Crusaders set for reshuffle
0
Crusaders set for reshuffle
By RICHARD KNOWLER in Cape Town - The Press | Tuesday, 04 March 2008
Crusaders set for reshuffle - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz
The Crusaders are preparing to re-jig their outside backs combinations against the Western Force, with wing Kade Poki ruled out and Casey Laulala an uncertain starter.
Right wing Poki strained a hamstring in the warm-ups before last Saturday's Super 14 match against the Stormers in Cape Town and will be sidelined for around two weeks.
Centre Laulala injured his hamstring during the game and coach Robbie Deans said he may be in doubt for this Sunday night's fixture at Perth's Subiaco Stadium.
"Casey himself is confident but we will wait to see how he pulls up. If doubtful we will not be risking him."
Sean Maitland replaced Poki for the Stormers clash and Deans also has the option of selecting Scott Hamilton on the wing. He will join the squad in Perth today after missing the Cape Town fixture because of personal reasons.
Caleb Ralph, who started on the left wing at Newlands, is an option to start at centre, as is Tim Bateman.
Deans is likely to stick with most of the starting 15 that beat the Stormers 22-0, but will probably rotate his props and bring back Greg Somerville and Ben Franks.
Although they have been far from convincing, the Force will be buoyed by two wins from three matches in South Africa.
One of the challenges for Deans this week will be to keep his men busy off the field.
The squad was to arrive in Perth today and despite staying in Cape Town for almost three full days after the win over the Stormers they still have to kill off most of the week before playing the Force. "That's one of the risks. We will be travelling home so soon after the fixture and that can be a real distraction," Deans said.
"There's no doubt that you do think about home the longer you have been away. We have to be clever about how we use our time and ensure we don't stagnate."
The Crusaders left home for their two-match tour of South Africa on February 16 and will board a flight for home, via Sydney, within hours of the full-time whistle in Perth.
There is no doubt the Crusaders will enjoy the freedom of being able to wander wherever they please in Perth after being somewhat restricted about where they could go and what they could do in South Africa.
The danger, however, is that they will become restless in the Western Australian capital city.
Their accommodation has been booked in the city centre, meaning they will have to travel to get to the beaches or away from the traffic.
"You have to get your balance right in this industry," Deans said.
"If you think rugby all the time it won't work. We try to prepare with that in mind, as if we were at home."
Partners and families were encouraged to stay in touch while the players were away, Deans said.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by gotheforce
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........." 
