Super Rugby RD 8: Rebels v Force

[kiap]

Great to see Miotti finally given a crack and interesting that it's straight into starting at 10. Not sure about our coverage at 10 and 15 if him or Macgregor goes down though.

Prior would be backup 10.

Frustrating to not have Anstee starting and to see Taefu dumped from the 23 altogether yet agani, despite performing well in the last couple of games when finally given a decent opportunity. He's been much better than Kuridrani for mine.

Agreed.

Tevita needs to cut loose this week and show his old self.

 

[Equalizer]

The good thing is that the Force haven't stood still. They've rolled the dice on a few selections and seem to be approaching the final games with a cavalier all or nothing approach. Looks like a strong team with plenty on the bench to help out. Injecting Godwin back into the side could help to unlock TK, they should at least be familiar with each other from their Brumbies days. A full complement of Argies should bring a safety in numbers attitude to their play. Time for the boys to bring an 80 minute clean and concise performance and start rectifying the atrocious record against the Rebels.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

The good thing is that the Force haven't stood still. They've rolled the dice on a few selections and seem to be approaching the final games with a cavalier all or nothing approach. Looks like a strong team with plenty on the bench to help out. Injecting Godwin back into the side could help to unlock TK, they should at least be familiar with each other from their Brumbies days. A full complement of Argies should bring a safety in numbers attitude to their play. Time for the boys to bring an 80 minute clean and concise performance and start rectifying the atrocious record against the Rebels.

Force should be trying different things with a view to TT - like to see anstee start and more 80min performances to see what he can do as we all like what we have seen of him but just not seen enough of him to understand how high his ceiling is.

 

[Mick The Munch]

Don't know if he's started at lock since his school boy days, but back then he was deadly in the 2nd row.

I like the selection, OK, he is a little shorter than the opposing locks, but he is more dynamic than other Second row options

We will have a hugely mobile pack tomorrow.

 

[swingpass]

i think the Rebels are falling in to the trap again of trying to fit their best 23 on to the pitch, rather than playing people in position. they have other locks including an international not playing, Leota is playing well i grant you but he should be picked as a back row forward even if it means one of Wells, Wilkin, Hardwick miss out.

 

[Mick The Munch]

Good points who is the international lock you mention, I think Calas was a back up at Jags and RHP is still banned?

i think the Rebels are falling in to the trap again of trying to fit their best 23 on to the pitch, rather than playing people in position. they have other locks including an international not playing, Leota is playing well i grant you but he should be picked as a back row forward even if it means one of Wells, Wilkin, Hardwick miss out.

 

[ForceFan]

Pleasing to see Rugby Union getting such good coverage in today's West Australian.

 

[swingpass]

Good points who is the international lock you mention, I think Calas was a back up at Jags and RHP is still banned?

i thought Calas was capped.

 

[Mick The Munch]

i thought Calas was capped.

Just found this - hasn't even started for Jaguares in Super Rugby
- https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2021/01/28/melbourne-rebels-sign-argentine-lock-ignacio-calas/

 

[swingpass]

Just found this - hasn't even started for Jaguares in Super Rugby
- https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2021/01/28/melbourne-rebels-sign-argentine-lock-ignacio-calas/

My bad

 

[Rebel man]

i think the Rebels are falling in to the trap again of trying to fit their best 23 on to the pitch, rather than playing people in position. they have other locks including an international not playing, Leota is playing well i grant you but he should be picked as a back row forward even if it means one of Wells, Wilkin, Hardwick miss out.

Up until this year I never really rated Leota always saw him as too passive. But this year he is playing with the fire and aggression. Problem is the back row have been one of our strengths all year and I agree on that we should be playing a specialist lock

 

[hifflepiff]

i think the Rebels are falling in to the trap again of trying to fit their best 23 on to the pitch, rather than playing people in position. they have other locks including an international not playing, Leota is playing well i grant you but he should be picked as a back row forward even if it means one of Wells, Wilkin, Hardwick miss out.

This seems to be a common move with Wessels in that he likes to chop and change players positions around. I do wonder how it affects the teams ability to secure long term combinations.

 

[Zero_Cool]

Finally HODGE AT 15!

 

[Zero_Cool]

Finally HODGE AT 15!

 

[Mick The Munch]

Agreed, is my mind tricking me or did Leota play lock off the bench for us a coupla years ago. Anyhow, I wonder if Wessels is thinking that added mobility around the park will pay dividends.

Leota is only giving away a few cms and kgs, still 1.9m and 110+kgs, by no means a lightweight

Thrush is 198 and 115 and Timani 203 and 118 (according) to Wikipedia

This seems to be a common move with Wessels in that he likes to chop and change players positions around. I do wonder how it affects the teams ability to secure long term combinations.

Up until this year I never really rated Leota always saw him as too passive. But this year he is playing with the fire and aggression. Problem is the back row have been one of our strengths all year and I agree on that we should be playing a specialist lock

 

[Members Section]

Agreed, is my mind tricking me or did Leota play lock off the bench for us a coupla years ago. Anyhow, I wonder if Wessels is thinking that added mobility around the park will pay dividends.

Leota is only giving away a few cms and kgs, still 1.9m and 110+kgs, by no means a lightweight

Thrush is 198 and 115 and Timani 203 and 118 (according) to Wikipedia

He's had the odd game but he is def more a 6

 

[eastman]

Injecting Godwin back into the side could help to unlock TK, they should at least be familiar with each other from their Brumbies days.

TK hasn't cut loose since 2011.

 

[Mick The Munch]

He's had the odd game but he is def more a 6

Worth noting Maro Itoje is 195cm and he does a pretty good job

 

[Equalizer]

Jordan Olowofela looks pretty lean, hope he's quick. Listed at 92kg.......20kg of that must be his kit. Run Jordan Run!

 

[ForceFan]

Hope we get to see the outside backs get some quality ball and the chance to use their speed.
(or at least look threatening enough so the Centres can beak loose.)