Western Force vs Crusaders @ NIB Stadium - 2011R11

[todd4]

If both Hodgo and Pocock are back then I beleive it will be as you have called it.

Pretty sure Brown got man of the match last week. Bit of a bummer getting mom one week then facing the bench next week!

 

[Blue]

They did indeed Paarl and it was one of the games of the season. We're getting some good guys back and the Cru's list is stretched a bit. Could be a boilover in the offing...

For you guys yes. Not for us. It was a disaster.

The Force need to guard against overconfidence. If they produce even a smidgen less intensity they will get smacked. But this is the best chance they will have to scalp the Saders.

 

[ChargerWA]

Pretty sure Jono Jenkins is injured and Ben Whittaker will be out for a week, giving Siliva Siliva from the academy a chance to make a debut.

 

[Shiggins]

It won't be a far fetch too see Hodgson or pocock on the bench. And which ever one doesn't start would come on with 30 too go. Depends on how fit they are.


Go the force!!!!

 

[Ruggo]

Against all odds the Force have been a bit of a bogey team for the Saders. This should be a good game.

 

[tallboy]

It won't be a far fetch too see Hodgson or pocock on the bench. And which ever one doesn't start would come on with 30 too go. Depends on how fit they are.


Go the force!!!!

Fairly prone to agreeing with you here Shiggins. Can see Hodgo and Pocock sharing the duties. Brown turned in his best game of the year last week and would be unlucky to get dropped and McCalman as a lock isn't the answer. Let Pocock particularly after a reasonably long lay off, ease back in over 20-30 mins and reassess the backrow again next week for the Tahs.

 

[AkRiD]

The Force need to guard against overconfidence. If they produce even a smidgen less intensity they will get smacked. But this is the best chance they will have to scalp the Saders.

Too true. Even with the Saders a little stretched, they are still the Saders, and you can guarantee any game against them will be a hard one.

Hope the Force bring their 'A' game this Saturday.

 

[Ruggo]

The Force are only going to get better when they get some of those injured players back and they will also have a bench in form and ready to make an impact. I thought they were good against the Bulls.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

By far the best performance of the season I thought, Ruggo. Ours isn't a flashy or complicated game plan, but last week the boys executed it very well. As others have pointed out, however, it will require huge intensity to match it with the Cru, even if they will be a little below strength.

 

[The Mayor of Perth]

Below strength Crusaders and the best balanced Force team this year, assuming Smith slots straight back onto the wing and Dellit stays at 13.

 

[brokendown]

the Crusaders backline is much stronger than the bulls one,I think we will struggle to contain them,even allowing for the injury toll
unfortunatley for the Force,I cannot see the Crusaders losing two in a row

 

[Bullrush]

Unfortunately, the worst thing that could have happened for the Force is that the Crusaders lost to the Highlanders on the weekend.

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

You could be right Bullrush. I watched that game and it was a cracker. The Tartan Army were very, very good I thought.

 

[Hawko]

the Crusaders backline is much stronger than the bulls one,I think we will struggle to contain them,even allowing for the injury toll
unfortunatley for the Force,I cannot see the Crusaders losing two in a row

It would be great if the Crusaders lost, but the ramifications for them would be disastrous. They would be facing going to SA two full games behind the Blues and fighting with the Highlanders and others for a wildcard spot. They will be VERY focussed. Clearly they are in a slump, if they had played like they did in round 3 they would have murdered the Highlanders, but I suspect that last week's result will have firmed their resolve no end; especially those players from my fantasy team who played so badly. The Force are possibles but a very long way from being favourites.

 

[Bullrush]

You could be right Bullrush. I watched that game and it was a cracker. The Tartan Army were very, very good I thought.

They are very, very good. I really thought they would fall apart after they lost those 2 games just before their bye but I think Jamie Jospeh is proving he's a bloody good coach.

No-one thought they would be the the 2nd best team in NZ....

 

[RuckinGoodStats]

I have a lot of respect for Thorn, but they're taking the piss aren't they? There's not another player in Canterbury who could do the job?

They keep on going on about the depth the Crusaders have, but this shows it. Got to feel if you're a young lock in the Crusdaers region that at the first opportunity someone who well out of the picture but played with the coach will get the nod.

 

[Shiggins]

If pocock does come of the bench and the force can stay in the game he will provide crucial turnovers at the end too win in a tight one.

We defenatly can not let the crusaders in early like the bulls did with there 2 try's early.

The way history has been a draw is very likely. Haha


Go the force!!!!

 

[ChargerWA]

Apparently both McCaw and Carter are possibles for this game. That will change a few tips I reckon.

 

[ChargerWA]

Or maybe not.....

Pocock, who has trained strongly this week, is yet to learn what his role will be against the Crusaders.

But the powerful 23-year-old is confident he could last the full 80 minutes if given a starting berth.

In an added boost for the Force, fellow backrower Matt Hodgson (shoulder), outside centre Mitch Inman (elbow) and winger David Smith (hamstring) are also strong chances to return, creating a welcome selection headache for coach Richard Graham.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/s...usaders-in-perth/story-e6frf4qu-1226045783229

 

[barbarian]

Ruchie named at number 8. Still no Carter.

1. Wyatt Crockett, 2. Corey Flynn, 3. Ben Franks, 4. Luke Romano, 5. Chris Jack, 6. George Whitelock, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Richie McCaw (c), 9. Kahn Fotuali'i, 10. Matt Berquist, 11. Zac Guildford, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Robbie Fruean, 14. Sean Maitland, 15. Israel Dagg

Reserves: 16. Quentin MacDonald, 17. Owen Franks, 18. Joe Wheeler / Reuben Thorne, 19. Jonathan Poff, 20. Willi Heinz, 21. Tom Marshall, 22. Adam Whitelock.