Aussie Super Eugby mid season report

[jargan83]

The only side I've posted is the Force but the link will take you to all 5 Aussie sides

Western Force

Where they sit. Fifth. It may not have been the brightest of starts for coach Michael Foley at the Force but looking at the way he finished things with the Waratahs, it certainly could have been a lot worse. Two rousing wins over the Reds and Crusaders and a series of near misses have given the Sea of Blue cause for optimism, particularly since they’ve done it without a genuine superstar. Alfi Mafi has been a revelation out wide, Hugh McMeniman’s efforts were grabbing the attention of Wallabies selectors while Alby Mathewson has been one of the buys of the competition. It’s not always pretty rugby but the Force have shown enough to suggest they’ll nab a couple more win before the season’s out.

Star performer. Kyle Godwin. A former Australian Schoolboys and Under 20s star, Godwin is developing into a fine midfield option for the Force. Boasting plenty of speed and some neat footwork, Godwin has shown both the ability to create opportunities for those outside him and a willingness to attack the line himself. Freshened up after a week’s rest, his battle with in-form Brumbies centre Christian Lealiifano is one not to be missed in round 11.

Sore point: While the victory over the Crusaders sent the Perth faithful delirious, heartbreaking losses to both the Cheetahs and Rebels must have had them seeing red. The Force seem to have an ability to get up for the big games but fail to deliver when the adrenalin of facing a supposedly easier opposition isn’t there. They’re also averaging just 18.2 points per game – the least of any side in Super Rugby – so an improved attack should be a focus for the second half of the season.

Where to now? The semi-finals may be out of reach but the Force are more than capable of spoiling the playoff dreams of several sides, particularly their Australian rivals. With five of their last six games at home, the Force will also be out to repay the faith of their long-suffering fans as they look to improve a dismal home record. The threat of the Aussie conference, and possibly Super Rugby’s, wooden-spoon should also serve as a key motivator.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/su...0#.UXhzTGthiSM

[James]

[COLOR="Red"] They’re also averaging just 18.2 points per game – the least of any side in Super Rugby – so an improved attack should be a focus for the second half of the season.

Defence has been pretty great though. No other teams have blown us away so far this year. It wouldn't take too much tweaking to be scoring wins over the Rebels, Cheetahs, Kings and Bulls. That would also shoot us up the ladder.