Sheehan on Force v Reds

HALFBACK Brett Sheehan says the Western Force's crushing pre-season trial defeat at the hands of Queensland is a distant memory ahead of Saturdays re-match with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

The Reds trounced the Force 40-10 in Perth just 12 days ago in a match that suggested there would be a significant gap between both teams this season.

But the Force can take heart from encouraging results against Queensland last season, having lost both matches to the eventual champions by a combined total of just four points.

Sheehan, who will be pitted against Wallabies star Will Genia, said the most recent scoreline between the two teams would have no relevance when the Force steps on to the field on Saturday evening.

“We know we didn’t perform that day, but when the competition comes around it’s a totally different game,” Sheehan said.

“We were trialling some things and we limited our plays, but going into the season we’ve got a totally different system.

“We just wanted to see who would show up, but obviously not many showed up that night and we’re well aware of that, so we can’t wait to get out there and give it to them.”

The Reds enjoyed a winning start to the season against the Waratahs, just a day after the Force coughed up a golden chance to take full points against the Brumbies.

It was a start eerily similar to last season when the Force fell short against the Reds by a solitary point and both teams then followed different paths for the remainder of the campaign.

But Sheehan said the visiting Force would refuse to back down again the Reds despite the likelihood they will enter the match at long odds of causing an upset.

“They’re the champions and they’re going around like they’re the champions at the moment,” Sheehan said.

“We know they’re the pinnacle and you lift for these type of games, but historically I think the Force, against the top teams, has lifted and we’re expecting a great challenge so hopefully we can come away with the win.”

Defence will be a key theme at Force training this week after Richard Graham’s side conceded two tries within the space of 10 minutes against the Brumbies and allowing the Canberra outfit to edge ahead at the final siren.

“We were dominating the game for most of it, but those stupid little errors, especially off first phase, we can’t afford to be doing that,” Sheehan said.

“No team should be scoring off first phase, but we’ve looked at it and hopefully we’ll nullify that.”

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