Pre-season trial : Brumbies v Force, Canberra 9 Feb (Updated)
- Thread starter TSR
- Start date
This pre season by the sounds of it.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
Kuenzle missing from the squad. Is he injured? Looking like Bayley will be the No 10 who shifts to 12 to cover Simone.
Incidentally, Simone is also missing. Anyone know why?
Incidentally, Simone is also missing. Anyone know why?
Iona is getting playing time before a move to MLR
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Western Force coach Tim Sampson says talk about a COVID-19 disrupted season is taboo
Nick Taylor - The West Australian - Mon, 8 February 2021
Western Force have slapped a self-imposed ban on talking about where a COVID-19 hit Super Rugby season could take them ahead of Tuesday’s pre-season trial against reigning champions Brumbies.
They spent the 2020 season in an Eastern States bubble and coach Tim Sampson has kept his plans fluid after a second trial against the Queensland Reds was cancelled and they were unable to train under last week’s lockdown.
But one constant remains - no talk about the “what-if” of a disrupted season.
“It’s taboo. We don’t go down that path. It’s not good for us if we talk about it,” Sampson said.
“There are too many other things we have to deal with. From a high performance area of the club we just concentrate on that first game.
“The world we live in, we have to control what we can control in our own backyard. We’re looking forward to a traditional home and away series.”
Sampson has a full squad for the game at Viking Park in Canberra.
“Because we lost the trial against the Reds, it’s important that we brought as many players as possible to get a run,” he said.
“We’re going to share the load and given last week, without being able train properly, we’ve got to manage guys and be mindful of that.”
Sampson hopes the game will help solve some selection puzzles, particularly in key halves pairings.
Captain Ian Prior, Argentina star Tomas Cubelli and junior Wallaby Michael McDonald are all pushing for the No. 9 spot.
Fly-halves Jono Lance, Argentinian international Domingo Miotti and former Wallabies junior world cup player Jake McIntyre will all get game time.
“We’re blessed with depth. The group is on edge,” Sampson said.
“There’s a lot of new guys, international players, guys from within Australian rugby, guys who have returned from overseas."
“Some new guys in the squad are going to get minutes."
“There’s genuine competition through the squad but our halves are the key drivers.
“There’s a real fight for positions and hopefully after this, from a coaches point of view, it can make some decision easier for us."
“It’s going to be tricky being the first hit out of the year.”
Nick Taylor - The West Australian - Mon, 8 February 2021
Western Force have slapped a self-imposed ban on talking about where a COVID-19 hit Super Rugby season could take them ahead of Tuesday’s pre-season trial against reigning champions Brumbies.
They spent the 2020 season in an Eastern States bubble and coach Tim Sampson has kept his plans fluid after a second trial against the Queensland Reds was cancelled and they were unable to train under last week’s lockdown.
But one constant remains - no talk about the “what-if” of a disrupted season.
“It’s taboo. We don’t go down that path. It’s not good for us if we talk about it,” Sampson said.
“There are too many other things we have to deal with. From a high performance area of the club we just concentrate on that first game.
“The world we live in, we have to control what we can control in our own backyard. We’re looking forward to a traditional home and away series.”
Sampson has a full squad for the game at Viking Park in Canberra.
“Because we lost the trial against the Reds, it’s important that we brought as many players as possible to get a run,” he said.
“We’re going to share the load and given last week, without being able train properly, we’ve got to manage guys and be mindful of that.”
Sampson hopes the game will help solve some selection puzzles, particularly in key halves pairings.
Captain Ian Prior, Argentina star Tomas Cubelli and junior Wallaby Michael McDonald are all pushing for the No. 9 spot.
Fly-halves Jono Lance, Argentinian international Domingo Miotti and former Wallabies junior world cup player Jake McIntyre will all get game time.
“We’re blessed with depth. The group is on edge,” Sampson said.
“There’s a lot of new guys, international players, guys from within Australian rugby, guys who have returned from overseas."
“Some new guys in the squad are going to get minutes."
“There’s genuine competition through the squad but our halves are the key drivers.
“There’s a real fight for positions and hopefully after this, from a coaches point of view, it can make some decision easier for us."
“It’s going to be tricky being the first hit out of the year.”
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Pleased to see such a large squad will get some game time....
Interesting additions to the previously announced player squad - Scott Tolmie (Hooker) and Sam Offer (Lock)
Trial match the perfect opportunity for new recruits
February 8, 2021
The Western Force set to take on the ACT Brumbies in a trial match in the capital tomorrow at 3:00pm (AWST).
Match Details:
ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
Tuesday, February 9thTime: 3:00pm (AWST), 6:00pm kick-off (AEDT)
Venue: Viking Park, Canberra
Tickets: HERE
The trial will be live streamed on brumbies.rugby and the Brumbies Facebook Page.
Santos Western Force Team List for Trial Match vs ACT Brumbies:
1. Angus Wagner, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Fergus Lee-Warner, 5. Tim Anstee, 6. Tomás Lezana, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior, 10. Jono Lance, 11. Brad Lacey, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Jack McGregor.
Replacements:
Jack Winchester, Scott Tolmie, Chris Heiberg, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Greg Holmes, Sam Offer, Jackson Pugh, Manu Kololo, Ollie Callan, Tomás Cubelli, Michael McDonald, Jake McIntyre, Domingo Miotti, Henry Taefu, Jake Strachan, Grason Makara, Toni Pulu, Marcel Brache, Rob Kearney, Richard Kahui.
Read more.......
Interesting additions to the previously announced player squad - Scott Tolmie (Hooker) and Sam Offer (Lock)
Trial match the perfect opportunity for new recruits
February 8, 2021
The Western Force set to take on the ACT Brumbies in a trial match in the capital tomorrow at 3:00pm (AWST).
Match Details:
ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
Tuesday, February 9thTime: 3:00pm (AWST), 6:00pm kick-off (AEDT)
Venue: Viking Park, Canberra
Tickets: HERE
The trial will be live streamed on brumbies.rugby and the Brumbies Facebook Page.
Santos Western Force Team List for Trial Match vs ACT Brumbies:
1. Angus Wagner, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Fergus Lee-Warner, 5. Tim Anstee, 6. Tomás Lezana, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior, 10. Jono Lance, 11. Brad Lacey, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Jack McGregor.
Replacements:
Jack Winchester, Scott Tolmie, Chris Heiberg, Santiago Medrano, Tom Robertson, Greg Holmes, Sam Offer, Jackson Pugh, Manu Kololo, Ollie Callan, Tomás Cubelli, Michael McDonald, Jake McIntyre, Domingo Miotti, Henry Taefu, Jake Strachan, Grason Makara, Toni Pulu, Marcel Brache, Rob Kearney, Richard Kahui.
Read more.......
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
I wonder what is the story with Ready, Thrush and McCauley. Lock and hooker is where we have the least depth. Not a good sign.
Kevin77
Fred Wood (13)
So if WA don't remove their requirements to enter the state, is there going to be any option for the Force but to spend the whole season away from WA?
Mr Tank
Herbert Moran (7)
Rested with a left calf injury apparently
Ready's partner is about to give birth, and Thrush will start the season late due to recent surgery - no idea what the surgery was.
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Thanks for the update.
I suppose the hope is that things will be under control by then, but it is a possibility. We are a month off our first away game. Fingers crossed.
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
Ankle cleanup - removal of bone fragments from past injuries.
ForceFan
Chilla Wilson (44)
The first game is on 19th Feb - 10 days away - against the Brumbies at HBF.
Certainly the position is better in that the first game is the Brumbies who could currently go to Perth.
After that they have a bye in round 2 and then play the Tahs away in round 3.
The issue will be that unless the low risk rules are lifted (currently NSW and Victoria) and any person who has been in those states has to quarantine for 14 days it makes it very hard to play home games.
I see the Brumbies have moved their few NSW residents into the ACT but the rules also stipulate that if any of the Brumbies group had knowingly had contact with someone from NSW in the 14 days prior to travelling to WA they would have to quarantine.
That is going to be unworkable as season goes on because it effectively requires every state and territory to be a very low risk (no community cases in 28 days) for travel to and from WA to be possible. Hard to imagine we'll have zero cases all season.
He's playing
brokendown
Vay Wilson (31)
Force need to combat the Brumbies driving maul,otherwise they may have problems in the first round(or maybe the force were foxing)-a good hitout from both teams,the Force will do alright ,i think
Cancelled Account
Desmond Connor (43)
Not much chatter. This afternoon’s game installed a bit of faith in Australian rugby in comparison to our previous trial game. Coaches used the this opportunity in its proper context. Must say I’m impressed with Noah’s development over the past year. The Force put on a good show and am expecting them to bring a stronger competition in 2021. Lots of talent in the making.
A decent hit out for both sides. The Force had the better of the opening period before the Brumbies had their share towards the end and some good defence from the Force kept the Brumbies out.
A few good tries to both sides including Richard Kahui turning back the years to outrun the defence after an intercept. The grubber kick from Noah Lolesio for the Isaak Fines try was impressive.
The difference was the last period when the Brumbies came home over the top of the Force after being down 21-14. They got back in front only for the Force to get in front 28-26 but then Lonergan's trusty boot edged them in front 29-28 with a few minutes to go before hanging on.
A few good tries to both sides including Richard Kahui turning back the years to outrun the defence after an intercept. The grubber kick from Noah Lolesio for the Isaak Fines try was impressive.
The difference was the last period when the Brumbies came home over the top of the Force after being down 21-14. They got back in front only for the Force to get in front 28-26 but then Lonergan's trusty boot edged them in front 29-28 with a few minutes to go before hanging on.
Brumby Runner
David Wilson (68)
Strong performance by Valetini in both attack and defence with good workrate too. Rennie's words must be having an effect.
Banks looking sharper than at any time last year.
Brown was everywhere in defence; made a motza of tackles and some good metres in tight with the ball. Same for Samu.
Ikitau the pick of the backs along with Banks.
FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner) should be in the Wallabies squad later this year.
Prior and Cubelli both had good games; probably shaded the Brumbies trio.
Of the Brumbies' reserves, Harry Lloyd again showed how strong he is at scrum time and in the rolling maul. Frost was a menace at lineout time and very good in open play. Hooper looks to put a lot of hurt into his tackling. Tahini and Junior Tupou both made good ground with the ball and each showed willingness to work with extra good pace and footwork.
Result doesn't matter. The game provided a good hitout for both sides. Such a contrast to the Tahs/Reds game.
Banks looking sharper than at any time last year.
Brown was everywhere in defence; made a motza of tackles and some good metres in tight with the ball. Same for Samu.
Ikitau the pick of the backs along with Banks.
FLW (Fergus Lee-Warner) should be in the Wallabies squad later this year.
Prior and Cubelli both had good games; probably shaded the Brumbies trio.
Of the Brumbies' reserves, Harry Lloyd again showed how strong he is at scrum time and in the rolling maul. Frost was a menace at lineout time and very good in open play. Hooper looks to put a lot of hurt into his tackling. Tahini and Junior Tupou both made good ground with the ball and each showed willingness to work with extra good pace and footwork.
Result doesn't matter. The game provided a good hitout for both sides. Such a contrast to the Tahs/Reds game.