POCOCK HAT-TRICK HIGHLIGHTS EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE TRIAL DEFEAT

[RugbyWA]

The Emirates Western Force surrendered a 19-0 lead early in the second half to fall 22-19 to the Queensland Reds at Ballymore tonight.

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[blueandblack]

" POCOCK HAT-TRICK HIGHLIGHTS EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE TRIAL DEFEAT"

not really sure that this is a well thought out headline.

[greenandgoldrugby]

From Green and Gold Rugby:

Although the Reds ended up scoring more points than the Force, it is not what you would call a victory. Both coaches would not be entirely happy with their respective sides performance but I suppose you don’t want to be playing your best rugby before the season starts do you……..

Positives for the Force
They look very comfortable with what they are doing; they played real rugby from the outset, no trial-throw-it-around bullshit. They blitzed the Reds who looked shell shocked and unable to get into the game in the first stanza.

The Force backrow was outstanding, and not because David Pocock scored a hat-trick just after half-time. They dominated the breakdown and were able to disrupt the Reds ball at the back of most rucks. Pocock is massive, he looks like he has put on about 5 kilos from last year.

Said Pocock to G&GR after the match “Last year I lost weight throughout the season so I have put on some kilos this year. I feel good and I’m ready to go”….LOOK OUT!!! Sources close the Force told G&GR that had Pocock set a new bench press record in a pre-season weight session by lifting 170 kg, beating Digby Ioane’s two year old record by 10 kgs.read more....

[Happy]

gawd I hope it isn't going to be one of those years...

[travelling_gerry]

"the home side rode the back of 10 consecutive short arm penalties to eventually "

whattttt?

[.X.]

10 Penalties = 2+ players in the bin??

[welshrugbyfan]

At least it was only a trial match. JM should be pulling his hair out and laying down the law big time. To give up a 19 nil lead away and then end up losing 22 - 19 is a poor second half effort.

I am glad it was only a trial match and they learn from it before we get to the real season. This is our year and I think we've got the goods to deliver. The real problem will again be Subi. We need our players to be at home and comfortable at MES this year not next.

[Burgs]

JM should be pulling his hair out

With tweezers

Looking at the bright side, when in a season match would you ever pull off your top three leaders and arguably top three players, certainly the top three key positional players, in one substitution?

I think it may well have been a deliberate move by Mitch to see if the rest would sink or swim without the leadership of Sharpey, the everything of Bam Bam and the guidance of the backline by Gits.

The old saying is you learn far more from a loss than a win and at the rate they were going we were in line for a convincing and fairly unhelpful win.

There is absolutely no point in having a pre-season match that is easy, why do you think they have ensured a Crusaders Trial every year.

Winning easy strokes ego's, hard fought wins and losses gives you a clear idea of a team strengths and weaknesses.

Now time for the real deal, BRING IT ON!!!!

[Thequeerone]

This will be our year iff we get past 60 minutes and don't leave it all to Gits, Brown, Pocock and Cross (not ignoring the forwards but in general getting the ball is not the problem it's what we do with it when we have it).

10 short arm penalties - do they need to go to classes or something - if the ref interpates the rules differently to you - you live with it adjust and play the game yes SIR no SIR three bags full SIR - and someone with a video camera will explain later.)