Western Force Squad Announced for Hurricanes Clash

[Burgs]

The difference with JO'C though Laura was he thrown (managed) into the fairly shallow end with a stable backline around him, a year later and he is the most experienced after Sheehan and Sare.

Overall, I think Mitch has handled this professionally and efficiently, balancing new players with crisis management.

[jombi]

9) O'Young 10) O'Connor 12) Harris 13) Inman/Tatupu 15) Sheehan

Why wouldn't that work?

[laura]

The difference with JO'C though Laura was he thrown (managed) into the fairly shallow end with a stable backline around him, a year later and he is the most experienced after Sheehan and Sare.

Overall, I think Mitch has handled this professionally and efficiently, balancing new players with crisis management.

True, its not the exact same circumstances & JO'C had more support and experience around him, but we don't have that luxury at the moment and we never will if no one is keen to give the new kids a go. Mitch has done a commendable job with what he has available. I'm not a defeatist but if we lose this week's game I won't be devastated, there's plenty of good that will come out of it win or lose.

[GIGS20]

9) O'Young 10) O'Connor 12) Harris 13) Inman/Tatupu 15) Sheehan

Why wouldn't that work?

Sheehan under the high ball?

[Burgs]

Dunno if Sheehan would have the speed Jombi, looks ok on paper though. The type of emergancy backline you might see at the end of a normal match with injury.
Let's not forget that JO'C has never played at this level in the #10 and is capable of the odd shocker himself, he is still developing.
At least Harris has played there before at Club.

[jombi]

Sheehan under the high ball?

Didn't he often switch to fullback on defence for the rats?

[zimeric]

Sheehan in cover defence?

[jombi]

I don't think it matters that much for defence, much like last year when O'Connor would attack at 12 but he'd defend at 15 with Staniforth moving in.

[benny]

A Question to put to the TWF Family !!??!!??!!

Why dont we just do the ole fashioned South African tactics and keep the ball in the forwards.

Canes have 5 ABs in there backline and "the Hore" the only forward named player with some AB xperience in the run on side... The thing is if he hold the ball in the forwards why does it matter if the backs are eating hamburgers with Weepu or putting eye liner on with Nonu. The forwards are doing the work !!!

My bet is keep the ball in the forwards.
If we want to play rugby against the world class Canes backline, the canes will Declare after 30 minutes.

[zimeric]

My bet is keep the ball in the forwards.
If we want to play rugby against the world class Canes backline, the canes will Declare after 30 minutes.

how do you think we kept in the game last week. The Force had like 55% possesion..
unfortunately if you want to win games you need the full 15 to fire..

[jargan83]

how do you think we kept in the game last week. The Force had like 55% possesion..

You sure there? I saw several sources that said possession was Brumbies 59% Force 41%

[jombi]

A Question to put to the TWF Family !!??!!??!!

Why dont we just do the ole fashioned South African tactics and keep the ball in the forwards.

That's not 8 man Rugby - it's 10 man Rugby. You still need the 9 & 10 combo to be working so they can either get the ball to a forward runner at the ruck or to the flyhalf in the pocket to kick it downfield.

It was obvious last week that we just didn't have that 'chemistry' with Harry at 10, nor would be if O'Connor was there probably.

[joblot]

11 debutants in 2 weeks! that must be a record

Come on. Lets get behind them. They have had a dreadful run of luck and they will need our support even more. Remember the dark days of our first year and that inspiring placard in the crowd. "I STILL HAVE FAITH"
Well, I still do.

[pieter blackie]

If it is any consolation, I believe we have our first pick Tight Five starting!

I would start Nic Henderson rather than Dunning

[Burgs]

I'll rephrase it PB, I believe we have Mitch's first pick tight five starting