Force v Highlanders R8

[Dctarget]

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot, Soane Vikena, Saula Ma'u, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Nathan Hastie, Taine Robinson, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Caleb Tangitau, Sam Gilbert

Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Michael Loft, Adam Lennox, Tanielu Tele’a, Michael Manson

 

[Dctarget]

Interesting that Pasitoa doesn't crack the 23, I want to see him get more game time but Tomkinson is a quality player.

Force have no excuse not to win this game, great lineup at home against NZ's weakest. If Potter and Pietsch can contain Tangitau/Nareki then they can be the Wallabies wingers. Big ask but the BIL will be better.

 

[Wilson]

Interested in seeing how the scrum battle goes here. Both front rows have had their arses handed to them recently, could be a good chance for one of them to build back a bit of confidence. Will be particularly good for the Force if the can get ascendancy there to go with the strength of their lineout. If they're dominating across the set pieces I can't see the highlanders finding a way into the game.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Interested in seeing how the scrum battle goes here. Both front rows have had their arses handed to them recently, could be a good chance for one of them to build back a bit of confidence. Will be particularly good for the Force if the can get ascendancy there to go with the strength of their lineout. If they're dominating across the set pieces I can't see the highlanders finding a way into the game.

I think BPA is a better scrummager than Dolly so that should help, the reserves is more of the worry with no lock on the bench again, risky move.

Force forward pack should be able to lay the platform up front but Highlander’s back line very dangerous.

First round of club rugby kicking off at 3.30 and this game kick off 4.35, will be lucky to get a crowd of 5,000. Obviously tv ratings it’s the priority rather than bums on seats and atmosphere