Wright is a good line-out option as well though (Wilson could be used also), so not as weak as it perhaps seems at first look.
Wright is a good line-out option as well though (Wilson could be used also), so not as weak as it perhaps seems at first look.
In other news, it looks like Hardwick and Kemeny have surprisingly been dropped to the bench for the Rebels. Add Hosea out, and that seems a much weaker forward pack (albeit strengthened by Naisarani being back in). Tahs could be a real shot to help us out...
I like the recall of Holmes to the starting side. Imho, he was the guy who figured out how to handle tupous desire to shift his arse left and drive in.
Probably the only prop in Australia who has done that, and considering the refs have turned a blind eye all year, it will be a big plus for us in gaining the upper hand.
I don't think the Reds weakening their lineout us much help for us, a strong defensive lineout isn't required until our hooker and our jumpers figure out the disconnect. I think though, they've lost some power in maul defense, so that might be an area worth exploiting.
Hopefully I don't have to back the tahs on Saturday night (shudder)
"Irish legend Rob Kearney is a welcome return for the Force at fullback after overcoming a hamstring injury suffered in their previous clash with the Reds.
He is joined in the starting line-up by Toni Pulu, which pushes Richard Kahui and Jack McGregor back to the bench"
I actually think we've looked better with McGregor at 15 !!!!!
I think it's 50-50
Yes McGregor has been a much better attacking option/second playmaker, and hasn't really been a hole in the defense, but Kearney was a real settling influence on the team, didn't put pressure back onto us, had a bigger boot and was generally not exciting - in a good way.
I certainly wouldn't be screaming if Jack had kept his spot, I think we need a great attack in this game, because we won't win on set-piece and defense alone, but I'm not sad to see Kearney there either.
Emergency press conference from McGowan at 1:30pm. Hopefully no lockdown.
Oh no please no lockdown!!
Presser was pushed back to 14:15 but now it's 14:30
FFS not much good for those of us wanting to leave to get there tonight!! 😡
3 day lockdown starting at midnight tonight
3 day lockdown from midnight.