Johansson on notice to deliver

[Jehna]

Johansson on notice to deliver

By Karl de Kroo
January 24, 2008

TIMANA Tahu, the highest-profile rugby recruit of the summer, is set to make his much-awaited 15-man debut for the Waratahs - but his Queensland opponents are far from caught up in the fuss.

Reds coach Phil Mooney conceded he had given the Waratahs line-up little more than a cursory glance ahead of the trial match at Campbelltown, with his focus predominantly on the battle for positions in his own backline.

No man will be under greater scrutiny than former Test centre Lloyd Johansson, who according to Mooney is facing a make-or-break year.

"Lloyd played Test football as a young bloke two years ago, but since then he hasn't really been able to cement a position in our team," Mooney said. "He is 23 now, he has been around for a while and this has to be a big season for him."

Johansson, who will captain the young Reds side, will line up at inside centre, with Peter Hynes given the task of marking Tahu at outside.

Mooney said the addition of former Waratahs Chris Siale and Morgan Turinui to the Reds squad had seen Johansson and Hynes flourish in pre-season training.

"I am confident we are going to see both guys have very good seasons," Mooney said. "Lloyd in particular has had his best pre-season and there seems a realisation there that he does have to produce now."

Courier Mail

[goony]

with his size and speed he should dominate but i still think his overall defence isnt up to scratch to be in contention of a wallabies spot - he can still lay people out though!! will be interesting but i cant wait to see tahu in action

[Burgs]

Surely there must be a gauntlet laid down amongst all that lot somewhere....