Kagifa Samoa v Western Force - HBF Park, Perth - 7:45 PM (WST), Friday, 31 May 2019
- Thread starter ForceFan
- Start date
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Force in gold, Kagifa in blue:
Countdown
F5 refresh
via The West:
Countdown
F5 refresh
via The West:
The Force, unbeaten in their six showcase matches, put in a terrific defensive effort to set the foundation for the 27-15 win over Fijian Latui in their last outing. Coach Tim Sampson knows his side must produce more of the same.
“These guys have a powerful body strength and that’s how they like to play, using their big boppers through the middle of the field,” Sampson said. “They will challenge us up front and they have some very skilful backs. They have that offload mentality.”
… “They love the power game, they thrive off it and will be very hard to contain if we go high. Our decision making at the breakdown, when to contest or when to leave the ball and back our numbers, is crucial. They also rely a lot on their 8,9,10 channels so we have to dominate and take that threat from the set piece.” …
Force starting XV: Harrison Lloyd, Heath Tessmann, Tom Sheminant, Johan Bardoul, Fergus Lee Warner, Henry Stowers, Chris Alcock, Tevin Ferris, Issak Fines, AJ Alatimu, Clay Uyen, Marcel Brache, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Jack McGregor.
Reserves: Feleti Kaitu’u, Markus Vanzati, Kieran Longbottom, Leon Power, Brynard Stander, Andrew Deegan, Rod Davies.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
^They are indeed. Should be a good game.
Kagifa Samoa
1.Misioka TIMOTEO, 2.Frank MALU, 3.Ausetalia VAIOMANU, 4.Michael MCKEE, 5.Callum ADAMS, 6.Dylan LAM, 7.Caleb FAALILI, 8.Otenili MOALA, 9.Leon FUKOFUKA (C), 10.Latiume FOSITA, 11.David FELIUAI, 12. Paki AFU, 13.Augustine MAFOE, 14.Ah Mu TUIMALEALIIFANO, 15.Kalione HALA
Replacements: 16.Gafatasi SU’A, 17.Mark ROYAL, 18.Samuel AIONO, 19.Sione TUIPULOTU, 20.Taulaga FASAVALU, 21.JP SAUNI, 22.Maui HAUSIA, 23.Tim SIPPEL
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Ian Prior has had surgery to repair his left pectoral muscle which he tore off the bone in the game against Singapore.
Last I heard he was expecting to return for the pre-Bledisloe game in August - against Malaysian Valke.
(Note: Valke is an Afrikaans word for Falcon - wich may indicate that the Malaysian team is packed with players from the Curry Cup teams.)
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Kagifa Samoa prepare to take a bite out of the Force
May 30, 2019
The Kagifa Samoa squad has arrived in Perth determined to turn an honourable loss in their opening Global Rapid Rugby encounter against Fijian Latui a fortnight ago into a breakthrough win against the unbeaten Western Force.
While it’s no small task, especially on the West Aussie’s home deck, anyone who saw the pacific islanders in action against Fiji couldn’t fault their energy and endeavour, and now with a couple of weeks of additional training under their belt, they’re eyeing an upset.
They come to WA with a run-on side that is basically unchanged, while the bench has a number of new faces all keen to prove themselves against the benchmark side in Rapid Rugby’s 2019 Showcase.
One player eager to get a good run will be fullback Kali Hala who spent the majority of the opening game watching on from the sidelines after copping a head knock. His experience and class will be a big boost for the visitors.
The Western Force meanwhile have made a number of tactical moves following a taxing match against Fijian Latui last weekend. Coming off a six-day break the side has been shuffled to bring fresh legs to the starting XV.
Hardworking prop Kieran Longbottom and star number 8 Brynard Stander are just two of the players who’ll benefit from the rotation employed by Coach Tim Sampson. Both will still be called upon to play a part in the game but their impact will come from the bench. Props Harrison Lloyd and Tom Sheminant will start, as will 2018 Rising Star Award recipient Tevin Ferris who replaces Stander.
In a big blow to the Force, star West Australian winger Brad Lacy will miss Friday night’s clash with a knee injury. The 25-year old is waiting on scans but it is feared he may have damaged his ACL meaning an extended stint on the sidelines.
While Lacey’s injury robs the Force of a powerful try scoring option out wide, it does provide an opportunity for up and comer Clay Uyen who slots straight into the left wing position. Speedster Rod Davies is the only chage to the match day 23, returning to the squad after staying in Perth last weekend for the birth of his third child.
Another spectacular pre-match show is planned, including Indigenous performers from Australia and Samoa as part of the Western Force Indigenous Appreciation Match activities.
Western Force v Kagifa Samoa
Friday, 31 May 2019 | HBF Park, Perth
Gates open: 6.10pm | Kick-off: 7.45pm
All tickets $10 – buy online or grab them at the gate
https://www.rapidrugby.com/kagifa-samoa-prepare-to-take-a-bite-out-of-the-force/
May 30, 2019
The Kagifa Samoa squad has arrived in Perth determined to turn an honourable loss in their opening Global Rapid Rugby encounter against Fijian Latui a fortnight ago into a breakthrough win against the unbeaten Western Force.
While it’s no small task, especially on the West Aussie’s home deck, anyone who saw the pacific islanders in action against Fiji couldn’t fault their energy and endeavour, and now with a couple of weeks of additional training under their belt, they’re eyeing an upset.
They come to WA with a run-on side that is basically unchanged, while the bench has a number of new faces all keen to prove themselves against the benchmark side in Rapid Rugby’s 2019 Showcase.
One player eager to get a good run will be fullback Kali Hala who spent the majority of the opening game watching on from the sidelines after copping a head knock. His experience and class will be a big boost for the visitors.
The Western Force meanwhile have made a number of tactical moves following a taxing match against Fijian Latui last weekend. Coming off a six-day break the side has been shuffled to bring fresh legs to the starting XV.
Hardworking prop Kieran Longbottom and star number 8 Brynard Stander are just two of the players who’ll benefit from the rotation employed by Coach Tim Sampson. Both will still be called upon to play a part in the game but their impact will come from the bench. Props Harrison Lloyd and Tom Sheminant will start, as will 2018 Rising Star Award recipient Tevin Ferris who replaces Stander.
In a big blow to the Force, star West Australian winger Brad Lacy will miss Friday night’s clash with a knee injury. The 25-year old is waiting on scans but it is feared he may have damaged his ACL meaning an extended stint on the sidelines.
While Lacey’s injury robs the Force of a powerful try scoring option out wide, it does provide an opportunity for up and comer Clay Uyen who slots straight into the left wing position. Speedster Rod Davies is the only chage to the match day 23, returning to the squad after staying in Perth last weekend for the birth of his third child.
Another spectacular pre-match show is planned, including Indigenous performers from Australia and Samoa as part of the Western Force Indigenous Appreciation Match activities.
Western Force v Kagifa Samoa
Friday, 31 May 2019 | HBF Park, Perth
Gates open: 6.10pm | Kick-off: 7.45pm
All tickets $10 – buy online or grab them at the gate
https://www.rapidrugby.com/kagifa-samoa-prepare-to-take-a-bite-out-of-the-force/
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Force to attack through defence
May 30, 2019
The Western Force will again look to their defence in a bid to increase the side’s attacking opportunities when they step out against Kagifa Samoa on Friday night. It was a tactic that worked successfully against Fiji a week earlier and the West Aussies hope it can produce similar results against another side that packs plenty of pacific flair.
The defensive line speed of the Force stood out in their hard-fought win in Lautoka as they set about interrupting the quick ball movement from the Fijians. With Rapid Rugby law variations giving an incentive to teams who can keep the ball in hand, the Force were able to create turnovers and set-up forward thrusts of their own.
Coach Tim Sampson has primed his men to repeat the dose but acknowledges the bigger bodies of the Kagifa Samoa side pose a new challenge.
“Line speed in defence was a focus area for us against Fiji. If you sit back on your heels and let them take the space away from you with ball-in-hand they’re extremely dangerous. I think you saw some really positive defensive plays from us,” Sampson said.
“This week Samoa are different proposition. They still have the creative flair but they’re a bigger, power type side. Certainly the focus will still be to get up in their face, but more importantly to get them to ground on the back of a really aggressive line speed,” added Sampson.
One of the big bodies the Force will have to contend with is Samoan international Misioka Timoteo. Like many Pacific Island players, the veteran prop has plenty of size and speed to call on and is excited to testing himself against the yard stick side in the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby Showcase Series.
“We’re excited and looking forward to coming up against the Force. They have a strong side who have been together for a long time,” Timoteo said.
“We have been working hard and I think we’re pulling together all of the parts to make a competitive team that can challenge opposition sides.”
Timoteo said Kagifa Samoa’s first taste of Rapid Rugby was a positive experience despite being pipped at the post when Fijian Latui scored a try after the final hooter to win the match. Having represented Samoa in both sevens and 15’s he said he is delighted to be able to pull on the Kagifa Samoa jersey in the new Rapid Rugby competition.
“I’m proud to be able to continue to represent the Samoan community,” Timoteo said.
“My first game in Fiji was alright, I didn’t feel too bad. I was thinking I was going to be very tired with all the running in Rapid Rugby, especially for us forwards, but I got through it ok.
“The whole team is very happy to be in Perth and want to play a strong game and walk away feeling like we gave everything we had,” he added.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/force-to-attack-through-defence/
Western Force v Kagifa Samoa
Friday, 31 May 2019 at HBF Park, PerthKick-off: 7.45pm AWST / SGT /HKT (9.45pm AEST |11.45pm NZST / FJT)
Global Rapid Rugby broadcast matches can be viewed here:
Australia
Live SBS Viceland
Live sbs.com.au/sport and SBS On Demand
Live and on-demand at Kayo Sports
Fox Sports (check guides)
New ZealandLive on Sky TV
May 30, 2019
The Western Force will again look to their defence in a bid to increase the side’s attacking opportunities when they step out against Kagifa Samoa on Friday night. It was a tactic that worked successfully against Fiji a week earlier and the West Aussies hope it can produce similar results against another side that packs plenty of pacific flair.
The defensive line speed of the Force stood out in their hard-fought win in Lautoka as they set about interrupting the quick ball movement from the Fijians. With Rapid Rugby law variations giving an incentive to teams who can keep the ball in hand, the Force were able to create turnovers and set-up forward thrusts of their own.
Coach Tim Sampson has primed his men to repeat the dose but acknowledges the bigger bodies of the Kagifa Samoa side pose a new challenge.
“Line speed in defence was a focus area for us against Fiji. If you sit back on your heels and let them take the space away from you with ball-in-hand they’re extremely dangerous. I think you saw some really positive defensive plays from us,” Sampson said.
“This week Samoa are different proposition. They still have the creative flair but they’re a bigger, power type side. Certainly the focus will still be to get up in their face, but more importantly to get them to ground on the back of a really aggressive line speed,” added Sampson.
One of the big bodies the Force will have to contend with is Samoan international Misioka Timoteo. Like many Pacific Island players, the veteran prop has plenty of size and speed to call on and is excited to testing himself against the yard stick side in the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby Showcase Series.
“We’re excited and looking forward to coming up against the Force. They have a strong side who have been together for a long time,” Timoteo said.
“We have been working hard and I think we’re pulling together all of the parts to make a competitive team that can challenge opposition sides.”
Timoteo said Kagifa Samoa’s first taste of Rapid Rugby was a positive experience despite being pipped at the post when Fijian Latui scored a try after the final hooter to win the match. Having represented Samoa in both sevens and 15’s he said he is delighted to be able to pull on the Kagifa Samoa jersey in the new Rapid Rugby competition.
“I’m proud to be able to continue to represent the Samoan community,” Timoteo said.
“My first game in Fiji was alright, I didn’t feel too bad. I was thinking I was going to be very tired with all the running in Rapid Rugby, especially for us forwards, but I got through it ok.
“The whole team is very happy to be in Perth and want to play a strong game and walk away feeling like we gave everything we had,” he added.
https://www.rapidrugby.com/force-to-attack-through-defence/
Western Force v Kagifa Samoa
Friday, 31 May 2019 at HBF Park, PerthKick-off: 7.45pm AWST / SGT /HKT (9.45pm AEST |11.45pm NZST / FJT)
Global Rapid Rugby broadcast matches can be viewed here:
Australia
Live SBS Viceland
Live sbs.com.au/sport and SBS On Demand
Live and on-demand at Kayo Sports
Fox Sports (check guides)
New ZealandLive on Sky TV
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Also young scrumhalf Tim Sippel, former Rebels U20 and now Sunnybank player
Rugbynutter39
Michael Lynagh (62)
if Samoa play like they did against Fiji then the force will need to be improved on last week..hopefully so as Fiji vs Samoa game was absolute cracker
