Will we make the finals ?

[kipper_mckinnon]

I'd be interested to know who thinks we will make the finals this year.

Long overdue, but do we really have the players ?

[normie]

Trial form says an emphatic NO. I'm not forming an opinion until after round three.

[kipper_mckinnon]

Trial form says an emphatic NO. I'm not forming an opinion until after round three.

totally agree with your take on the trial form - it was horrendous.

But, just like every other season, my heart rules my head.

I think we are capable of taking 2 out of the first 3 games, and if that happens......

[theforceguy]

As long as we win half our games in the first half of the comp we are in with a chance to reach top 6 It will be a long season if we don't win a coupe early on

[James]

Finals is pretty much out of the question. The goal this season should be to put in reputable performances and retain key players (Pocock). Make the Force an appealing prospect for recruitment and collect a damn good lock to replace Sharpe, an experienced 9 to replace Sheehan (if he decides to retire) and start building a back line. Ben Lucas is off contract. Matt Toomua is off contract. Mike Harris is off contract. Quade Cooper is off contract. James Hilgendorf is off contract. I think that Daniel Halangahu is off contract. Throw the kitchen sink at them (well maybe not that much, but preferrably in the order mentioned) so that we have one of them, Stannard and Kyle Godwin coming through. If we are lucky, we might even get two of them.

[Burgs]

Bring back Jimmy!

[Buddha Handy]

I can't see us finishing above the Reds or Tahs unless the Tahs have a massive injury crisis which is possible with the number of injury prone players they have.

So I think we should be aiming to finish 3rd in the conference as a minimum which is what we did last year. Hopefully we could finish in the top 8 overall but definitely top 10.

Personally, I just want to see us win some of the close games instead of losing or drawing. If we can start to develop that winning mentality it will make a huge difference.

[The EnForcer]

Never say no boys and girls, it's a supporters site and we will support Winning is not a gift, it is what we strive for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Go The Force

[GIGS20]

Until the trial against the reds I was hopeful, maybe even confident of a yes. At this point I'm saying no way. The games against the Brumbies and reds will be telling though. There was a lot of rhetoric about not giving away any secrets, but is it really a secret that we want our backs to hold onto the footy.

Either it was damage control set to eleven or the best snow job in the history of rugby.....we'll know at 10 oclock on the 31st of March!

[slomo]

Realistically no.... But that won't stop us having some fun along the way!......

[.X.]

I believe in the force, the whole force and nothing but the Force So help me Dave (and Sharpie)

in saying all of that.

I really cant see us being very successful without a play maker.

Burgs is right, bring back Jimmy or someone. Hell I willing to get yelled at; but we should investigate bringing back Gitz.

I dont think we will finish last. But we cant make the finals without a play maker.

[Rex Messup]

The lads were flogged at training leading into the trials. They were a bit flat

Our backrow will dominate. The tight five looks pretty good to me. The backs will have a simple philosophy...........pass it to the massive Fijian and loop

The Cooperless Reds will be pedestrian

The Tahs will impress early and fade

[Hoolly Doolly]

Dont share rexies optimism but happy to be proven wrong.

[James]

I'd like to think we would play a lot, lot better if Sharpie takes the field. God knows the Wallabies did when he was there. Take note Robbie.

[kipper_mckinnon]

I can't see us finishing above the Reds or Tahs unless the Tahs have a massive injury crisis which is possible with the number of injury prone players they have.

So I think we should be aiming to finish 3rd in the conference as a minimum which is what we did last year. Hopefully we could finish in the top 8 overall but definitely top 10.

Personally, I just want to see us win some of the close games instead of losing or drawing. If we can start to develop that winning mentality it will make a huge difference.

Buddha - I can see us finishing higher than the Tahs, Brumbies and Rebels, so looking for a wild card spot.
I think there are a number of other teams that we can pick off such as the transitioning Bulls and the Canes...Cheetahs as well, but I think the Lions will be much improved this year.

Still thinking with my heart