Hurricanes vs Force 2nd April Palmerston North

[chiraag]

I recall seeing an interview before the season with Stewart saying the opportunity to play 10 was one of the drawcards to moving across.
But unfortunately his performances at 10 haven't been great, and Pasitoa, Hegarty and Strachan should be ahead of him.
He is very solid at 12 though, and it's a tough call between him and Kuenzle.

We need to be giving Fines at least 40 minutes. Our attack looks so much better with him on the field and the number of tries we've scored in the few minutes he's been on are very high. Simpson is solid and has a better kicking game (although had a couple of costly shockers on Sunday).

Amone looks a real prospect and it would be good to see him get more minutes. Pearce has unfortunately really struggled at scrum time, and should be well behind Wagner.
Anstee and Callan are going well in the backrow. Vosayaco has been pretty quiet since his first week though, and Wells solid but unspectacular also. Would be good to give Pugh more time as he has a lot of upside. Anyone know if Koteka will be back soon also - that would certainly be a boost.

The tour went a lot better than expected, especially considering the injuries experienced. Hopefully the improvement continues!

[.X.]

This a question for everyone to think about.

How many times is a bad kick caused by pressure from the opposition? Rather than just poor technique or placement.

Is that the fault of the kicker? Or, is it the well played by the opposition?

[AndyS]

A reasonable question.. If it was just some of the time, I'd say it was a possibility. But if so, how is it every single team seems to play well against the Force? When was the last time anyone commented on how well, long and accurately the Force executed their kicking, even when the opposition was a bit off form?

Occam's Razor would tend to suggest that it is rather a kicking game plan with below standard kicking. Not a issue if it were a new problem, but it has been something of a constant for a very long time, and still seemingly yet to be addressed by either a change in tactics or an improvement in skills.

[shasta]

Absolutely. Pick players on form who are keen to impress. Strachan has been incredibly patient. I'm sure other players would have left with the lack of opportunity he has had. He very much deserves a crack.

For sure. I've been stumped as to why he gets overlooked. He's made a lot of line breaks when given a shot, has a good pass and more importantantly, the uncoachable skill - speed.

[Garry Owen]

Just on the kicking I have seen Peter Grant at both home games so far in official force gear hanging around the team. Can't see him listed on the website anywhere but seems to have some sort of role with the team, you would assume his specialty would be goal kicking and general kicking?

[GIGS20]

This a question for everyone to think about.

How many times is a bad kick caused by pressure from the opposition? Rather than just poor technique or placement.

Is that the fault of the kicker? Or, is it the well played by the opposition?

or possibly the fault of the forwards who were meant to gain ascendancy before the kick

[Tazzmania]

The Hurricanes young full back Harry Godfrey has just been signed by them today for a further two years. He looked more than handy.

[shasta]

So, why hasn't the Force invited or recruited an AFL or even a WAFL Coach to help with the kicking game of our 9,10,11,14, and 15's?

Reputedly one of Eddie Jones's biggest strengths is the ability to think laterally and recruit the best people to whom he can delegate specific coaching duties while he keeps that eagle eye on them all. No matter which sport they are from.

The other code-hopper: The mystery AFL ‘guru’ recruited by Eddie Jones

He taught a young Hawk called Lance Franklin how to kick, helped create revolutionary tactics in a four-flag Hawthorn dynasty, and is often labelled a coaching “guru”, a “genius” or even a “mad scientist in running shorts”.

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/rug...05-p5cybi.html

[.X.]

Reputedly one of Eddie Jones's biggest strengths is the ability to think laterally and recruit the best people to whom he can delegate specific coaching duties while he keeps that eagle eye on them all. No matter which sport they are from.

The other code-hopper: The mystery AFL ‘guru’ recruited by Eddie Jones

He taught a young Hawk called Lance Franklin how to kick, helped create revolutionary tactics in a four-flag Hawthorn dynasty, and is often labelled a coaching “guru”, a “genius” or even a “mad scientist in running shorts”.

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/rug...05-p5cybi.html

you heard it here first

I am a visionary.

[brokendown gunfighter]

you heard it here first

I am a visionary.

X,you are not the Messiah,just a naughty boy,lol

[.X.]

X,you are not the Messiah,just a naughty boy,lol

LOL

[SNOB]

Not even wounded!

[shasta]

X,you are not the Messiah,just a naughty boy,lol

Yeah, but he looks like one...burn him, burn him......oh wait...sorry.