Super Rugby-TT: Rd 1 Western Force v Chiefs, May 15th, Perth

[ForceFan]

FORCE READY FOR CHIEFS' CHALLENGE
May 10, 2021
The Western Force is preparing to play their inaugural Super Rugby Trans-Tasman fixture when they take on the Chiefs this Saturday night at HBF Park.
The season opener is set to be a big occasion, as it’s the first time the Force has taken on a New Zealand side in a Super Rugby clash since 2017.
Read more......

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Mitchell Brown (ankle sprain) & Naitoa Ah Kuoi (general wear & tear) are both injured & won't travel to Perth so Tribe gunna be very light in the locking dep't.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...risis-for-transtasman-opener-v-force-in-perth

 

[dru]

I think that the Force have exactly the style that Kiwi teams will find difficult. Not to say that they will win against the Chiefs, just that the Chiefs probably will need to adjust to cope.

I'll be watching this one for sure.

 

[Kevin77]

Looking forward to this.
Currently 75% capacity allowed due to COVID.
Hoping for a further announcement and we could have a full house

Hopefully Kearney back although the suspension of Kuridrani and Pulu will hurt

 

[Dan54]

Mitchell Brown (ankle sprain) & Naitoa Ah Kuoi (general wear & tear) are both injured & won't travel to Perth so Tribe gunna be very light in the locking dep't.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby...risis-for-transtasman-opener-v-force-in-perth

I guessing young Josh Lord will get a start and Finau cover the bench? I like the look of Lord even if just turned 20, (and he a Naki boy). I agree this is going to be tough, week after final, decent haul to Perth, but most importantly Force are a team that's going well and as dru pointed out have the kind of game that will suit against Chiefs etc.

 

[ForceFan]

Force prepare for battle with the Chiefs
May 11, 2021
The Western Force has ramped up preparations for Saturday night’s Super Rugby Trans-Tasman season opener against the Chiefs at HBF Park.
Having been a part of the Chiefs 2012 Super Rugby title-winning side, Force outside back Richard Kahui can’t wait to line up against his former side.
Read more.....

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I think that the Force have exactly the style that Kiwi teams will find difficult. Not to say that they will win against the Chiefs, just that the Chiefs probably will need to adjust to cope.

I'll be watching this one for sure.

Advantage for me was with super rugby au I could manage 2 games over the weekend - now back to having to watch 5 games...

 

[dru]

Advantage for me was with super rugby au I could manage 2 games over the weekend - now back to having to watch 5 games.

Similar but for me it means I'll be watching less Hospital Cup.

 

[Dan54]

Similar but for me it means I'll be watching less Hospital Cup.

I must admit dru, another advantage of being home in NZ, last few years when watching Hospital cup or whatever, there often wasn't time for a quick beer after to have a chat about game, which is one of my real joys in going to rugby. Now I back to watching club game , having a beer with opposition supporters having a chat, then still wandering off home to have tea, and sit down to enjoy the tv rugby. Makes it worth having to stay up for midnight games from Perth.

 

[Dan54]

DMac at 10, a reasonable team I thought considering who is out.
Chiefs: Chase Tiatia, Shaun Stevenson, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Jonah Lowe, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (c), Luke Jacobson, Lachlan Boshier, Pita Gus Sowakula, Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Angus Ta’avao, Nathan Harris, Aidan Ross. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Joe Apikotoa, Zane Kapeli, Liam Messam, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Bailyn Sullivan.

 

[chiraag]

That's a rather strong looking Chiefs team - thought (and somewhat hoped) they might rest a few players given the travel schedule. Will be very interesting to see how the Force measure up...

 

[Equalizer]

 

[ForceFan]

We'll miss Sita's presence.
All I can say is that Jake McIntyre must have been training the house down to warrant breaking the Cubelli/Miotti halves combination which has been working so well.
Hope Ollie Callan can get some good game time to show us more of what he can offer at this level.
GO YOU FORCE!!

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Similar but for me it means I'll be watching less Hospital Cup.

Well I use to watch minimal shute shield but watched more during the week(now got loads of content on demand) as let’s face it who would not want to watch rugby 7 days a week (us rusted on at least understands this ). Plus wife and daughter out mid week for her hockey so get the main big tv to watch rugby on for otherwise non rugby family (luckily lots of mates who are). But yeh may be getting to taped super rugby games mid week and less shute shield.

 

[Brumby Runner]

Think the Force might be stronger in the tight 5 and that combined with the travel factor might see them home.

 

[Dan54]

Think the Force might be stronger in the tight 5 and that combined with the travel factor might see them home.

A few over this side of ditch giving them a shot too BR, Chiefs are another team that have played a final last week and along with travel, and probably more importantly the Force have the spoiling tearing into thing type game that a few kiwi teams may find a little hard to deal with.

 

[Equalizer]

The Force have the advantage that we only have a couple of players in contention for Wallabies selection so there's no need to rest players. Hopefully the boys come out all guns blazing and put in a big performance. Shame we are missing Timani and TK but everyone needs to step up for the TT competition.

 

[Equalizer]

At the ground after a good pre match. Good crowd building, lots of Waikato jerseys. Looks like a big crowd.

 

[D-Box]

Kiwi teams always draw well in Perth

 

[zer0]

Far out. Vaa'i is casually throwing these great long passes like he's Sotutu. Really hope he gets a good extended run in the All Blacks this year.