Im not a huge fan of Cross at 12. He doesnt really offer much in the way of ball distribution, so our outside backs wont really see much of it. I understand that the Stormers have us out there, but we need to score somehow.
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Im not a huge fan of Cross at 12. He doesnt really offer much in the way of ball distribution, so our outside backs wont really see much of it. I understand that the Stormers have us out there, but we need to score somehow.
No idea what Cross is still doing on the park... If only shep were back we could move Stanners to 12, leave inman at 13 and drop cross to the bench.
I like the move of JOC to 15 he has more time there and can spark the attack. he didn't seem to have the same impact at 12... Although he got his hands on a little more ball, he didn't have the space to really take advantage of it. I think Stanners at 12 gives us a high impact runner that can break the lines but someone that also knows how to pass the ball. Great to see Bam Bam and Browny back. That should allows us to get some go forward from our pick and drive and hopefully open up some space for Stanners and Joc to cut them to shreds... Still cannot believe that Cullet got 2 weeks for that tackle, especially as it was already penalised during the game.
We aren't really scoring out wide though. Against the Bulls and the Waratah we scored one try and that was a midfield intercept. At 11 Scott Staniforth can still get involved in driving runs. JOC can still inject himself anywhere into the backline too. The Stormers have a pretty strong backrow. Ours is stronger and I guess the plan probably is to keep the ball over the gain line and keep things easy for our forwards. I don't mind a grinding game if it means a win (at the moment).
This must be Crossy's last chance. He's had a horrible season to date. Hopefully the change of position sparks him.
Nothing like playing the two top teams in as many weeks eh.
Although our line out's improved over to last two games, I think we should concentrate on "keep ball" with lots of rolling mauls and plenty of phases and minimal kicking for touch. Andries Bekker is the biggest line out thief in the competition so Sharpie/Hockings/Whitaker will have to be careful. We don't have the pace of the Stormers, so we should play the game from a forward platform and lots of punchy forward drives to soak up the defence then JOC/Stanners taking the feed from Hodgo/BamBam/Brownie (when he gets on the field) until penalty or try time.
Carne the :force:
They have 2 big centres. Maybe Inman and Crossy are there for their size and impact in defence (mind you, JOC had a great game in defence last week).
The returns begin! .....and a climbing we will go. :)
I'll back Cross at 12, even though he's had a couple of shockers. He'll hold the ball and try to punch holes into the Stormers line, opening up some gaps and confusion that Inman and JOC can take advantage of.
Lets hope the Stormers main view for the match are Hot ‘Crossy’ Buns going over the try line. :moon:
Looking forward to the Habana vs Spanner clash
Beat anyone that after half time the back line will revert to how it was last week, 12 u need someone to break the line and off load....... havent seasn Crossy do this for 18 months Inman looks big... but yet to prove himself. This is wht Gits/Baines are so dangerous at 12
bring back spanner to 12!
Stormers have an awesome defence, I wonder whether we'll change our game plan and go predominantly 10 man rugby with our revived pack.....maybe not a bad option. No disrespect to our backs but we don't seem to be able to break the defencive line. Simplistic, but hey, I am. I have other thoughts behind that but can't be arsed typing at the moment.......;)
What does your water say TEF?
I like the look of the the team. We can match them up front so the game will be won by the piggies .Ball in hand and grind them down. They will fold like a tent.