The Western Force’s 23-player team list for the opening Toyota Challenge clash against the Cheetahs from 1am WST Thursday has been announced.
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Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Very strong team announced.
Looking forward to see where we are with some new recruits and some existing players in the line up.
Much stronger team than we fielded last year against the Cheetahs so it will be interesting to see if we can get an improved result.
Starters (1-15); Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Reed Prinsep (c), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Mac Grealy, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Justin Landman, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves; Tom Horton, Harry Hoopert, Sila Titiuti, Darcy Swain, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
I suspect a few of the younger players on tour like Dane Sawyers, Lopeti Faifua, George Poolman and Ronan Leahy will be some of the changes when we meet Emerging Ireland on Sunday night.
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
I'm a little surprised that Swain is starting on the bench, but then if they think Carter may not make the full 80 minutes it's a very useful finisher to replace him.
Highlights that we still have some need for depth in the backs, although we are missing 4 Wallabies there so maybe we're not as bad as I fear!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
Also a tour/prep match, they might not field their absolute best available combination at all in the series. Maybe they're looking to learn other things.Originally Posted by Sheikh
C'mon the
Should be some more squad announcements after the tour, they are playing for spots on this tour, that's for sure
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
Only had a chance so far to watch 20 min highlights but looked pretty impressive. Well controlled by IFL and Burey. Potter was good but I am already over all the "magic" puns getting used by the media. I thought from what I saw Tauakipulu and Thompson were good, pretty physical.
I think we are building for a good season with a bit more quality and a much larger contingence of Wallabies
A very good outing for the Force.
While there is a lot to work on there was even more to like.
We got absolutley schooled by a forty year old prop and the scrum probably again needs the most work.
With so many changes the defence appeared a bit porous at times, especially with the speed of some of the Cheetahs backs, but some of the scambling defence was very encouraging as it showed just where the players heart is, right in it.
Fines had a very good game, I am not a box kick fan but he was absolutely on song with his, and his exits from kick off took the pressure right off us.
Potter was on fire. I am still not sure if outside centre is the right spot for him but him and Tomkinson look to be a very decent centre pairing. Talking about Tomkinson, a very good outing and showed flashes of that much needed rugby IQ we have been missing.
Princep was "Princep" and managed the game and team exceptionally well.
It was a good team effort, but honourable mentions need to go to:
Sam Carter, Nick Dolley, Nic Champion De Crepigny, Will Harris, and Titi Nofoagatotoa for his little cameo at the end.
Finally lets talk about Coby Miln. He had a nervous start, made a few errors, however, he showed a lot of good glimpses. I really think that there is something there to work on and I hope that we keep him on. He is big lad with a decent boot, not scared to tackle and with more game time at this level and hopefully some super minutes where possible he could become something.
Well done to the boys, a very good away win against a team we lost to twice last year away from home and once at home. The signs are there for a good season. Looking forward to seeing the Emerging Ireland match were I suspect some of the younger lads will get a bit more time on the field.
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Christie Doran's Summary:
Harry Potter explodes back into Spring Tour mix after brilliant double during Force's big win in South Africa
Harry Potter has exploded into the national conversation five weeks out from the Wallabies’ Spring Tour after scoring a first-half double to help power the Western Force to a memorable 38-24 victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
The 26-year-old stood out in the strong performance under acting coach Will Eggleston, scoring twice and preventing two tries with some desperate goal-line defence.
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Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
where do the Cheetahs rank in the overall scheme of things??
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Current Currie Cup champions.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Reed Princep on having South African teams back in Super Rugby
Very short clip
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
I'm encouraged by the performance of the team in Bloemfontein; though unsure the strength of the Cheetahs selections. I'm happy Reed is enjoying himself there too. But I really hope RA & the NZRU are not contemplating a return to any structure that involves multiple time zones. Fiji is plenty onerous already. As I've said, knowing there are cons to it, I'm not totally anti a full Oz home & away competition should NZ & ZA torpedo an annual TRC.
P.S. In any event Fiji should be told that any repeat of the ground conditions in Lautoka will result in automatic cancellation and possible forfeiture of match points.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
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