Emirates Western Force vs Bulls - Match Preview

[force addict]

Venue & Time:

Subiaco Oval, 7.45pm Friday 4 April

Head-to-Head:

Played: 2, Won: 1, Lost: 1.

Previous match:

February 16 2007: Emirates Western Force 30 d Bulls 27 - Pretoria

After a shock 32-16 loss to the Stormers, the Emirates Western Force are out to regain the momentum which saw the club get off to the best start in it's short history. With a string of away wins, the Force will be aiming to chalk up a 'W' this week at home against the reigning champion Bulls.

The Bulls enter the match with poor away form, losing all three encounters outside of South Africa. This leaves the team languishing dangerously close to the bottom of the ladder, with two teams below them also having a game-in-hand. However, after a close loss last week, the Bulls will be after revenge after a close loss at home to the Force in 2007.

The Emirates Western Force will be keen to add some spark in attack after being stifled last week by a Stormers defence, but even more so by numerous handling errors when the team was in strong attacking positions. John Mitchell’s men will be eager to eliminate errors from their game and rediscover the form which saw them win a number of tough away matches.

Players to watch:

Ryan Cross has been in stellar form this season, bulldozing through the Stormers defence late last week to score his third try of the season. Richard Brown will also be one to watch for the Force, also having scored three tries this season, and he will be keen to add to the tally.

Bryan Habana is always one to watch. The South African speedster will be hoping to improve on his try scoring record in this match, with his frightening pace causing problems for many opposition defences.

Teams, Changes & Injuries

Emirates Western Force

Lachlan MacKay returns to the starting XV for injured Scott Daruda, with Josh Tatupu coming into the 22.

1. Pek Cowan 2. Tai McIsaac 3. AJ Whalley 4. Tom Hockings 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. Scott Fava 7. David Pocock 8. Richard Brown 9. Chris O’Young 10. Matt Giteau (vc) 11. Drew Mitchell 12. Lachlan MacKay 13. Ryan Cross 14. Scott Staniforth 15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves: 16. Luke Holmes 17. Troy Takiari 18. Sam Wykes 19. Tamaiti Horua 20. James Stannard 21. Josh Tatupu 22. Nick Cummins

Vodacom Bulls

Jaco Engels enters the 22 for Hilton Lobberts, otherwise it is an unchanged Bulls squad from the one which narrowly lost to the Blues last week. Pedrie Wannanburg will become the most capped Bulls player, playing in his 78th Super Rugby match, passing former skipper Victor Matfield.

1. Gurthrrö Steenkamp 2. Derick Kuün 3. Rayno Gerber 4. Bakkies Botha 5. Danie Rossouw 6. Pedrie Wannenburg 7. Wikus van Heerden (vc) 8. Pierre Spies 9. Fourie du Preez (c) 10. Derick Hougaard 11. Bryan Habana 12. Wynand Oliver 13. JP Nel 14. Akona Ndungane 15. Zane Kirchner

Reserves: 16. Bandise Maku 17. Werner Kruger 18. Jaco Engels 19. Wilhelm Steenkamp 20. Heini Adams 21. Morné Steyn 22. Deon Stegmann

[jargan83]

Last week is now nothing but a bitter distant memory (for now)

go the

[force addict]

c'mon force the bulls aren't in great shape and have a so far winless australasian tour! make it a good one

[jargan83]

Sometimes that can make a team more dangerous, espeacially after a couple of close losses in New Zealand the Bulls had. They will be looking to steal a win before heading home to SA and have a few games at home

[force addict]

yeah i suppose, but the force are gonna be fierce and grab a home win

[laura]

We are a to be reckoned with this week

Bulls might be ready for a win on tour but we are ready for a home win and home crowd behind them, Force by 5+!




As for my superstition, I didn't wear any Force merchandise last week and they still lost...is it worth taking the risk and wearing my Force jersey this week?

[BLR]

I reckon the Bulls will take this one personally...hope not but I think they will...

[force addict]

yes laura!!! wear ur force stuff! my friend is coming and im making her wear a beanie and a scarf and a jersey!! extra luck!!!

[goony]

i say wear the force jersey, if you want to be superstitious once they win you will have reason to wear it again and again

p.s being superstitious is over rated and very confusuing!!

[jargan83]

I just heard on the radio that Lachlan Mackay has been ruled out with a hip injury???

[force addict]

what the? he replaced for daruda!

[laura]

thanks FA & Goony! My mind is made up!

p.s being superstitious is over rated and very confusuing!!

Agreed my superstition didn't work last week, so I'll just keep that one for the Wallabies games and show my colours in the sea of blue!

Come to think of it, I wore my jersey to the trial match and we won & I haven't worn it to a home game since and we haven't won since JERSEY IT IS!!

[jargan83]

Only just heard it. Can we get confirmation??

[force addict]

yes! be a proud force supporter, maybe we could get on TV again!

[force addict]

Only just heard it. Can we get confirmation??

checking rugbywa.com.au no apparent changes yet