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![Not allowed!](images/buttons/up_dis.png)
An interesting match
Reds coming off a win away against the Brumbies.
Force coming off a Home loss against the Rebels.
Any thoughts?
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
3 games in and one thing that is starting to become glaringly obvious is we are struggling to score points.
61% Possession and 63% Territory in the second half alone last week and we came away with 1 try.
Solid defence for the entire game vs the Rebels but you're not going to win unless you can score points.
I'm more hopeful. If our boys can repeat the tough defensive efforts shown so far they can frustrate the Reds. They'll need to put more pressure at the breakdown - another effort like last week from Koteka would be good. A win is unlikely but another strong game will do me.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
How many strong games are you willing to give them, Shasta? There are only five more games left after this weekend and most of the big names we signed this season will then be off elsewhere as they are only signed for 2021. I’m not being deliberately awkward here. I just struggle to see how we are ever going to get into a winning stride when it takes us half a season to gel and then it’s all change again next season. And is this really how we develop the younger as-yet-not-big-name guys?
The Reds took a whole bunch of young guys and have given them the time to grow. They accepted that success would take time and were prepared to give Brad Thorne that time. Now look at them - the oldest player is JOC and alongside him are 22 really hungry guys who are firing on all cylinders as a team because they have developed as a team.
Why can the Force not be like that?
Genuine questions. I’m really struggling to understand the Force recruitment strategy so if anyone can help me, please do.
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Just being realistic. See the list thread. It is what it is, I'm afraid.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Yeah I know you are. I guess I just have to accept that the Force is always going to be an also-ran; a stepping stone on the path to greater things. I need to stop believing all the pre-season hype we get every year. Wonder how long the current CEO will stay when he realises there is little chance of him meeting the 10 KPIs Twiggy has set him.
Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
Why would you do that? I sure don't. Took a decade to get to the stage of having half the squad locals - only to be nuked and have them stolen away. After all that happened, and in the middle of a global crisis, I'm not expecting instant success, but can see the need to be competitive ASAP.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Ok, in the first three games I think I've seen no real improvement since the game against the Brumbies.
I feel like we're a squad that has all the ingredients but seem to match our opposition. I'm calling it another honourable loss by not much.
One day it'll click and we'll be able to beat somebody better than the tahs, but honestly, I'd be surprised if it was this week.
We need the rebels to cop a spanking at some point and us to beat them in Melbourne because I'd be happy with third at the end of the season.
Local boys in the squad will mean either buying them out of current contracts or waiting for the next crop to ripen, so I'd be happy with signing good Aussie talent.
And find a spot on the field for mcgregor
C'mon the![]()
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I'm putting my money on the Reds to finish on top this year followed by the Brumbies, Rebels, Force and Tahs..
I'm sad to say I think you might be right chopper
I'd like to see three and four swapped tho
C'mon the![]()
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My guess is the MOM this week will have started his career at the Force.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!