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Force odds blow out amid controversial rotation strategy
MARCH 9, 20163:13PM
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The Force too strong for Reds
Jamie Pandaram
The Daily Telegraph
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THE Western Force have drifted rapidly in the betting market amid fears coach Michael Foley could bench key starting players against Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies on Friday night.
The Force were already outsiders in the contest, but bookmaker TAB pushed them out from $4.10 to $5 in the past hour after whispers emerged that up to five starting player will be benched for the match in Perth.
The Brumbies have firmed from $1.25 to $1.18, while their line has drifted from -9.5 points to -11.5.
http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/f...6275cdd9015852
Nice Eastern States puff piece. The changes suggested in the article actually look like strengthening the team.
Like the Prior move to the starting side.
Agreed proposed changes probably strengthen team.
Prior has looked far sharper than Albie (proposed by most on this site for the past two weeks)
Benny Mac is our only current Wallaby (given but I think it will be Stander dropping to the bench not Cottrell)
Tessman has looked slightly above Charles. (scrum looked steadier with him although he comes on late in the piece)
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Team Announced:
2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Three
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Friday, 11 March 2016
Kick-off: 7:05PM AWST
1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Jermaine Ainsley ( What a story so pleased for him)
4. Ross Haylett-Petty (Has shown determination when coming on chance to prove himself)
5. Adam Coleman
6. Brynard Stander
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Ben McCalman
9. Ian Prior (overdue start)
10. Jono Lance
11. Semisi Masirewa
12. Solomoni (Junior Rasolea)
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Guy Millar (needs a rest after Saturday)
19. Sitiveni (Stevie) Mafi (needs to refresh will be a big impact player)
20. Angus Cottrell
21. Alby Mathewson
22. Peter Grant
23. Marcel Brache
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Round 3 and grant still isn't starting, that 10 rotation we heard about before the season seems to have been forgotten about.
Granted that lance set the try up so foles is just showing faith.
Grant is a waste of money. Lance has been guiding the side around well at 10.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
Its actually the same team that was on the field at the end of the game last.
And Foley flagged it in preseason that with travel and 6 day turn arounds you would rarley see the same team week after week.
Last edited by travelling_gerry; 09-03-16 at 15:30.
The only selection that surprises me is the dropping of Gus. To my eyes he was doing well, perhaps there's a little niggle plaguing him.
All the others were clear and justified, I like that Foley appears to be selecting based upon performance (or at least dropping as a result of lack of such)
C'mon the![]()
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Last edited by andrewg; 09-03-16 at 18:59.
Gus appears to have a knee which is blowing up after every knock. He was icing it after trials and had it covered with a pressure bandage at the Fan Day. Suggest just reducing his workload as he's been playing well.
Agree It supports the standard that he's talked about since Day 1 but has been short on options.
Last edited by andrewg; 09-03-16 at 16:41.
I like the changes - particularly after the short turn-around.
Elevation of players who have performed well/shown commitment off the bench - Ainsley, RHP, Tessman, Prior.
Holding those from whom he expects more to account - Charles, Millar (after a hard day in the office against the Reds), Mafi (about whom there's been a bit of chat) and Alby (ditto). Strong message to Brache re the commitment/effort that he expects.
Tells me that he's prepared to test position coverage in the game situation rather than just on the training track.
These type of changes should give the entire squad a lift.
Like the changes There is no such thing as starting side in my opinion Its best man for the job in the week we need them. 33 players in the camp and they all should be ready to start at the drop of a hat.. as mentioned above plan A plan B and then plan C and so on... I think Grant is a good choice as it make Lance play better and they have different game styles..
you can see that depth in the squad has improved from last season