Force v Highlanders @ Dunedin

A few changes to the team this week from injury, return from injury and specialising for the opposition.
Big Rudi Vedelago finally gets to wear the Blue jersey into battle coming off his wrist recon over summer. His inclusion has led to a reshuffle in both the Locks and Back Row.
Welborn moves to 23rd Man to allow for the more mobile combination of Pusey with Doherty and Davidson on the bench.
With Brown out Hodgson has regained the Openside role and on his form last week does deserve it.
It would appear that Fitter has done his penance and has done a direct swap with Scott.
McIsaac is continuing to prove his value as, with the durability of Cannon, we can have two reserve Props with a Hooking option.
DeBartolo earnt his stripes to replace the injured Sare last week with an injection of genuine excitement and skill that he can hopefully match this week with a full 80 minutes.
It is an unfortunate time to be injured for Sare as, although he has had excellent form, it may prove very difficult to work his way back into the starting XV this season.
Henjak has returned this week and is sure to be busting a gut to get back in the good books with Mitch and the team. Mitch indicated during the week that Henjak was going to start to bring a bit more size to the position against the big Highlander Back Row and Inside Backs.
I wish him all the best however, after O'Youngs’ display last week, I think that Mitch will be far quicker to pull Henjak if it doesn't work this week compared to earlier in the season.
It would seem that, on paper Daruda is to cover the Insides and James to cover the Outsides but I think that James would come on first regardless and then move to accommodate Daruda if a second Reserve is required.
To my mind, this is really starting to look like a much better balanced side and the successful combination of Hilgendorf and Staniforth has a great deal to do with that.
With another week of minimal injury we should be in with a real shot with this one and, apart from the "House of Pain" factor, an upset could well be on the cards.
Best wishes fellas, keep up the great work.


GO FORCE GO!!!!

Western Force Squad v Highlanders

1. Gareth Hardy
2. Brendan Cannon
3. David Fitter
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. Nathan Sharpe (C )
6. David Pusey
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Digby Ioane
12. Scott Staniforth
13. Josh Graham
14. Gavin DeBartolo
15. Cameron Shepherd

16. Tai McIsaac
17. Angus Scott
18. Luke Doherty
19. Tim Davidson
20. Chris O'Young
21. Scott Daruda
22. Brock James

23 Man. John Welborn

Good one Burgs.......It does look like a good side with plenty of options on the bench, we could be in for some exciting rugby.

Come on boys.

Agree as to McIsaac being super-sub across front row. Worth his weight in gold!

Sare has been good and confident in his abilties. During his offlay with injury, I'd like to see him trained in the fulback position, as I'm sure he'd do a good job there as well. This would give him the winger/fullback positions to cover from the bench, and add more depth to the squad.
It would appear with Hilgendorf's successful transition to 5/8 that another back-up is required at fullback, and that Sare could do that job.

De Bartolo adds more size on his wing which will be needed soon ( Hamilton of the Crusaders etc )
His chip/chase/try off a fortuitiously bounced 'mysticball' last week was top shelf. He's part of the reason why Oz needed a 4th team in this competition.

Henjak's been put on notice re expectations, and obviously O'Young can fill the position.
Hope James has improved his kicking game!

The squad is building combinations ( Hilgendorf-Staniforth), which take time + Mitchells positional moves. Its a good point Burgs, because with players coming from all points of the compass, I'm not sure how many combinations were recruited ie in the halves, centres, back 3, loose forwards.

As an example, representative sides can look good on paper but lack essential combinations.
Combinations allow the slick, split second timing required at this level.