Force v Crusaders 8th April 2016

[Jeansyjive]

Just don't understand why we have two scrum halves on the bench.

[blueandblack]

"Marto Midweek: Force can stun basic Crusaders in Super Rugby"

[Sheikh]

Just don't understand why we have two scrum halves on the bench.

We have five players who can play fly-half: Jono Lance & Peter Grant (proper fly-halves), Kyle Godwin & Luke Burton (centres) and Ian Prior (scrum-half). With Lance, Godwin & Burton all injured, Prior becomes the back-up fly-half, meaning Louwrens is the back-up scrum-half.

If you meant why do we have replacements for scrum-half and fly-half on the bench, and only one outside back, I think that's due to their positions being more specialised. Plus, looking at our backs, who gets the nod? Rasolea & Tapuai are the only fit centres (apart from Matuauto in the EPS) and we have Morahan, Masiwera and Brache as wingers and Nikoro and DHP as full-backs (again, with Lacey in the EPS). That's 7 players to fill 5 starting spots plus one bench spot (or two, if Prior covers both 9 & 10 from the bench). At the moment, only one non-EPS back doesn't get picked each week, and maybe the coaches just think Louwrens simply ahead of the others in his abilities?

Given the style of play we usually manage, I'd say inside backs get more work than outside backs, so splitting the bench as we have, is probably the way to go. If we played like the Hurricanes, getting the ball to 11, 13, 14 & 15 as much as they do, then having two outside backs on the bench may make more sense.

[Jeansyjive]

We have five players who can play fly-half: Jono Lance & Peter Grant (proper fly-halves), Kyle Godwin & Luke Burton (centres) and Ian Prior (scrum-half). With Lance, Godwin & Burton all injured, Prior becomes the back-up fly-half, meaning Louwrens is the back-up scrum-half.

If you meant why do we have replacements for scrum-half and fly-half on the bench, and only one outside back, I think that's due to their positions being more specialised. Plus, looking at our backs, who gets the nod? Rasolea & Tapuai are the only fit centres (apart from Matuauto in the EPS) and we have Morahan, Masiwera and Brache as wingers and Nikoro and DHP as full-backs (again, with Lacey in the EPS). That's 7 players to fill 5 starting spots plus one bench spot (or two, if Prior covers both 9 & 10 from the bench). At the moment, only one non-EPS back doesn't get picked each week, and maybe the coaches just think Louwrens simply ahead of the others in his abilities?

Given the style of play we usually manage, I'd say inside backs get more work than outside backs, so splitting the bench as we have, is probably the way to go. If we played like the Hurricanes, getting the ball to 11, 13, 14 & 15 as much as they do, then having two outside backs on the bench may make more sense.

Its a big stretch to call Prior a fly half.

[Beauregard]

Its a big stretch to call Prior a fly half.

Big stretch to call Foley a coach, the Sea Of Blue a Sea (its been a pond recently) and half the named team super rugby players but we seem to do it every week.... colour me cynical but whilst I will be at the game I am under no illusions re the result... Saders by 8+

[Buddha Handy]

Its a big stretch to call Prior a fly half.

Do we think if Jooste was still here he might have been given a crack off the bench, or too early? There were no other ten's in the spirit squad so other than Prior it would have to be someone from Club rugby.

[GIGS20]

He'd have to be in EPS to have a go without somebody being called long term.

I don't think they'd want to do that with Prior

[Sheikh]

Its a big stretch to call Prior a fly half.

He's a scrum-half who can play 10. I'd rather he play at 9 (I rate him slightly above Alby) but is the last man standing at 10 when Grant gets pulled @ 70 minutes

[blueandblack]

Jesus, I'm surrounded by Crusaders supporters

[Jules]

Kicking game back with a vengeance!!

[maelkann]

A wild Kyle Godwin appears!

[GIGS20]

I think we should leave it here. We're very lucky to be only 7 behind

[whodunnit]

Kicking game back with a vengeance!!

When all other game plans fail lets go back to what I know best. Kick it! Aye mr foley! Someone mentioned in an earlier post that foley is an excellent set piece coach! Well that has been shocking also.
But let's keep him coz we cannot afford to pay him out! Where is the sense?
Sorry he will be asked to leave and he will need to agree to save his career! Maybe graham and foley could coach a team somewhere? Way to go wa board for employing failures who have had no success before they even came here!!!

[boof1050]

Kicking game back with a vengeance!!

Yep such a reactive approach instead of pro active. 7 points down at the half but just can't see any tries from us if we keep that shit going. Can't help feeling a blow out may come in 2nd half. Love to know what the excuses are from the coaching staff.

[jargan83]

Crusaders keeping us in the game with 5 to go.