Highlanders Vs Western Force - Rnd 5 2014

[ChargerWA]

Sooo, can the boys back it up this week? The Force have had some success against the Highlander away in the past.

Barring injury I would prefer to see the lineup unchanged. I think everyone earned the right to have another crack this week.

The only place you might consider tinkering would be 13, but there really doesnt appear to be anyone putting themselves forward over Rasolea. But Chris Tuatara-Morrison must surely be gettting close to getting a crack after 2 years in the setup. If Foley doesn't give him a crack soon they might as well cut him.

I tipped the Force last week, not yet decided if I am going to let it ride again this week. Normally a recipe for snake eyes.

 

[teach]

Could be a cracker. Highlanders had a great start against the Blues, playing for the Gordon Hunter Memorial trophy, and a narrow loss against the Chiefs. I think if they come out firing the Force could be in for a long night. The Clan will have the students in The Zoo stand in full voice urging them on. University is back and the buggers haven't yet pissed away all their money.

They have a potent attacking backline and their defence looks pretty good. Lineout looked to be pretty good. Penalty magnet Hoeata might be true to form though. The youngsters in the squad, and there are a few of them, may make the odd error, but I think the timing of the bye worked out perfectly for them. 2 tough games and then time to have a think.

 

[Moono75]

Should be a good game and good conditions at FBS. The Force need to play the same team that took down the Rebels. Don't stuff round with a winning formula....even if it's only 1 game old.

Highlanders are a good team and we will be in for a tough game. Have to watch out for Ben Smith and Aaron Smith. Sorry, how stupid of me...let me translate..thats Bin Smuth and Eron Smuth

 

[Bairdy]

This will be a close game, if past results (19-18 to the Force home in 2013, 21-14 to the Force away in 2011) are anything to go by. Highlanders will have watched the replays of our first two matches, and look to dominate possession and the scoreboard in the first 20, and get off to a good start.

I can't envision this match being decided by more than 9 points either way, but can never be too confident, even with such a comprehensive win on the weekend. The forward packs are about equal: we might have the edge in the backrow but Hardie, Christie, Manu etc. are certainly no mugs. Meanwhile, the Highlanders have the advantage in the backs.

I will say, though, I wouldn't mind Adam Coleman starting alongside Steenkamp/Wykes, with the other on the bench: his 40 minute cameo was decent without overexaggerating; made good metreage with his carries, looked nimble jumping in the lineout (even stealing one off Hugh Pyle) and made 7 tackles. Plus, we could use a big bopper in the second row instead of two loosehead locks.

In any case, the Force need to back it up or risk being put away if their attitude isn't right.


Force by 4!!

 

[No4918]

Will tip home advantage to get the Highlanders home. The Clans form is arguably better having pushed the champs and beaten the Blues.

No one expected anything from these two sides so hopefully they come out and make it an entertaining game.

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Force left yesterday same 23 as sat night aswell as MMM.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[I like to watch]

Is it usual to travel that early in the week for a NZ game?

 

[Braveheart81]

Is it usual to travel that early in the week for a NZ game?

There's only one hour less time difference for Perth to NZ to Perth to SA.

I'm guessing they're treating it like a South African tour and want to minimise the effects of the plane travel and adjustment to the different time zone by travelling early.

The dumb thing with the draw is that the Force aren't playing their two NZ games in consecutive weeks but are instead coming back to the Perth to play the Chiefs next weekend.

 

[GaffaCHinO]

yeah I think it has to do with the fact we have to fly over there play 1 game then fly back (both games against NZ sides)

We don’t usually leave till the Wednesday. I guess they are trying something different so there isn’t the compressed load of flying.

Just shows again how disadvantaged the force when it comes to travel and the draw.

 

[brokendown]

flying over for this game (have a function to go to in the wairarapa the following weekend-so what the hell)
will probably be the lone Force supporter in the stands!
will be a hard slog for the Force boys against a much improved Highlanders outfit
looking forward to some cooler weather after this unrelenting heatwave in Perth

 

[Bruwheresmycar]

The dumb thing with the draw is that the Force aren't playing their two NZ games in consecutive weeks but are instead coming back to the Perth to play the Chiefs next weekend.

Nah you're wrong this is just the start of our 2 week NZ tour. Next week is effectively an away game, Perth is Waikato 2.0.

 

[teach]

looking forward to some cooler weather after this unrelenting heatwave in Perth

You are in luck. Should be a pleasant 18-20 degrees dropping to about 12.

 

[brokendown]

You are in luck. Should be a pleasant 18-20 degrees dropping to about 12.

sheer luxury

 

[Moono75]

Nah you're wrong this is just the start of our 2 week NZ tour. Next week is effectively an away game, Perth is Waikato 2.0.

Cow bell sales have gone through the roof.

 

[Bruwheresmycar]

I'll be taking my chainsaw.

 

[qwerty51]

Real light pack named by the Highlanders, if the Force pack bring their same game from last week's 1st half they'll win in Dunedin again. I hope so just for maybe another classic post-match interview!

 

[GaffaCHinO]

Force Unchanged

1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Sam Wykes
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Junior Rasolea
14. Luke Morahan
15. Jayden Hayward
Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. Adam Coleman
20. Brynard Stander
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Marcel Brache

http://www.westernforce.com.au/News...1117/Force-unchanged-to-face-Highlanders.aspx

 

[teach]

Highlanders v Western Force, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin – Saturday 15 March, 7.35pm (NZ Time).
1 - Kane Hames
2 - Liam Coltman
3 - Chris King
4 - Jarrad Hoeata
5 - Joe Wheeler
6 - John Hardie
7 - Shane Christie
8 - Nasi Manu (co-captain)
9 - Aaron Smith
10 - Lima Sopoaga
11 - Kurt Baker
12 - Shaun Treeby
13 - Malakai Fekitoa
14 - Richard Buckman
15 - Ben Smith(co-captain)
Reserves
16 - Ged Robinson
17 - Matias Diaz
18 - Craig Millar
19 - Josh Bekhuis
20 - Elliot Dixon
21 - Fumiaki Tanaka
22 - Hayden Parker
23 - Phil Burleigh

Unavailable due to injury:
Brad Thorn (rib – 1 week), Patrick Osborne (ankle – 2 weeks)

 

[teach]

Real light pack named by the Highlanders, if the Force pack bring their same game from last week's 1st half they'll win in Dunedin again. I hope so just for maybe another classic post-match interview!

They may be a little lighter, but with the inclusion of Hardie it may be a little stronger than the one that faced the Blues. Wheeler may not be a Brad Thorn but his extra height may prove useful.

 

[Forcefield]

I wonder whether the bye the Highlander had will be beneficial or not. The 'Landers might be fresher, but will the Force be more match hardened?

Man for man, I'd say we had the edge, but it really depends on which Force team and which Highlanders teams turn up.