0
Really looking forward to this game against the Clan as there have been some crackers in the past.
In 2016 although going down 32:20 in Dunedin it was H 22:20 F at 63 minutes and the Force was well in the game.
Hodgo put in a mighty game with 51 Ruck Involvements (39A/12D) and game high 14 tackles.
Heath had 30 Ruck Involvements and Ben Mc 29.
In 2015 we were done badly at home F 3:23 H.
Hodgo again had 40 RIs (30A/10D) and another game high 14 tackles; Cottrell 32 RIs & Coleman 27.
2014 was an epic win in Dunedin, H 29:31 F where the lads managed to hang on despite being down to 13 men for the last 8 minutes (Both McCalman and Coleman in the bin). It was fantastic to be there!!
Hodgo again had a game high 16 tackles. (Sorry, can't find my ruck numbers.)
In all 3 games our Back Row was Cottrell, Hodgson and McCalman.
With Ben and Angus still recovering from injuries we'll see changes in the Back Row.
Looking forward to a rested Old Bull Hodgson join the young Turks who should be still on a high, despite the jet lag, after their win against the Jaguares. I'm tipping a back row of Ross H-P, Hodgson and Hardwick with Naisarani off the bench.
On average stats this will mean 33 Tackles and good pressure on the Clan's rucks with 80 RIs (69A/21D)
We'll need all of this talent to counter the efforts of Elliot Dixon, Dillon Hunt, Gareth Evans, Liam Squire and/or Luke Whitelock.
Should be a good game. Highlanders are a team we have good battles with. Hopefully a win gives us a distraction from the soap opera in the background.
I remember that game the highlanders had us on toast but couldn't make the calls to sink us. They were directionless in that game and made all the wrong calls including letting the clock run down when they had penalties.
Last edited by sandgroperrugby; 18-05-17 at 09:33.
FORCE v HIGHLANDERS in Perth, Saturday 7.45pm AEST
ALL Blacks halves Aaron Smith and Lima Sopoaga will start from the bench as the Highlanders visit the Force in Perth.
Smith has been given a breather at halfback, where Kayne Hammington earns a rare start, while five-eighth Sopoaga returns via the bench after missing nine games with a hamstring injury.
Tevita Li replaces the suspended Waisake Naholo on the wing, All Blacks hooker Liam Coltman returns to start and Elliot Dixon will captain the side from No 8.
Lock Tom Franklin has been named to play his 50th game.
The Highlanders are riding a seven-game winning streak while the Force revived their finals hopes with an upset win over the Jaguares in Buenos Aires last week.
FORCE (TBC)
HIGHLANDERS (15-1): Matt Faddes, Patrick Osborne, Malakai Fekitoa, Richard Buckman, Tevita Li, Marty Banks, Kayne Hammington, Elliot Dixon (c), Dillon Hunt, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siate Tokolahi, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Aki Seiuli, Guy Millar, Joe Wheeler, Jackson Hemopo, Aaron Smith, Lima Sopoaga, Rob Thompson
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (JAP)
http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/su...90aa42b7e599e5
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
If we can get out ahead before the bench comes into play the final 20 mins might be interesting
Is Bin Smuth injured?
It was great seeing how much that last try lifted the team in the final few minutes against the Argies. They really started firing and looked like they were really enjoying the effort because for once they were getting the reward. Will have gotten big confidence back from that game - hope it rolls on to Sat match. No yellows/injuries please.
BTW I've noticed Jonno holding his arm in 2 games now - is the arm still playing up?