1
By contrast the Rabble have had 4 home games so far but haven't had the balls to announce attendance figures for three of them (AFAIK) - Brumbies, Stormers, Sunwolves. Only announced the 10,000 odd Kiwis who joined a thousand others to watch the Highlanders match. I didn't see any of the Stormers game but there looked to be only around 5000 for the Sunwolves. For comparison the NRL has averaged around 17,000 in four outings in 2019. Great Move RA.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
A second-half blow-out has seen the Force bring home a 36 point win over the Sanix Blues/Coco-Cola team in Fukuoka! (43-7)
Tries by Brad Lacey, Johan Bardoul, Jack McGregor, Issak Fines, Rodney Iona and Masivesi Dakuwaqa.
https://twitter.com/westernforce/sta...83655426957312
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-u...ng-b881176583z
Western Force bracing for big clash against Japan ‘A’ in Global Rapid Rugby
Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Tuesday, 23 April 2019 10:17AM
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 12: Clay Uyen of the Force breaks from a tackle by Louis Conradie of the Dragons during the Rapid Rugby match between the Western Force and the Asia Pacific Dragons at HBF Stadium on April 12, 2019 in Perth. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Western Force face their biggest test since being reborn in Global Rapid Rugby when take on Japan 'A' on Saturday.
The Japanese side, known as the Wolfpack, will be made up of players pushing for World Cup spots, members of the Sunwolves Super Rugby squad and players from Japanese Top League teams.
The Wolfpack have recently beaten the Highlanders 'A' and Hurricanes 'A'' and Force coach Tim Sampson said the side would need to take a big step up against a class opposition.
"From what we can gather it's a fair chunk of their world cup squad that have played in those fixtures," Sampson said.
"This will be our biggest challenge, including last year. It will definitely be our biggest step up so far.
"Preparation has to be spot on. It will be about improving in every aspect of our game."
The clash follows the Force win in Japan over a combined Sanix Blues/Coca-Cola side from the Top League.
The Force led 10-7 at the break before blowing away the home side 43-7, scoring seven tries from Brad Lacey, Johan Bardoul, Jack McGregor, Issak Fines, Rodney Iona, Masivesi Dakuwaqa and AJ Alatimu who converted four.
The match was played under regular rugby laws and not those introduced by GRR to speed up the game but Sampson said it had not changed their intent to use the ball.
"It was a really good contest in the first half, we created a lot of opportunities and line breaks but our handling and execution let us down," Sampson said.
"We went in with the same intent as we have had all year. The set piece was very strong but we took a little while to get into out groove.
"In the second half we played a bit more field position and finished off our opportunities.
"We had the luxury of a little breeze in the second half, kicked a little bit more than we had in other games and capitalised on our possession."
Western Force shuffle forward pack for Japan ‘A’ clash
Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Friday, 26 April 2019 8:00AM
Western Force coach Tim Sampson has made two changes, both in his forward pack, for Saturday's clash with Japan 'A'.
Experienced openside flanker Chris Alcock comes in for Tevin Ferris while prop Harrison Lloyd replaces Chris Heiberg.
Both Ferris and Heiberg move to an extended 10-man bench while former All Black second-rower Jeremy Thrush is rested.
The Force, that beat a combined Sanix Blues- Coca-Cola Red Sparks side last Saturday by 36 points, has been boosted in Tokyo by the arrival of captain Ian Prior following the birth of his daughter and by second-rower Fergus Lee-Warner.
They face the Japanese side, known as the Wolfpack, made up of players pushing for World Cup spots, members of the Sunwolves Super Rugby squad and players from Japanese Top League teams.
The Wolfpack has recently beaten the Highlanders 'A' and Hurricanes 'A' 'on tour and will be confident returning to Chichibunomiya Stadium, the spiritual home of Japanese Rugby.
Sampson said he needed continuity against the club's toughest opposition in their two years.
"We are going into a big game and we are expecting a very fast game," Sampson said.
"They like to play at speed in everything they do but they are also very clinical.
"Home ground advantage has an impact and the stadium is a special place but I'm sure the guys will emotionally be able to get up for this one."
With Prior on the bench winger Brad Lacey retains the captaincy after his debut in the leadership role last week.
"He handled it really well, was composed, an important trait. It didn't affect his game, he had a very strong game," Sampson said.
"Having your captain back in the squad is important. He boosts moral."
Western Force starting side: Harrison Lloyd, Andrew Ready, Kieran Longbottom, Leon Power, Johan Bardoul, Henry Stowers, Chris Alcock, Brynard Stander, Issak Fines, AJ Alatimu, Brad Lacey (c), Henry Taefu, Marcel Brache, Rod Davies, Jack McGregor. Reserves: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Markus Vanzati, Tom Sheminant, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tevin Ferris, Ian Prior, Rodney Iona, Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Clay Uyen.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/western...ng-b881179673z
Great to see Fergus back in action
Wish we could watch this somewhere!
That Wolfpack side looks interesting. And what a clash of back rows: Labuschange - Mafi - Nunomaki vs Stowers - Stander - Alcock.
We might not have an advantage in that position for the first time in a year or so, but what a chance for Stowers to step up!
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
6 is Labuschagne better spot, it was stupid playing him at 3
Fancy a mum calling her kid 19000
The long sobs of autumn's violins wound my heart with a monotonous languor
Better than Number 16 Bus Stop (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/a...ectid=10523288)
Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David