That's what footy players think as well Pruchaha
Every forwards dream is to become a back...
I really rate the boys a chance. The 'Saders have been far from convincing whilst managing to still win - like good teams do. The Tah's showed last week that if you run at them you can get them a bit out of their usual rhythm. I think Mitch might just change the game plan a little in regards keeping the ball in hand a little longer. You know they are going to kick to keep the ball in play.
When The Force do kick I'd like to see them make sure of finding touch. No need to look for maximum gain then 'Saders will just go the quick throw and either kick or run it back. Our boys can compete with their line-out and our defense is second to none.
We visited one of my best mates in Ch-Ch in January. Old team mates and best man at our wedding 25 years ago. Even tho he spent 5 years playng in WA he barely knew of The Force. His son and his u14 mates had not even heard of them. GAWD I'D LOVE TO SEE THEM RUB IT IN FOR ME!!!!
Last edited by shasta; 06-04-07 at 19:23.
ever heard of morals?Originally Posted by JediKnight
Anyone hazard a guess at a scoreline?
I reckon very close but Force to win in a low scoring game.
force 18-13
Out of the mouth of...ever heard of morals?
9-6 our way?
If we are to win then I am with you shasta.
With Chris Jack out we should be able to at least maintain our own lineout, if not pilfer a couple of their throws however, regardless, we have a far better chance of maintaining our defensive line from a set piece than letting them run at us in open play.
The Crusaders revel in counter attack. If that aspect is eliminated then they become a very good oponent rather than an unbeatable one.
Finding dead touch (ie avoiding quick throw ins) will be essential to any return kicks however we have the skills and players to run the ball back at them rather giving them the loose return kicks they crave.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Mitchell to play with cut deck
By Peter Kogoy
April 07, 2007
IF John Mitchell is any kind of a poker player, then he knows he's been dealt a bad hand going into today's match with the Crusaders at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.
Western Force coach will be missing winger Scott Staniforth, halfback Matt Henjak, second-rower David Pusey and tighthead prop Angus Scott through injury.
Chris O'Young comes in for the injured Henjak, while backrower David Pocock swaps places on the bench with Matt Hodgson as part of Mitchell's rotation philosophy. AJ Whalley comes into the 22 for the injured Scott.
Still, Mitchell has been around long enough to know not to complain about what he's been dealt.
He's the sort of person who thrives on adversity, always has, even if Robbie Deans, the man in the opposite coaching box, is an old pal.
"The Crusaders are a wonderfully coached side, have been unbeaten at home in 24 games and only four Aussie sides have beaten them in Christchurch," Mitchell said.
What's it tell you about Mitchell? He has done his sums.
"The Crusaders have set the standard in this competition and are as close as you can get to a team that plays with 'oneness'. They are 15 or 22 guys that play seamlessly as one," he said.
But Deans knows his side played its 'get out of jail free card' against the Waratahs at Aussie Stadium last Saturday, when it won 34-33.
Deans said he was expecting a fast, open game that could come down to "a battle of wills and wits".
The Crusaders have one big gain and one major loss from the team that started against the Waratahs.
All Blacks five-eighth Dan Carter has been named to return from a neck strain but Test lineout ace Chris Jack has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring tendon injury.
Carter, stalwart winger Caleb Ralph and halfback Andy Ellis replace Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton and Kevin Senio in the starting backline while newcomer Michael Paterson gets a chance in the second row in place of the injured Jack.
"While we've had to make a few changes, we've still been able to enjoy a fair bit of continuity," Deans said.
The two teams fought out a 23-all draw at Subiaco Oval last year and, with the Force having boosted its ranks significantly, Deans is predicting another close contest.
"I think it will be one of the games of the year," Deans said.
"It's going to be a fast and open game."
Mitchell has had the Force in Christchurch all week getting a feel of Jade Stadium.
It's rugby's version of the irresistible force meets the immovable object.
4 April 2007, 7:37 pm
By NZPA
John Mitchell's Western Force travel to fortress Jade Stadium for a Super 14 match against the Crusaders on Saturday night in a juicy encounter overflowing with key match-ups.
A glance at this season's statistics also adds to the ingredients for a potentially entertaining match the competition has been thirsting for.
Robbie Deans' second-placed Crusaders are two points ahead of the hovering Force, while Deans squares off against his former All Blacks coaching partner Mitchell.
The Crusaders are defending a record of 24 matches without defeat at home, while the Force are unbeaten on the road this season and boast the competition's best defensive record.
The only previous encounter between the teams was a 23-23 draw in the Force's debut season last year, while in 2007 both sides have recorded five wins each.
One match-up that could eclipse the stats is between two world-class first five-eighths.
Following a neck injury which ruled him out of last week's win over the Waratahs, All Blacks No 10 Daniel Carter returns for the Crusaders.
Opposite him is the Force's, and frequently the Wallabies', talisman Matt Giteau.
Coupled with headline grabbing off-season purchases, Mitchell has performed a minor miracle in his second season with the Perth-based franchise after collecting the wooden spoon last year.
He engineered what few teams could against Deans with last year's draw, and Force No 8 Scott Fava said Mitchell had installed an aggressive streak in defence they want to display at Jade Stadium.
"It comes back to the physicality that Mitch wanted in the pre-season and that's been transferred into the defensive line," Fava said.
"So whether it's a gang tackle or a low wrap, we've been able to get that turnover on to the ball or just being up in their face."
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Hope to catch the last 30 mins or so after being at East Freo Oval.
CMON FORCE.
The Force are winning already - girlfriend raised in Christchurch is shouting for the Force today - her husband and family are in a state of crisis - this could be an alcholic counselling session
What a day - CARN THE FORCE
61 years between Grand Slams
hopefully Junior gets more than a 2 minute run this week.....been very impressed by him and not sure why he has been benched
To some its a six-pack, to me it's a support group.
...and if we don't we can expect to lose fifty three blot
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
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