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Last Year the Sharks finished 3rd with 4 bonus points, The Waratahs 2nd with 5 bonus points, 2 of which they got in losing games
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Super_14_season
So does anyone know when Castle is getting a spot? Do they want him to acclimatize first? Maybe the second round? Any ides?
I vote - GIVE US A RECTANGLE STADIUM!!!!!!
"The only trophy we won this day, was the blood and sweat we left on the pitch.... and it was enough"
"Rugby may have many problems, but the gravest is undoubtedly that of the persistence of summer."
Chris Laidlaw, New Zealand rugby player and sportswriter. Mud in Your Eye: A Worm's Eye View of the Changing World of Rugby (I 973).
They have to swing him over to Mrs Mac's training first, he's still on Euro pap...
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Perhaps, but while I wouldn't say that a bonus point this weekend is a must, I am with TQ1 in that they are absolutely vital in this comp.
2006, the Brumbies (with 4 BP) missed out on finals - finished sixth behind the Bulls and Sharks despite both having won one less game
2007, did it again - same win/loss as the Blues, but three BP short. Mind you, one more bonus point to the Chiefs and they would have beaten the Brumbies too, despite having won 1.5 games less. Most telling of all though, the Crusaders beat the Blues on points difference, despite one less win. Didn't matter in the end, but only because the Bulls decimated the Reds. If it hadn't been for that (and I don't know anyone who thought it likely), BPs would have given the Crusaders a home semi.
2008, less so, but I wonder what the Stormers would have given for just one more point?
Bonus points are a MUST. If nothing else, the Force should pursue them vigorously to avoid sitting back and trying to defend a lead...that has seldom ended well!
I wouldn't be putting too much faith in the weather either - didn't help us with the Highlanders first up in 2007. The only thing that will beat the Blues is our players, and they'll need to be on the job!
I agree that they are vital in this competition, but at the same time one this week isn't vital.
I'm sure plenty of opportunities will pop up for the Force over the course of the Super 14, we just need to take them when they present themselves
That being the case, can everyone please make a hell of a lot of noise. Particularly in the second half. At the MES trial it was surprisingly quiet for most of the game. If we want a big finish and a bonus point I think we need to earn it too.
Pirate- I think they'll use Castle next week. The Cheetahs can scrummage well but if we can nullify their advantage there we should be looking at another BP.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
I'm with you. Lets put them to the sword and make a statement. The kiwis are historically slow starters, they won't like the heat and humidity and they aren't expecting the Force to rip them apart. Lets rip them a new one. Attack, attack attack. BP first half then look for the win. We have the talent and speed. Cummins wuz robbed by the way. Cummins in for Haig next week please
Force by 20
How about some running rugby from the attack coach?
Bonus points might not be vital in round one, but they would certainly be nice.
Why wait until they are vital?
Chis is right, put them to the sword and don't ever think of defending the lead, only attacking the line.
Don't forget. This team was picked by a committee.
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Have to agree. Can only think that he is seen as the more versatile (or lower injury risk) bet off the bench
Yes, picked by a committee now. That means we have far more people to blame![]()