Reds v Force Thread

[GIGS20]

multiple bruises on each tit, each shaped like a backrower's shoulder!

I like it!

[The InnFORCEr]

Force Squad

Loosehead prop Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance in the starting XV when the Western Force takes on the Queensland Reds at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night (21 February).

Van Wyk, who scored the Force’s final try in last weekend’s 25-13 win over the NSW Waratahs, has played three matches off the bench for the Western Force, and will pack down alongside Nathan Charles and Tetera Faulkner.

Van Wyk replaces Pek Cowan, who will be monitored regarding his pending return after scans cleared him of any serious injury having been carried from the field on Sunday.

The other change to the starting XV sees Zack Holmes promoted to fullback in the absence of Dane Haylett-Petty, who has been ruled out with a foot injury.

Be sure to tune in to Fox Sports 2 from 4.30pm AWST, Saturday, 21 February and see the Force in action!

2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby-Queensland Reds vs Western Force
1. Francois van Wyk*
2. Nathan Charles
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Sam Wykes (c)
5. Adam Coleman
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Chris Alcock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Marcel Brache
12. Solomoni Jnr Rasolea
13. Kyle Godwin
14. Luke Morahan
15. Zack Holmes

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Chris Heiberg**
18. Oliver Hoskins
19. Steve Mafi
20. Brynard Stander
21. Ian Prior
22. Luke Burton
23. Mitchell Scott**
* denotes Western Force/Super Rugby starting debut
** denotes Western Force/Super Rugby debut

[chibi]

Bit nervy about van Wyk's scrummaging from last week, hope he settles in early against the Reds.

[GIGS20]

I like those changes, given the cattle available they're good replacements.

Zac should interchange wit sits as required and could bring a totally different complexion to the team. Frankie is no Pet Conan, but he'll work his are off.

Hopefully Slipper has an off night, otherwise the scrum will wheel with test winning the battle on one side and Slipper on the other. We all know it's lotto once the scrum starts to turn

[jargan83]

Weather could be very foul for this one

[SNOB]

All last weeks winnings on another win this weekend!

[WF2006]

Zac should interchange wit sits as required and could bring a totally different complexion to the team. Frankie is no Pet Conan, but he'll work his are off.

Jeepers, slurring your typing much mate??

[jargan83]

THE Reds were twice Force-fed losses last year by the men from the west, who are everything the Queenslanders don’t want to be — but should be. The Force play to their strengths and limitations.

They keep play close to their forwards, rarely gamble with the ball from their own half, hustle in defence and, most importantly, follow their game plan.

There was an identity theft in Canberra a week ago, because you could not work out what the Reds were trying to be, so few redeeming features were there in the 47-3 tumble. Beating the Force tomorrow night at Suncorp Stadium is imperative, not just to erase that stain but to see a Reds style. That, or the Reds will be as popular as tainted frozen berries.

Tomorrow night will be all about the forwards hammering out a message, especially senior lock James Horwill after his shocker against the ACT Brumbies in Round 1. He might no longer be Reds captain but his disdain for the referee whistling him for endless penalties is not the example you set.

Reds coach Richard Graham yesterday produced a statistic that 73 per cent of the tackling against the Brumbies was upper body tackling which gave the Brumbies way too much momentum.

A dominant, low-tackle focus, plenty of driving, rolling mauls and halfback Will Genia sniping blindside and open is the same sort of plan the Force will have themselves.

The wet weather is an unfortunate handbrake but the Reds should operate far better with flyhalf James O’Connor and fullback Karmichael Hunt as dual playmakers.

“Will and James have played a little together so that was a factor in pairing them to get that feel and flow in our game but also experience with this weather,” Graham said.

“Karmichael gives us his courage, communication, commitment in defence and kicking from fullback and he will get chances at first-receiver too.”

The Reds won five times last Super Rugby season but more alarming was grabbing two victories in the eight contests against their four Australian Conference rivals.


http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/s...-1227226269774

[terrycobner]

Weather looks atrocious, is it 2 points each in event of cancellation ? Must be a good chance of waterlogged pitch

[GIGS20]

Jeepers, slurring your typing much mate??

Bloody phone keyboard

[jono]

Weather looks atrocious, is it 2 points each in event of cancellation ? Must be a good chance of waterlogged pitch

Drainage at suncorp is pretty good. They know what the rain gets like here in summer. Will be a bit boggy but should be fine

[Timbo]

So I wonder if today's news on Karmichael is part of the Reds plans for a revved up approach to this game?

[palitu]

hmm... 8pm tomorrow night the remains will be bang over Brisbane. game could get canned - just like the reds full back.

[jono]

I can't see them canning it. But def Donna be interesting

[The InnFORCEr]

I thought it was Marcia not Donna