NSW Waratahs v Western Force - Clarkie says

[theforceguy]

Clarkie says: "These two Aussie teams are coming off losses last week but at least the Tahs had a decent crack after their disrupted travel to Dunedin. They very nearly beat the Highlanders with a squad that is missing some big names because of injury. The loss of Cliff Palu was crucial because he would have given them some extra thrust around the paddock. They can’t afford to take the Force lightly but they’ll feel great about being back at their spiritual home Allianz Stadium (formerly SFS). It’s only round four but it’s already crunch time for the Force. They’re winless and have two games on the road before they head back to Perth for a block of four home fixtures. The forward pack can compete, and we all know how valuable David Pocock is to the side, but it’s the backline that’s causing major concerns. They’re low on talent because of injuries, and they lack direction around the paddock. Makeshift fly half James Stannard is the only back that has scored a try (2) in three games so far. If they can keep it tight they might have a chance to pull off a much needed upset, but I doubt they can match the Tahs out wide at the moment."



http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/su...7169152#match4

[GIGS20]

Hard to say it but that's a pretty fair assessment

[Hoolly Doolly]

i hear richard stanford might be suiting up. with jono and tevita there can we call the tahds Force B team?
CAAARN FORCE!!

[travelling_gerry]

I get a litle bit of sick in the back of my throat every time Clarkie quotes a new statistic about the Force. So here are some new ones for him.


The Tahs have only ever beaten the Force once at the SFS.

The Force have beaten the reigning champions 5 out of 6 years.

The Waratahs have lost more SupermRugby matches than the Force.

Force supporters travel to games more then the Waratahs and have a superior pub count.

Do we have more to add?

[jargan83]

Force supporters travel to games more then the Waratahs and have a superior pub count.

Testify!!
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[BeeJay]

Okay, its that time of the week again. I shrug off the disappointment of the previous weekend, and gear up for another fixture. When I hear the team selections (especially this week) my immediate reaction is for my heart to sink. We cannot win with a backline like that, not against the Tahd's backline.

But I pull myself up. We have a great pack. The front row battle will be titanic. Say what you like about Maafu, he can scrummage. We have a better back row.

And maybe Tupou will be a revelation. Maybe it doesn't matter that Harvey is not at pivot and Mafi is not at fullback.

I dream, I get excited, I work myself up into a frenzy on game day.

My mates and I watch the game having a few drinks, and yelling at the screen wherever we are.

Please, God - don't let this be groundhog day.

Go Force!!!

[James]

It is possible to win the game. But it will take more than a little bit of luck. I remember the game in 2010 when we played the Tahs. They were absolutely dire and so were we. And we were very unlucky not to have won it. It could happen again (only with actually winning). It's very likely it will happen again.

[Hoolly Doolly]

Can someone explain why we need 3 halfbacks in the 22? It would seem ok if JT was versatile enuff to play elsewhere but we didnt have much options last week in mixing up the backline and frankly he was pretty terrible. We're better off having 3 utilities on the bench if we persist with chuckie at 10.

Here hoping Tupou can bring a bit of a Robbie Fruen sting into the midfield.

[GIGS20]

Can someone explain why we need 3 halfbacks in the 22? It would seem ok if JT was versatile enuff to play elsewhere but we didnt have much options last week in mixing up the backline and frankly he was pretty terrible. We're better off having 3 utilities on the bench if we persist with chuckie at 10.

Here hoping Tupou can bring a bit of a Robbie Fruen sting into the midfield.

It's fair to say we have three fly halves in the 22 as well, if you want to look at it that way.

[Nipper]

Hopefully, the new boys will be new enough to be fearless and actually have a crack, rather than just trying to not screw up. At any rate, we all wanted some changes in the backline, so here it is!

Hopefully, Toupou will actually consider passing the ball, and it will occasionally get to the flyers with some space and time.

Should be interesting.

[TOCC]

To be fair I can't see the Force winning this
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[shasta]

To be fair I can't see the Force winning this
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Oh well that's it then. May as well stay home.

[Burgs]

It's fair to say we have three fly halves in the 22 as well, if you want to look at it that way.

And Pocock is an Inside Centre playing out of position...

[James]

Can someone explain why we need 3 halfbacks in the 22? It would seem ok if JT was versatile enuff to play elsewhere but we didnt have much options last week in mixing up the backline and frankly he was pretty terrible. We're better off having 3 utilities on the bench if we persist with chuckie at 10.

Here hoping Tupou can bring a bit of a Robbie Fruen sting into the midfield.

To be fair to JT, the game was lost before he came on. I'd wager on him playing a much better game this week.

[Buddha Handy]

Cause an upset here, then smash the rabble and then we have 4 home games in a row, and things are looking up. Come on boys!