Force v Highlanders, Queenstown Stadium

[matty_k]

Currently
Highlanders 6 - 7 Force

Highlanders are deliberately slowing the ball in the ruck. Cowan has been yellow carded and they almost lost another soon afterwards.

Pek Cown and Clint Newlands were sent for fighting.

 

[JJJ]

Highlanders are far better at counter-rucking than the Force. A lot of kicking from the Force because they can't be sure of retaining possession at the breakdown. Fortunately most of the kicking from Rabbit and Hill has been good. Except their kicking at goal.

 

[matty_k]

Half time

Higlanders 6 v Force 10

Rabbit kicked a penalty

Whitaker crossed the line but was deemed to have lost it before he could ground it.

There is a lot of niggle in this game. Sharpie has been involved a couple of times.

According the commentators The Highlanders have been pretty dominant in the rucks but from what I have seen (missed the first 20mins) The force have been muscling up well. The Force backs haven't been afraid to run it with Rabbit breaking the line on occasion.
They have even forced a few turn overs.

 

[DPK]

I'd bloody expect turnovers! Look at that backrow!

 

[matty_k]

Highlanders just drove the ball over for a try. Converted.

The ref is warning both teams to not give away penalties in their respective halves or he'll send people off.

 

[matty_k]

David Hill kicks the ball through. Shepard over ran it, Rabbit cleans it up and scores in the corner. Missed the conversion.

Force 15 - 14

 

[matty_k]

Pretty much in the next play

Setephano crosses and the conversion is missed.

Highlanders 19 - 15

 

[matty_k]

A patient build up led to Ryan Cross crossing on the right.
Rabbit misses the conversion.

Force 20 - 19

I think my tipping the Force by 8 was a little optimistic.

 

[matty_k]

Weird penalty given. From what I heard Sharpie was penalised for taking up space. Where he this space was I'm not sure.

Highlanders 22 - 20

 

[matty_k]

Bam Bam breaks the line at half way. Offloads to Justin Turner at the 5 for a try under the posts. Converted.

Force 27 - 22
9 mins to go.

 

[matty_k]

Wow who designed the stadium at Queenstown did a shonky job.
The highlanders are looking into the sun for the entire second half.

 

[CanadianRugby]

Highlanders D has gone to crap in the last few minutes.

 

[matty_k]

Set piece from a scrum leads to Ryan Cross scoring under the posts. Conversion successful.

Force 34 - 22

My +8 margin is now looking pessimistic.

 

[matty_k]

David Hill goes for a run instead of the kick and puts Shepard under the posts. Converted

Force 41 - 22

 

[GC]

Great win. Highlanders fell apart at the end.

Jeez, Turner, the Force replacement halfback is good. Superb pass.

 

[louie]

Justin turner looks the goods.
Australian rara is in good shape

 

[matty_k]

On the whistle Vainikolo manages to hover above the side line as he grounds the ball in the corner. Conversion missed.

Force 41 - 27

Sure it was only the Highlanders but for the Force anyone is a threat. The Force have really turned things around. They played with confidence and the bench injected some real enthusiasm.

A great win for the Force.

 

[GC]

Justin turner looks the goods.
Australian rara is in good shape

Just thinking that. Seems to be more very good young players stepping up this year than I can remember in any one year. Providing they don't all piss off OS, things are looking good.

 

[chief]

Good win and a bonus point for the Force, close game until the last 10 minutes, Force ran away with it.

 

[Reddy!]

I knew the Force would win this. They always play good when Cam Shepherd returns from injury, and he usually scores at least once or twice while he is at it. I think winning at the same venue 2 years ago helped them as well.