Force odds blow out amid controversial rotation strategy

[Kalahard]

Force odds blow out amid controversial rotation strategy
MARCH 9, 20163:13PM
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The Force too strong for Reds

Jamie Pandaram
The Daily Telegraph
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THE Western Force have drifted rapidly in the betting market amid fears coach Michael Foley could bench key starting players against Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies on Friday night.
The Force were already outsiders in the contest, but bookmaker TAB pushed them out from $4.10 to $5 in the past hour after whispers emerged that up to five starting player will be benched for the match in Perth.
The Brumbies have firmed from $1.25 to $1.18, while their line has drifted from -9.5 points to -11.5.

http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/f...6275cdd9015852

Nice Eastern States puff piece. The changes suggested in the article actually look like strengthening the team.
Like the Prior move to the starting side.

[Tazzmania]

Agreed proposed changes probably strengthen team.

Prior has looked far sharper than Albie (proposed by most on this site for the past two weeks)

Benny Mac is our only current Wallaby (given but I think it will be Stander dropping to the bench not Cottrell)

Tessman has looked slightly above Charles. (scrum looked steadier with him although he comes on late in the piece)

[Tazzmania]

Team Announced:

2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Three
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Friday, 11 March 2016
Kick-off: 7:05PM AWST

1. Pekahou Cowan

2. Heath Tessmann

3. Jermaine Ainsley ( What a story so pleased for him)

4. Ross Haylett-Petty (Has shown determination when coming on chance to prove himself)

5. Adam Coleman

6. Brynard Stander

7. Matt Hodgson

8. Ben McCalman

9. Ian Prior (overdue start)

10. Jono Lance

11. Semisi Masirewa

12. Solomoni (Junior Rasolea)

13. Ben Tapuai

14. Luke Morahan

15. Dane Haylett-Petty


Reserves

16. Nathan Charles

17. Chris Heiberg

18. Guy Millar (needs a rest after Saturday)

19. Sitiveni (Stevie) Mafi (needs to refresh will be a big impact player)

20. Angus Cottrell

21. Alby Mathewson

22. Peter Grant

23. Marcel Brache

[jono]

Round 3 and grant still isn't starting, that 10 rotation we heard about before the season seems to have been forgotten about.

Granted that lance set the try up so foles is just showing faith.

[StimpsonJCat]

Grant is a waste of money. Lance has been guiding the side around well at 10.

[.X.]

3. Jermaine Ainsley ( What a story so pleased for him)

Can someone tell the Story please?

[travelling_gerry]

Its actually the same team that was on the field at the end of the game last.

And Foley flagged it in preseason that with travel and 6 day turn arounds you would rarley see the same team week after week.

[GIGS20]

The only selection that surprises me is the dropping of Gus. To my eyes he was doing well, perhaps there's a little niggle plaguing him.

All the others were clear and justified, I like that Foley appears to be selecting based upon performance (or at least dropping as a result of lack of such)

[andrewg]

Grant is a waste of money. Lance has been guiding the side around well at 10.

How lucky are we as Jono was an unknown at Fly-Half?

So Jono gets injured while Luke Burton is still recovering and Plan C is just what???

On the training track Grant has been more than paying his way.
And an accurate kicking option that we missed all last year.

[andrewg]

The only selection that surprises me is the dropping of Gus. To my eyes he was doing well, perhaps there's a little niggle plaguing him.

Gus appears to have a knee which is blowing up after every knock. He was icing it after trials and had it covered with a pressure bandage at the Fan Day. Suggest just reducing his workload as he's been playing well.

All the others were clear and justified, I like that Foley appears to be selecting based upon performance (or at least dropping as a result of lack of such)

Agree It supports the standard that he's talked about since Day 1 but has been short on options.

[andrewg]

I like the changes - particularly after the short turn-around.

Elevation of players who have performed well/shown commitment off the bench - Ainsley, RHP, Tessman, Prior.

Holding those from whom he expects more to account - Charles, Millar (after a hard day in the office against the Reds), Mafi (about whom there's been a bit of chat) and Alby (ditto). Strong message to Brache re the commitment/effort that he expects.

Tells me that he's prepared to test position coverage in the game situation rather than just on the training track.

These type of changes should give the entire squad a lift.

[Tonkar]

Like the changes There is no such thing as starting side in my opinion Its best man for the job in the week we need them. 33 players in the camp and they all should be ready to start at the drop of a hat.. as mentioned above plan A plan B and then plan C and so on... I think Grant is a good choice as it make Lance play better and they have different game styles..

[brokendown gunfighter]

you can see that depth in the squad has improved from last season

[maelkann]

Its actually the same team that was on the field at the end of the game last.

And Foley flagged it in preseason that with travel and 6 day turn arounds you would rarley see the same team week after week.

Thought Brache was on and Pek was off?

[travelling_gerry]

Thought Brache was on and Pek was off?

Apart from them