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Lavea edges Gopperth in Blues side for Force
Wednesday, 11 February 2009
STARTING AT 10: Tasesa Lavea has been given the nod as the Blues' starting first five-eighth in their Super 14 rugby season-opener against the Western Force in Perth on Friday night.
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Tasesa Lavea was today given the nod as the Blues' starting first five-eighth in their Super 14 rugby season-opener against the Western Force in Perth on Friday night.
Lavea, returning to the Auckland-based franchise after two seasons with the Chiefs, gets the No 10 jersey ahead of former Hurricane Jimmy Gopperth.
However, Gopperth is likely to play some part in the match, with new coach Pat Lam indicating that all 22 players named in the squad would get a run because of the heat.
Lam has resisted rushing Josh Blackie into the side, the flanker having joined up with the Blues in Perth after completing two seasons in Japan.
Six of the squad named have yet to play Super rugby -- winger Rene Ranger and No 8 Chris Lowrey in the starting 15; and forwards Charlie Faumuina, Dean Budd and Peter Saili, and back Jamie Helleur in the reserves.
Gopperth and fullback Paul Williams, a former Highlander, will be making their first appearances for the Blues.
BLUES: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Onosa’i Auva’a, 6 Justin Collins, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu ©, 1 Tony Woodcock. Reserves: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Jamie Helleur.
-NZPA
http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4844629a22439.html
Still a handy selection but if they were ever vulnerable then this is it!
Big call Lavea over Gopperth.
I think we can expect to see the Force going for plenty of quick taps, both to keep the game (and the Blues) running and to stay away from an awesome Frontrow.
Seem a bit light on the bench too, but I guess with that many Outs you'd have to expect that.
GO THE FORCE!!!
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Tasesa Lavea is a better choice... plenty of talent... may over play his hand....Gits will do fine against him.... I hate to say but with number of early season injuries its looking tough for the force...
I don't see the blues using much of a kicking game for field position until "Jimmy knock on" comes on later in the game
The Blues will run at the Force your have a, ? at 9, a rookie 12 and an iffy winger with a fullback who has been out for a while... why would they kick ?
the force have been practising their defence against the pick & drive in their two pre season games
Im sure at times in those games the Force deliberatlely gave away possession to test their defence
It's such a fine line as to when you would do it but it is interesting that more teams don't play for the truck and trailer by just all falling away. Admittedly you wouldn't want to be trying it on in your own 5-15m but from there out you could potentially get them pinged every time as the assumption is that the ball carriers will be tackled so the fat boys just start latching on without even waiting for an engagement.
Last edited by Burgs; 12-02-09 at 08:19.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.