Force defence unknown element
Force defence unknown element
By Wayne Smith, The Australian
February 7, 2006
THE critical factor in Friday's historic Super 14 match between Western Force and the ACT Brumbies might very well be which team has most problems with the newcomer's unique defensive pattern.
While the NSW Waratahs, Queensland Reds and the Brumbies, from which Force has drawn most of its recruits, all defend in roughly the same way, the Perth side, under former All Blacks coach John Mitchell, will be doing things differently.
Captain Nathan Sharpe, although enthusiastic about it, admits the new system is taking some getting used to, as was evident when Force was trounced by the Blues at Eden Park late last week.
"It was a case of new defensive structures and old ideas and we got caught between systems," Sharpe said. "We're getting better and better at it at training but we just lost a bit of detail and precision.
"It's not a New Zealand-style defence. This is John Mitchell's own brand and we've got to be able to execute that under pressure."
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher has named a side that should apply plenty of pressure, even if no fewer than three senior Wallabies - Steve Larkham, Matt Giteau and Jeremy Paul - will run onto Subiaco Oval on Friday night not having played in a pre-season trial, while another three - George Gregan, Clyde Rathbone and Mark Chisholm - have seen no other live action but an internal scrimmage last Thursday.
All six players came through critical fitness tests last night although Larkham will be given extra defensive work today to prepare him for what shapes as a very physical encounter in front of a crowd that is expected to break the old record for a Super 12 match in Australia.
Fisher admits he still does not have a handle on the Mitchell defensive pattern, despite having travelled to Melbourne recently to watch Force's trial against the Canterbury Crusaders.
"Around the ruck they certainly defend differently, but having watched just that one trial, it's hard to say precisely what they're aiming at," Fisher said.
Spearheading Force's close-to-the-ruck defence will be former Brumbies backrower Scott Fava, who is adamant the West Australia side must take full advantage of the rustiness in the ranks of his former ACT teammates.
Fisher, however, has opted for shiny, new metal in key positions, installing Australia under-21 star Julian Salvi at openside flanker to allow George Smith to continue in the number eight role he filled for the Wallabies in the last five Tests of the 2005 season.
"For the balance of the game, we think it's best to start with two on-the-ballers," said Fisher, who clearly expects Mitchell to continue with the expansive game he employed so well with the All Blacks.
For the same reason, Adam Ashley-Cooper, a Test debutant on the wing against the Springboks at Subiaco last season, has been named at fullback ahead of Mark Gerrard, who has only recently returned to full training after an arduous campaign with Australia.
"You've really got to be on your bike for this game," Fisher said.
