thread

Last Season: 13th

Last Year’s Prediction: 3rd (In Aussie Conference). It was a difficult choice, I just feel the lack of squad depth and the heavy reliance on the form of three players can mean that the Reds could easily become unstuck. (I never thought they would finish so low but I did predict problems with their lack of depth. Rarely were the star trio Genia, Cooper and Horwill all fit at the same time.)

Transfers
Notable Additions: Adam Thomson (Canon Eagles), James O’Connor (Toulon), Karmichael Hunt (Rugby League)

Notable Departures: Jono Owen (Grenoble), Ben Lucas (Montpellier), Aidan Toua (Agen), Mike Harris (Rebels), Dom Shipperly (Rebels), Jonah Placid (Rebels), and Rocket Rod Davies (Biarritz)

Overview
How to address a lack of squad depth? Letting half of your backs leave wouldn't be my first choice. In some infinite wisdom, the Reds management have moved on some of their more experienced backs. A clearout was necessitated by the big money signings of James O'Connor and Karmichael Hunt. While these players are undoubtedly talented players, I am not sure an already understrength backline should be further depleted to make room for 2 players. The lack of depth has already been exposed with Quade Cooper's injury ruling him out at the start of the season, which leaves the Reds without a recognised outhalf. I watched the backup Duncan Paia'aua at last weekend's trial game against the Rebels, and he was dropping every ball and his positioning was all off. Karmichael Hunt will be given a go at the 10 shirt in the trial game against the Crusaders tomorrow, and you imagine James O'Connor will probably get a go at some stage. A real worry though when you have to go into a season without an experienced 10. A lot will fall back on Genia. The lack of depth and experience in the Reds squad can be shown by the fact that Karmichael Hunt has already been promoted to Vice-Captain after a few weeks of training. Newly named captain James Slipper will hope to lead a better pack this year. An end of an era this season with the three stars of the Reds Super Rugby winning team of 2011; Horwill, Genia, and Cooper all likely to depart. Horwill's departure has already been confirmed, and it is expected that Genia will sign for Stade Francais soon enough. Who knows where Cooper could go; Europe, Japan, Rugby League, Aussie Rules, or Boxing. The Reds will need a new group of stars to step up and will hope that O'Connor and Hunt can be those stars.

Players to Watch

Wallaby Watch
James O'Connor - What a difference a year can make to a player. JOC left as one of the most hated players after his numerous indiscretions. Fans were happy to see the back of him, and a fair few players were as well. A year away from the spotlight has made the heart grow fonder and most fans are welcoming him back with open arms. A lot of that has to do with the off-field troubles of the Wallabies and his old mate Kurtley Beale becoming public enemy number 1. This is a clean slate for JOC. He is coming back into an Aussie backline that is inundated with talent. If you take it that there will be 14 backs in the WC squad, and 8 spots will be taken up by Phipps, Genia, White, Foley, Toomua, Kuridrani, Ashley-Cooper, and Folau. That leaves 6 spots to be contested amongst O'Connor, Beale, Lealiifano, Speight, Tomane, Cummins, Horne, and any potential bolter. It is tough competition. I think O'Connor will be too versatile to leave out. Unless he has a stand out year, I can't see him starting but a bench spot is likely. He should run a mile though if Cheika asks him about the number 10 jersey.

Wallaby Bolter
Karmichael Hunt - I feel a bit like I am cheating here, as a lot of Australian journos already have him pencilled into the squad. I think this is awfully presumptuous, he has been out of Union for a few years so we have no idea how quickly he will readapt. I am not sure how much this Reds team will do for his chances either, with the injuries they already have. However he is certainly throwing himself into Union. Being named vice-captain shows the respect he is garnering amongst the players and the staff. His willingness to try out at 10 shows he has the desire to improve himself. This will certainly grab Cheika's attention. If he applies himself on and off the pitch, he has a great chance of coming into contention. At the moment there is no player that comes close to replacing Folau at 15, so if he can get a consistent run of games at fullback he will do his chances no harm. There is a reason that the media and former players are talking up his WC chances, and if shows his natural ability he will make it an even more difficult decision for Cheika come the WC.

Prediction
If the injury crisis deepens they will be in for another season of disappointment. I am not sure how they will manage with Quade for the first few games. If they start bad, I think they could get stuck in a rut. They will need O'Connor and Hunt to click straight away. I think they will be similar to the Force finishing between 10th and 13th.

Just made an account there, I'll probably get them all comfortably wrong

Think I tried to join the right league there anyway.

Looking forward to seeing How this competition goes this year with the World Cup on the horizon.
Crusaders will be going all out again this year and hopefully they win it out. Mccaw and carter deserve to go out with a bang.

Hopefully I get to see a good few games but this working crack is starting to get in the way.

I'm heading to catch a flight currently so score updates are appreciated

Ah here, well that's a turn up for the books alright.
Crusaders usually get off to a slow start though but with a pretty good team out, that result and performance is a worry