Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Fingers crossed it is a great game that both teams can be proud of, regardless of the result. And a crowd over 10k.
Force v Rebels - Friday the 7th of July
- Thread starter KevinO
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RebelYell
Arch Winning (36)
As the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force prepare to meet in Perth on Friday evening, leaders from both teams have joined forces to address the uncertainty clouding both team’s futures in Super Rugby.
Western Force legend and RUPA Board Member Matt Hodgson said his side have no intention of the match being an “us against them” battle in any aspect other than what happens on the field.
“We’ve put in a lot of hard work over the June break and we’re really looking forward to ripping in on Friday night to do the Sea of Blue proud against the Rebels,” Hodgson said.
“We really want to take the points, but we know that whoever wins takes bragging rights only and that this game won’t decide if either team still has a future in the competition. I’m very grateful that the media this week has focused on the game itself and not the ARU’s attempts to cut a team.
“All players remain united in our belief that the best interests of Rugby in Australia are best served by the retention of five teams and maintaining our national footprint with both Western Australia and Victoria.”
Rebels centre Tom English, also a RUPA Board member, echoed Hodgson’s sentiments.
“We can’t wait to get back on the field this Friday night and finish the season as strongly as we possibly can. That 80 minutes is our time to escape the ongoing uncertainty and stress that this dragged-out process has created.
“All of us at the Rebels have a great deal of empathy for what the Force players have been put through this season, having experienced it ourselves and I’m sure we’ll all catch up post-game to support each other.
“I’d like to thank all players from around the country for their solidarity in these hard times. The welfare of all affected players and staff is paramount, and we’ve all really appreciated your phone calls and support. We will continue to prepare and play as best as we possibly can while our futures are decided at a Boardroom level.”
http://www.rupa.com.au/rupa-news/story/battle-only-between-the-white-lines
Western Force legend and RUPA Board Member Matt Hodgson said his side have no intention of the match being an “us against them” battle in any aspect other than what happens on the field.
“We’ve put in a lot of hard work over the June break and we’re really looking forward to ripping in on Friday night to do the Sea of Blue proud against the Rebels,” Hodgson said.
“We really want to take the points, but we know that whoever wins takes bragging rights only and that this game won’t decide if either team still has a future in the competition. I’m very grateful that the media this week has focused on the game itself and not the ARU’s attempts to cut a team.
“All players remain united in our belief that the best interests of Rugby in Australia are best served by the retention of five teams and maintaining our national footprint with both Western Australia and Victoria.”
Rebels centre Tom English, also a RUPA Board member, echoed Hodgson’s sentiments.
“We can’t wait to get back on the field this Friday night and finish the season as strongly as we possibly can. That 80 minutes is our time to escape the ongoing uncertainty and stress that this dragged-out process has created.
“All of us at the Rebels have a great deal of empathy for what the Force players have been put through this season, having experienced it ourselves and I’m sure we’ll all catch up post-game to support each other.
“I’d like to thank all players from around the country for their solidarity in these hard times. The welfare of all affected players and staff is paramount, and we’ve all really appreciated your phone calls and support. We will continue to prepare and play as best as we possibly can while our futures are decided at a Boardroom level.”
http://www.rupa.com.au/rupa-news/story/battle-only-between-the-white-lines
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
L
Leo86
Guest
Im happy with the team. Obviously McCalman still out and I heard cottrell is playing club rugby again
Highlander35
Steve Williams (59)
Benny V would still be in camp Fiji for World Cup qualifiers though, yes?
Without an unavailable list, I have to assume that's best available, and fuck me, that's a lot of boys missing.
Think if the game is to be won, it needs to be won early. Tessman and Lance well outshine anything our bench has to offer (no offense intended towards any of the boys) (maybe retallick)
Without an unavailable list, I have to assume that's best available, and fuck me, that's a lot of boys missing.
Think if the game is to be won, it needs to be won early. Tessman and Lance well outshine anything our bench has to offer (no offense intended towards any of the boys) (maybe retallick)
GoMelbRebels
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
I'll be there - be kind, the only Rebel in the crowd? I hope not. I have always enjoyed watching these two teams play. Hoping it's not the last time.
M
Moono75
Guest
Thats a nice Force team. They'll bring plenty of commitment under Adam Coleman as our captain my captain!
L
Leo86
Guest
I dunno returning from injury should be managed, but also ive been impressed with Grant recently so he has probably earnt his spot
GoMelbRebels
Nicholas Shehadie (39)
He's been much better this season than last, for sure.
L
Leo86
Guest
Agreed. Im a big fan of Lance so want to be sure hes good long term
Mr Wobbly
Alan Cameron (40)
Quite right. Fiji have games on 08/07 and 15/07 so Ben probably won't be around for either of the last two games.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Except the Rebels are under no obligation to release him for these matches as they are outside the test window.
Mr Wobbly
Alan Cameron (40)
True, no obligation. But why stop a bloke playing test matches when the season is well and truly cooked?
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