Brumbies v Force Rd2 Saturday 22 February GIO Stadium, Canberra 7:35pm

[Dctarget]

Piestch is such an unassumingly good winger. He doesn’t look quick, or huge or skilful but he breaks tackles every time and is completely damaging. Fun to watch.

I hope the Force can continue well and get a few NZ scalps!

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Pietch and Williams I reckon are two of the most improved players in OZ right now.

 

[Oracle83]

As I’ve said for a while, just because you were a great player doesn’t mean you will be a great commentator. He’s far too biased and comes out with ridiculous statements. He’s had a good run. Move him on.

Whatever your long term gripe is with Horan he’s a lot better than Googs dribble for mine

 

[Yoda]

Whatever your long term gripe is with Horan he’s a lot better than Googs dribble for mine

Agree to disagree there.

 

[Pfitzy]

Piestch is such an unassumingly good winger. He doesn’t look quick, or huge or skilful but he breaks tackles every time and is completely damaging. Fun to watch.

He might not be the absolute fastest. He might be close to the biggest on the wing. He's certainly one of the more skilful.

What be brings is high standards to all areas of his game, and something that is intrinsic in some players: balance in contact.

The guy who just gets through a tackle when it looks like he has no right to do so. Uses space well.

Great 7s player, transferring that to 15s.

 

[Major Tom]

As I’ve said for a while, just because you were a great player doesn’t mean you will be a great commentator. He’s far too biased and comes out with ridiculous statements. He’s had a good run. Move him on.

His question is spot on tbf. They’ve done nothing for years.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

He might not be the absolute fastest. He might be close to the biggest on the wing. He's certainly one of the more skilful.

What be brings is high standards to all areas of his game, and something that is intrinsic in some players: balance in contact.

The guy who just gets through a tackle when it looks like he has no right to do so. Uses space well.

Great 7s player, transferring that to 15s.

Yes sometimes I think he plays like a flanker with a bit more pace, he loves getting involved and the contact.

The force defensive lineout is looking like being one of the best in the comp with Wiliams and Swain together

 

[Purce]

Just watched the game. Bravo Force. Well played, showed a huge amount of ticker as well as good smarts and game management.

I hope Donaldson keeps playing like this and continues improving. If he can show this against the Kiwi teams then looks like a test 10 to me.

In a short couple of years Williams has gone from a bloke I didn't think was good enough for super rugby, to my first selected lock and probably one of my first selected players for the Wobs. His improvement has been dramatic. A real leader as well. Very athletic for a bug unit.

Tizzano's game has really developed. We all knew he could tackle like a madman but his attacking and linking game has really come along. I like his mentality too, he wants that Wallabies 7 spot. Great to see.

The Force 6 is impressive as well. Don't know how to spell his name. Big unit, moves well, gets through the tough stuff and athletic.

Stewart was a rock. The kind of player you like to have in the backline.

I thought the Force 13 was really solid. Not sure who he is... looked dangerous and didn't shy away from the tough stuff.

For the Brumbs I reckon Slips looks a lot fitter. He got through a tone of work. Pollard has a good turn of pace. Reminded me a bit of that Kiwi hooker I f*cken hate.

Hooper played well. Another huge loss to Aus rugby after this season. Cale is super athletic. Could see him bringing some real energy off the bench for the Wallabies.

Meredith barely seen, would have enjoyed watching him have more control of the game.

Sapford carried strongly. Was solid all round.

Wright was a little rocks and diamonds. More diamonds though. I feel like a couple of years ago in a game like that he had to tendency to completely lose his mind. So it's good to see that improvement.

All in all a great game to watch. With the brumbs it never feels like they are out of the game as they showed coming back from 21 zip down. Years gone by the Force probably would have lost that by 15 even with that start.

Force are a good team, and the better team in that match for sure. Brumbs will no doubt continue to build and put in some strong performances. I reckon they'll get at least 1 on the road in NZ.

It's great to see the aus teams hit the ground running. In years gone past the first games have been pretty rubbish. Defense has a lot to work on however I also think it's due to much improved attack as well. I'm sure it'll adjust as the season goes on.

 

[Yoda]

Just watched the game. Bravo Force. Well played, showed a huge amount of ticker as well as good smarts and game management.

I hope Donaldson keeps playing like this and continues improving. If he can show this against the Kiwi teams then looks like a test 10 to me.

In a short couple of years Williams has gone from a bloke I didn't think was good enough for super rugby, to my first selected lock and probably one of my first selected players for the Wobs. His improvement has been dramatic. A real leader as well. Very athletic for a bug unit.

Tizzano's game has really developed. We all knew he could tackle like a madman but his attacking and linking game has really come along. I like his mentality too, he wants that Wallabies 7 spot. Great to see.

The Force 6 is impressive as well. Don't know how to spell his name. Big unit, moves well, gets through the tough stuff and athletic.

Stewart was a rock. The kind of player you like to have in the backline.

I thought the Force 13 was really solid. Not sure who he is... looked dangerous and didn't shy away from the tough stuff.

For the Brumbs I reckon Slips looks a lot fitter. He got through a tone of work. Pollard has a good turn of pace. Reminded me a bit of that Kiwi hooker I f*cken hate.

Hooper played well. Another huge loss to Aus rugby after this season. Cale is super athletic. Could see him bringing some real energy off the bench for the Wallabies.

Meredith barely seen, would have enjoyed watching him have more control of the game.

Sapford carried strongly. Was solid all round.

Wright was a little rocks and diamonds. More diamonds though. I feel like a couple of years ago in a game like that he had to tendency to completely lose his mind. So it's good to see that improvement.

All in all a great game to watch. With the brumbs it never feels like they are out of the game as they showed coming back from 21 zip down. Years gone by the Force probably would have lost that by 15 even with that start.

Force are a good team, and the better team in that match for sure. Brumbs will no doubt continue to build and put in some strong performances. I reckon they'll get at least 1 on the road in NZ.

It's great to see the aus teams hit the ground running. In years gone past the first games have been pretty rubbish. Defense has a lot to work on however I also think it's due to much improved attack as well. I'm sure it'll adjust as the season goes on.

Good post.

 

[Tomthumb]

Pietch and Williams I reckon are two of the most improved players in OZ right now.

Getting away from the Waratahs can do wonders. Donaldson too

 

[Hogan]

Getting away from the Waratahs can do wonders. Donaldson too

You make a good point. Donaldson seems to have a coach that believes in him and backs him and a game plan that allows him to consistently get his hands on the ball and play instinctively. For an attacking playmaker that is very important. And regularly playing 80 mins each week can’t hurt his development either.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

Force had the lineout, no doubt for me.

Still the Brumbies scrum was easily superior - BUT the Force stayed square and kept winning their own ball even if getting pushed back. And then at the end, with (was it) Pietsch packing on the side they overturned a Brumby feed and that let the Force close the game out. If you are a Force fan, get hold of the clip and leave it playing on your PC on repeat. For ever.

Hats off to Tom Robertson in that one though. He had to step up and put in big minutes as fresh Props came on for the Brums.

I'm not going to go in on Wright in this game because I think he was completely consistent with the last 14 months of good play and consistency is what we've wanted from him. He's judged off the teams performance it seems and Iv'e been very vocal on him errors a couple of seasons back but when a side is winning he's described as calm and effective and when a team is loosing its nonchalant and sporadic. I thought he was fine and probably got more focus as he took on a bit more responsibility with Meredith starting at 10 which honestly feels like a good step up for Wright to do that when required.

I like that the Force are filling the side with guys like Pietsch, Tizzano, NCdC, Stewart, Potter, Robertson, Williams, Dolly. who are as solid as you'll find. They might not be the best in their position but they are low error high effort players who let guys like Donaldson, Pearce, IFL, Grealy to have a crack with backup behind them. Depth will be there issue as the season progresses but going to Perth is going to be one tough place to play.

I do think the Aus sides need to tighten up on D big time. Fun games now but nobody will win many conceding 30 long term.

 

[Homer]

His question is spot on tbf. They’ve done nothing for years.

The commentary sucked all the life out of a good game of footy. Compare them to the NZ commentators for the chiefs game and it is chalk and cheese. Talking about Pietsch's cats for christs sake.
The fact that they were palpably disappointed the brumbies were losing didn't help either and Horan can't even look people in the eye anymore when interviewing.
The match was far more exciting than they called it.

 

[Sword of Justice]

The commentary sucked all the life out of a good game of footy. Compare them to the NZ commentators for the chiefs game and it is chalk and cheese. Talking about Pietsch's cats for christs sake.
The fact that they were palpably disappointed the brumbies were losing didn't help either and Horan can't even look people in the eye anymore when interviewing.
The match was far more exciting than they called it.

I reckon you are, on balance, right that the NZ callers are better but not all of them. I genuinely believe they are more one eyed than our callers though and whenever there’s a tight match between an Aus and NZ team they are just ridiculous.

 

[Yoda]

The commentary sucked all the life out of a good game of footy. Compare them to the NZ commentators for the chiefs game and it is chalk and cheese. Talking about Pietsch's cats for christs sake.
The fact that they were palpably disappointed the brumbies were losing didn't help either and Horan can't even look people in the eye anymore when interviewing.
The match was far more exciting than they called it.

Burkey …. Give him more air time. Simple.

 

[Homer]

Let Googs, Horan and Turinui have their midweek shows but we need real match commentators to do the play by play, get some enthusiasm into the game, make the broadcast more enjoyable.
And just so i am on the thread topic. Dolly and BPA are a great 1-2 combo.

 

[Dctarget]

Dunno if it's my bias, or Cron's coaching magic but pre-season I look at the Force's squad and think, 'hmm that's underwhelming'. Then on the field, playing together it strikes me that they look like a team full of Wallabies. White to Donaldson with Potter/Pietsch on the wings. A great wallaby lock pairing with BPA off the bench. Also, as much I dislike using NZers in one of only 4 teams, their kiwi pick ups look astute choices.

 

[The Ghost of Raelene]

If they aren't naturally funny with the interplay the cat chat was awful. Felt like a bit being ripped off that use to go on between Ray Warren and Gus Gould who could actually go on a tangent which was ridiculous but make you laugh for a second.

Atkinson and Burke are elite. Hopefully we get Hooper back at some stage after the season as he was surprisingly good last year. At least SBW seems to be shelved.

 

[Major Tom]

The commentary sucked all the life out of a good game of footy. Compare them to the NZ commentators for the chiefs game and it is chalk and cheese. Talking about Pietsch's cats for christs sake.
The fact that they were palpably disappointed the brumbies were losing didn't help either and Horan can't even look people in the eye anymore when interviewing.
The match was far more exciting than they called it.

Yeah, the cat call was random alright. But Horan doing rugby's version of "Roaming Brian" after the Reds game was quite good.
But back to the original comment. Noone expected the Force to beat the Brumbs, particularly coming up clutch. I think it's a perfectly reasonable question to ask if other teams would be surprised. Also, Cron and the rest of the team can leverage that 'us vs them', 'backs against the wall" mentality for the rest of the year. Play on.

 

[cyclopath]

Yeah, the cat call was random alright. But Horan doing rugby's version of "Roaming Brian" after the Reds game was quite good.
But back to the original comment. Noone expected the Force to beat the Brumbs, particularly coming up clutch. I think it's a perfectly reasonable question to ask if other teams would be surprised. Also, Cron and the rest of the team can leverage that 'us vs them', 'backs against the wall" mentality for the rest of the year. Play on.

Agree with this, largely. Statistically, the likelihood of the Force beating the Brumbies at home was low (just ask the bookies), but after the remarkable finish last week with 20-something phases after the siren to win, I think eyes had been well-opened.
All the teams will be (rightly) very wary of them now. Especially if they can keep 15 on the field for most of the game!