Western Force Team Named for Season Opener

[jargan83]

Have a look at the top 4 finishers of last year's S14 table - then come back and explain to me how we would be finals contenders without a BP win against the Blues especially with their rookies, the heat they are not used too ?

Last Year the Sharks finished 3rd with 4 bonus points, The Waratahs 2nd with 5 bonus points, 2 of which they got in losing games

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Super_14_season

[unipirate]

So does anyone know when Castle is getting a spot? Do they want him to acclimatize first? Maybe the second round? Any ides?

[BaldCunus]

So does anyone know when Castle is getting a spot? Do they want him to acclimatize first? Maybe the second round? Any ides?

he has neck injury so wasnt considered...

[Burgs]

They have to swing him over to Mrs Mac's training first, he's still on Euro pap...

[AndyS]

Last Year the Sharks finished 3rd with 4 bonus points, The Waratahs 2nd with 5 bonus points, 2 of which they got in losing games

Perhaps, but while I wouldn't say that a bonus point this weekend is a must, I am with TQ1 in that they are absolutely vital in this comp.

2006, the Brumbies (with 4 BP) missed out on finals - finished sixth behind the Bulls and Sharks despite both having won one less game
2007, did it again - same win/loss as the Blues, but three BP short. Mind you, one more bonus point to the Chiefs and they would have beaten the Brumbies too, despite having won 1.5 games less. Most telling of all though, the Crusaders beat the Blues on points difference, despite one less win. Didn't matter in the end, but only because the Bulls decimated the Reds. If it hadn't been for that (and I don't know anyone who thought it likely), BPs would have given the Crusaders a home semi.
2008, less so, but I wonder what the Stormers would have given for just one more point?

Bonus points are a MUST. If nothing else, the Force should pursue them vigorously to avoid sitting back and trying to defend a lead...that has seldom ended well!

I wouldn't be putting too much faith in the weather either - didn't help us with the Highlanders first up in 2007. The only thing that will beat the Blues is our players, and they'll need to be on the job!

[jargan83]

I agree that they are vital in this competition, but at the same time one this week isn't vital.

I'm sure plenty of opportunities will pop up for the Force over the course of the Super 14, we just need to take them when they present themselves

[James]

You would think the EWF boys can go the distance more in this heat than the Blues, which would get me to think that a big finish is on the cards.

That being the case, can everyone please make a hell of a lot of noise. Particularly in the second half. At the MES trial it was surprisingly quiet for most of the game. If we want a big finish and a bonus point I think we need to earn it too.

Pirate- I think they'll use Castle next week. The Cheetahs can scrummage well but if we can nullify their advantage there we should be looking at another BP.

[chiselhead]

Have a look at the top 4 finishers of last year's S14 table - then come back and explain to me how we would be finals contenders without a BP win against the Blues especially with their rookies, the heat they are not used too ?

I'm with you. Lets put them to the sword and make a statement. The kiwis are historically slow starters, they won't like the heat and humidity and they aren't expecting the Force to rip them apart. Lets rip them a new one. Attack, attack attack. BP first half then look for the win. We have the talent and speed. Cummins wuz robbed by the way. Cummins in for Haig next week please

Force by 20

[Cowboy]

Bonus points might not be vital in round one, but they would certainly be nice.
Why wait until they are vital?
Chis is right, put them to the sword and don't ever think of defending the lead, only attacking the line.

[slomo]

PO'C was great in his first year out, hope he can find that form again.

im dissapointed to see him starting instead of hocko, tom took his chances last year and ended ( if my memory serves me correctly)up with most improved player and equal on points with gits for player of the year.......

[travelling_gerry]

Don't forget. This team was picked by a committee.

[AndyS]

Have to agree. Can only think that he is seen as the more versatile (or lower injury risk) bet off the bench

[Cowboy]

Yes, picked by a committee now. That means we have far more people to blame

[mudskipper]

Don't forget. This team was picked by a committee.

Do you thinks its any different?

[slomo]

Don't forget. This team was picked by a committee.

im not having a go at the new committee, just my opinion.......either way i guess it'll all make sense on friday ....