Prop problem looms for Force
Nick Taylor
March 9, 2015, 9:39 am
Western Force coach Michael Foley will be hoping for a clean bill of health from his first choice props today after both Pek Cowan and Tetera Faulkner suffered knocks in Friday’s 27-15 loss to the Brumbies.
The pair left GIO Stadium in Canberra in the second half and Foley can ill-afford to lose another prop after Francois van Wyk suffered a season ending injury in the loss to Queensland Reds.
Cowan's injury did not appear related to the neck problem suffered in a scrum collapse against the Waratahs in the opening game of the seasion.
Foley has pulled Eastwood prop Guy Millar into his training squad as cover and he has had talks with local club front-rower Joe Savage about his availability.
Frustrated Force captain Matt Hodgson, who has watched his side’s poor start from the sidelines, believes they need to be more clinical.
Hodgson, who hopes to return in about a month after tearing a hamstring in the pre-season trial against the Asia Pacific Dragons, said they were not capitalising on chances.
“It’s finishing those chances off that is important, if not in that moment, then keeping the pressure on and building on it,” Hodgson said.
"Last year we were winning a lot more of those moments. It's in those 50-50 battles that we are step behind.
“We’re releasing the valve too easily, the opposition are getting back field territory and we’re coming away feeling empty having made all the play.
“Not capitalising on our conversion rate is frustrating. There are opportunities that we’re creating but not taking.
"You might only get two or three opportunities in a game and you’ve got to take them.
“We release the pressure too easily and they get into our scoring zone. That’s an area we need to fix up.
“A few mistakes at the wrong time and momentum swings the other way. Our decision making at critical times is letting us down."
Hodgson is on an injury list of key players including van Wyk, full-back Dane Haylett-Petty, flanker Angus Cottrell and second-rower Adam Coleman.
Back-rower Chris Alcock returned from an ankle injury against the Brumbies and had an outstanding game with No.8 Ben McCalman.
"The injuries are disappointing, the toll has grown but we can’t blame that,” Hodgson said.
“The frustration of not being out there is the worst feeling.
“It’s hard seeing how much effort and attitude the boys bring to the game.
"You certainly get a new perspective on the game from the stand but I don’t want to be spending much more time up there.”
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