Scrum-half battle lures Connolly west

[niggle]

Looks like there will be a special guest at Subi on Friday. What odds does everyone give Gregan in keeping his spot at the Wallabies? You'd think in the run-up to France in '07 that they would give Henjak and one or two of the younger blokes a go. Don't know enough about Connolly to know what tack he will take.

http://thewest.com.au/20060206/sport...sto133378.html

[luke_the_pom]

agreed!!!
gotta give Henjak ago

[niggle]

probably getting a bit carried away so far from the game, but it would be interesting to see Henjak put one over Gregan on Friday. The little that I have seen him play recently (basically the Irish test last year and a little of the Aust.A game) shows he is far more adventurous and creative.

[Mambo No. 5]

Only 4 sleeps to go!

[niggle]

yeah, but they are work days so it will seem like a long time

[Sagerian]

Henjak has it all to prove this year.

[Mambo No. 5]

One channel nine news last night a quote from Henjak

"He (Gregan) is the old dog, and I (Henjak) have all the tricks"

Or there abouts......

[Darren]

but are they new tricks ?

[Burgs]

I wouldn't get too excited by his visit, he's then flying to Brisbane to watch the Reds and the Tahs, just an obvious way to start as Coach and catch up with all the players by attending the two derbies.
Gregan is far from written out yet and as you say Sage, Henjak needs to actually prove his promise on the field.
I was a little disappointed by Henjaks cockiness to indicate that he was the starting half back for the season in the media. www.abc.net.au/sport/content/200602/s1562161.htm
He may well be, but O'Young isn't far behind him and will be making the most of every minute of game time as he also knows what it is to play second string to a long term halfback.
Henjak will be given his chances with Whitakers departure at the end of the S14 but it will be as much determined by what other positional changes Connolly makes as to if he is prepared to lose Gregans experience and leadership. Not one current Wallaby player has criticised Gregan either directly or in a round about manner, it has all come from outside the group in the media and chat sites.
Trying to remain unbiased, Henjak is not the only option to replace Gregan with either.
In my mind I think we may just be six months too close to the WC to have none of the older players on the field in France and that will be the balancing act that Connolly will have to work out during this 3N and Spring Tour.

[Mambo No. 5]

I hope so. I believe that they have never played against each other before, even in a practise match and that Haenjak doesn't even remember having laid a takle on Gregan.

So he has plenty of pent up anger to unleash on the old guy

[Mambo No. 5]

I was a little disappointed by Henjaks cockiness to indicate that he was the starting half back for the season in the media.

Cockiness or confidence?

Sometimes in professional sport it is a fine line...

[Burgs]

Yeah, understand that Mambo however, in this instance I think it displays a lack of respect for O'Young as so far Henjak has proven little more than O'Young, both are bench Super 12 players with Henjak having four Wallaby Caps.
I would start Henjak but that's not the point, I would just expect a professional player to show some respect to his teammates as what you believe isn't what you always say in the media.

[Mambo No. 5]

Point taken - wasn't thinking about it in relation to his team mate. He probable wasn't either. I would think that there is a lot of pressure on him to prove that his move here was the right thing also

[Burgs]

Yeah I reckon! After a couple of seasons as being the next great hope his time has finally arrived!!!
I don't think he'll be getting much sleep this week without "assistance" of some sort.
Thinking about it he possibly has the most to win or lose this season, maybe with Fitter and Fava close behind, right on the edge of a Wallaby spot but a change of Wallaby coach and a full season to prove yourself. Cannon is either a certainty or finished, Sharpey is a first pick Wallaby and the rest are still on the rise to genuine contention.
Will be an interesting sideline observing how he copes with that extra heat.

[Mambo No. 5]

He has made such a big statement about leaving canberra, saying how it was a big deal as his mum still did his washing etc etc. Then he leaves and the press are all over Gregan to quit or be sacked. Can you imagine what would have gone through his mind if gregan had retired from all rugby. He would have been cursing big time.

Was Fitter a starter with the brumbies?

I think that it may be a big gamble for Mackay as well. Auto starter for the tahs last year - now? Who knows, guess we will find out later in the week on that one.