Round 6 Blues v Force

[Jeansyjive]

How did Ritchie Arnold go last week? (Couldn't watch the game)

[Ecky]

Blues vs Force at Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)
Television match official: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

[Moono74]

Thank Christ no Rohan Hoffman

[andrewg]

How did Ritchie Arnold go last week? (Couldn't watch the game)

Having learned about the injury problems that Richie has had to face over the past 2 years it was fantastic to see him get through his 13 minutes and get picked as a starter for the Blues game.

He didn't look out of place on the field.
His stats not hugely important in light of the above.
1 Line Out Won
3 Attack Ruck involvements
3 carries for 0m
1 Pass
2 Tackles
0 Penalties conceded
0 Handling Errors.

I hope he goes really well this week and gets a lot more game time.

[Herbasimplex]

Arnold starting was the biggest surprise. For all the time he has been with us he has played about 15 minutes of super rugby and finds himself on the starting sheet. He'll have his work cut out for him but I hope he grabs his chance with both hands.

Can't remember last time we beat the blues or when an aussie team won at Eden park. Might be worth replicating what they did in the soccer and have a witchdoctor lift the eden park curse.

Blues looked good last week against the bulls they are definitely a better team this year. But they still blow a bit hot and cold and I hope they shot their bolt last week and we roll over the top of them.

score prediction - force to fool the blues on the day of fools - force 76 blues 15.

[SinBin]

[QUOTE=GIGS20;425380,,,The blues are the kiwi team who are most likely to resort to desperation miracle balls through frustration. ..[/QUOTE]

+1

Another Newsome intercept early on hopefully - as the Blues think they just need to turn up to flog the lowly Force. Agreed, line speed and in your faces hard hitting D - let's get under their skin and stop them getting any rhythm/confidence.

[SNOB]

+1

Another Newsome intercept early on hopefully - as the Blues think they just need to turn up to flog the lowly Force. Agreed, line speed and in your faces hard hitting D - let's get under their skin and stop them getting any rhythm/confidence.

I think the Blues have a damn good chance. But maybe the "Green Kiwi Hornet" will fly out and "zap" the Blues as even then Kiwis know the Force on the right day is a Force to be reckoned with! This is only valid in 1.45 mins

[Moono74]

The boys need their heads in the game and attitude squared away. Come out chewing barbed wire and pissing napalm. Make some history, restore some pride and take a dump on the Blues at Eden Park!!

[shasta]

The biggie is sustaining concentration into the final 20 minutes. ALL the NZ sides are able to and it's why they are so good at snatching victory at the end. We have plenty of experience in the starters; not so much on the bench. So it needs to be a real focus. Our blokes were still in touch at that point against the Crusaders, and regardless of that ridiculous YC, they were under pressure, reverted to old habits, kicked away possession and failed to chase.

Johnno Lance, DH-P and a few others are good kickers but not under pressure. Retain possession AT ALL TIMES until a tactical kick can be placed and chased. There's little difference in outcomes between making handling errors/turn overs in your own half or kicking it away and getting cut to ribbons on the counter. Very old and true cliche - you can't win without the pill.

[Herbasimplex]

How did Ritchie Arnold go last week? (Couldn't watch the game)

scored a meat pie this week so he's doing ok 😄 force 8 zip after 20

[shasta]

Now that last try hurt - should never have been. Blues player offside at the ruck disrupting Ruru's clearance. Refs rulling - "No, no, no". No good - damage done. Force on the back foot - turn over - Try. FFS.
One of my pet hates in both codes - referees coaching players instead of penalising.

[andrewg]

One of my pet hates in both codes - referees coaching players instead of penalising.

Totally agree.
They're professional Rugby players.
Give them the warnings in the shed and blow whistle on the field.

[shasta]

Johnno Lance, DH-P and a few others are good kickers but not under pressure.

Leave that to Ruru.

[WFDom]

[jargan83]

FARK!