Force makeover has O'Connor at ten

[tragic]

This is all looking pretty good!

Pleased to see the Cullet back - let's hope it's not too early and he's able to go full-tilt.

I also hope that JO'C gets the chance to settle in at 10, that there's no to-ing and fro-ing. It was almost painful watching him trying to do it all.

[Sheikh]

I gotta say - I love the look of this backline.

Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

My natural pessimism compels me to point out that that's a back five with three playing their first game of the season, one who's been carrying an injury, and a rookie.

However, Carn the Force!

[Lonzy]

I recon we can win this one!

[tdevil]

I think we're on to a winner with this backline, but it's sorry to see DHP on the bench he had a good run both games, but then again if they put him in the run on side, who do you drop? Guess he'll get 40min

[farva]

Just being the devils advocate (I reckon this is by far the best team we have put on the park this year) but Spanner is coming from slow Japanese rugby, and Cross, Bart and Cummins are all coming back from injury. I hope they can hit the game at full pace.

Having said that, I doubt Mitchell would have picked them if he didnt think they were up to it.

[tragic]

Well, they're not going to harden up on the bench, farva. It is always a bit of a worry, though.

[AndyS]

Agree on Bart and Nick, but Crossy only missed one match. Unless he spent the time down McDonalds, he at least should be OK.

[farva]

Agree on Bart and Nick, but Crossy only missed one match. Unless he spent the time down McDonalds, he at least should be OK.

He was injured, so I just hope he is over it.

I have every expectation that these guys will be raring to go, Mitch wouldnt let them run otherwise, but it is a thought at the back of my mind.

[James]

Bartholomeusz was out for two games. He'll be fine. Cummins and Staniforth are more of an issue but again without Muliana and Sivivatu, and Masaga being unfit they won't be as speedy out wide as they usually are. It'll be good for JOC to not have Lauaki running at him all day too.

[mudskipper]

I gotta say - I love the look of this backline.

Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

Agreed looks good, O'Connors got the pass, pace and a good kicking game. Great to see Cummins back and Cross. Rookie Inman is a keeper he'll get better played some great shute shield 2009. welcome to S14 Bart. I'd Love to see the force beat a cocky chiefs squad on the road...

[James]

Thankyou for the compliment Muddy. Now that wasn't so hard was it?

[Bronski Beat]

I gotta say - I love the look of this backline.

Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

This one isnt too bad....


9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Mike Delany

3 current All Blacks...

[.X.]

This one isnt too bad....


9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Mike Delany

3 current All Blacks...

A fair point BB - well played Sir

[AndyS]

It is Leonard that scares me. He has ripped the arse out of our team every time he has played - I hope someone has been clearly tasked and equipped to deal with him.

I still think "if only" every time I see him play...

[GIGS20]

This one isnt too bad....


9. Brendon Leonard
10. Stephen Donald
11. Dwayne Sweeney
12. Callum Bruce
13. Richard Kahui
14. Lelia Masaga
15. Mike Delany

3 current All Blacks...

Yep fair enough, vs 3 current Wallabies.......

Don't get me wrong, I definately think the Chiefs have the better backline, but even without Bam and Brownie I think we have the better pack.........usually that relates to a better game, since your backs get more of the footy.

It doesn;t always work, but I'm happy to bet on good odds!