Michaels read the same script for Super Rugby opener

[The InnFORCEr]

Nick Taylor
February 13, 2015, 7:13 am


When coaches expound on the difference between winning and losing, more often than not they talk about "the top two inches" - the winning mentality.

Coaches Michael Foley and Michael Cheika are reading from the same script for Sunday's Super Rugby clash between the Western Force and Waratahs and have come up with their own take on the well-used cliche - the first 20 minutes.

Foley: "We are expecting a very fast and enthusiastic first 20 minutes, a lot of physicality. The challenge for us is to defend well and be good ourselves in that first 20 minutes."

Cheika: "The Force will come primed and ready in the first 20 minutes. We are going to have to bring physicality early. Who can bring the most physical game early … that is going to be the dominant factor."

Not to be outdone, interim Force captain Sam Wykes produced his own line. "We know what we are in for," he said.

"Our goal is to start fast … the first 20 minutes of the game."

That the first 20 minutes will be a physical onslaught should come as no real surprise.

The Force will be out to stifle the home side at the breakdown, playing hard on the edge of the ruck, while Cheika's defending champions will want to monster the Force pilferers.

Crucial for the Force will be blindside flanker Angus Cottrell, back for his first Super game since breaking his left leg against the Crusaders last May, and openside flanker Chris Alcock.

Alcock's season was also cut short, injuring a shoulder in the corresponding fixture against the Waratahs last year.

New Force signing Steve Mafi will face his old club for the first time and play an important role from the bench, where he can cover both the blindside and the second row.

Foley said they were looking forward to launching their campaign against the titleholders.

"Every player understands the significance of performing for each other," Foley said.

"Having pushed each other day after day throughout the pre- season they are keen to get the season started. Playing the champions at their home is a good test for us first-up."

Cheika moved Dave Dennis into the second row and Jaques Potgieter to blindside flanker.

Giant 123kg winger Taqele Naiyaravoro gets his first start.

Cheika does not expect the Force to move far from last year's successful style.

"They'll play the same. They've got a core way they play and I would be surprised if they change that," Cheika said. "We won't be changing much either."

Karmichael Hunt will make his debut at fly-half for the Reds against the Brumbies tonight, but fellow star signings James O'Connor and former All Black Adam Thomson were not considered because of illness and injury.

The Brumbies will boast the equal tallest player in Super Rugby history in 208cm second-rower Rory Arnold.

The Rebels aim to win their first game on foreign soil against the Crusaders in Christchurch.

FIXTURES

TODAY: Crusaders v Rebels, Brumbies v Reds, Lions v Hurricanes

TOMORROW: Blues v Chiefs, Sharks v Cheetahs, Bulls v Stormers

SUNDAY: Waratahs v Force

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...-rugby-opener/

[valzc]

I just hope the boys really do know what they're in for and don't end up looking like deer in the headlights. Would rather they concentrate on the whole game and not just the first 20 minutes, Force always seem to lose concentration at the 50 minute mark so will need to keep minds on the job.