Western Force vs NSW Waratahs, 2011R08

[qwerty51]

Do I sense a convert to my Societie of Hate for the Work Rate whores?

Those stats also make no mention of his two carries into contact for the loss of 10-15 metres and loss of possession.

Not a convert, always been of the opinion that effectiveness is much more important than workrate. Hence my rating that TPN is arguably the best player in Super Rugby. Defended him last game when he was under fire as being useless most of the match but in reality he made a few important dominant tackles that stopped Chiefs' momentum and allowed the defence to re-align.

 

[The Mayor of Perth]

Sportsbet has Force at $3.85 to win by 1-12 and Tahs at $2.90 to win by 1-12. Not quite an arb but no need to use two books and with the history of these two teams...

 

[Lance Free]

Official Team released and confirmed Ripia's in + Jenkins + JO'C fullback, Shep wing.

Western Force:

1. Pek Cowan 2. Nathan Charles 3. Tim Fairbrother 4. Sam Wykes 5. Nathan Sharpe 6. Richard Brown 7. Jono Jenkins 8. Ben McCalman 9. Brett Sheehan 10. Willie Ripia 11. Cameron Shepherd 12. Gene Fairbanks 13. Nick Cummins 14. David Smith 15. James O’Connor

Reserves: 16. Ben Whittaker 17. Keiran Longbottom 18. Tom Hockings 19. Tevita Matuesela 20. James Stannard 21. Rory Sidey 22. Pat Dellit

 

[James Buchanan]

Out of curiosity, what has James Stannard been up to this season? He looked the goods last year.

 

[AkRiD]

Out of curiosity, what has James Stannard been up to this season? He looked the goods last year.

Hasn't had much opportunity really. He's been all right, but as I said he's not had much game time, really only the last ~15 mins of most games.

 

[aussie1st]

Not liking the move back for O'Connor, he has been the best Aussie 5/8 thus far. At worst he should have moved in 1 as that is a possible spot he'll play for the Wallabies but he has no chance grabbing the fullback jersey.

 

[ChargerWA]

I don't like it either, why move your most influential player as far away from the ball in the backline as you can. Plain dumb.

 

[Godfrey]

Agreed about O'Connor. I don't think he's a bad 15, but he's just so good in traffic. Please play him at 12 Force!

 

[DPK]

I don't like it either, why move your most influential player as far away from the ball in the backline as you can. Plain dumb.

You seem to have forgotten the "flyback" suggestions from last year.

 

[Moono75]

I would have preferred to see JOC (James O'Connor) playing inside centre also, however I still think he will inject himself into the game regardless where he plays. I think Shep could do with a run up on the wing as the attack has been far too predictable recently.

 

[Nusadan]

How long would Nathan Charles be on for, anyone may think?

Have him as a reserve in my fantasy team with Melamu having the bye and was considering to replace him with Battleship but now with Dan Carter out so may have to use Charles instead to save a transfer.

 

[Hawko]

I'm a Tahs fan so I'm glad to see JOC (James O'Connor) at 15. I suspect that the lack of a good available winger has saved Fairbanks but it means two exceptional players, JOC (James O'Connor) and CS, have to play away from their best positions. I would have put JOC (James O'Connor) at 12, CS at 15 and given Dellit a start with Fairbanks on the bench.

Given that we are "playing what's in front of us" I expect Beale to go well as Ripia will be rusty, Carter to shut down Fairbanks totally meaning Cummins won't be getting much good ball, and Mitchell showing Smith how its done. But this week we MUST NOT kick to JOC (James O'Connor) and lately kicking's been our first and only attacking option. We'll see if Bowen has got any smarts about him in his backline direction.

 

[tranquility]

I have a feeling that the Force could do some damage in this game. I for one am glad JOC (James O'Connor) is not at 10, but I am also bitterly disappointed his is not at 12. I will be watching on with a very keen eye. Also keen to get a proper look at Jono Jenkins

 

[dobduff11]

I can't believe they are playing JOC (James O'Connor) at 15. If he is still retained at 15 when Alfi Mafi comes back then I will bitterly disappointed.

I don't see why everyone has an aversion to playing him at 12 its his best position and where he causes the most damage from

 

[en_force_er]

I can't believe they are playing JOC (James O'Connor) at 15. If he is still retained at 15 when Alfi Mafi comes back then I will bitterly disappointed.

I don't see why everyone has an aversion to playing him at 12 its his best position and where he causes the most damage from

It's not what we want to see but you can't blame the coaching staff as Fairbanks is actually playing good rugby.

Last year he was an average Shute Shield player and this season he is an average (arguably maybe even a little better then average) Super Rugby player.

 

[sudrugby]

I just posted an interview of Richard Graham on my website. Feel free to read it. There is a part in english.

By the way what was happening with Ripia? Was he injured or out of pace. It is a bit risky to make him start against the Tahs

 

[BRIX]

Nice Read Sud, I think he was injured for a while and agree with the sentiment that it's a bit risky bringing him in to fly in his first game back, against the Tahs of all teams who will be looking to consolidate. Barbarian alluded to the fact that JOC (James O'Connor) will most likely slot into 1st receiver in attack and drop back to 15 to counter-attack - That should probably be the plan du jour

 

[tranquility]

It's not what we want to see but you can't blame the coaching staff as Fairbanks is actually playing good rugby.

Last year he was an average Shute Shield player and this season he is an average (arguably maybe even a little better then average) Super Rugby player.

Really? what does he possibly offer that makes him a 'better than average' Super rugby inside center. He attacking game has sadly become very robotic, both in distribution and when he wants to jink around the place. He defense has probably been his best asset this year. But I hardly think he would make an opposition team, plan for him or even mention him pre-match. He is perhaps one of the only 12s in the comp where I would actually prefer Tom Carter.

I say 'sadly' because Gene is from my local club, and as a youngster he was electric, a poor man's Giteau (at his best) if you will. These days he is more of a poor man's Ant Finger. It's a a real pity.

 

[en_force_er]

Really? what does he possibly offer that makes him a 'better than average' Super rugby inside center. He attacking game has sadly become very robotic, both in distribution and when he wants to jink around the place. He defense has probably been his best asset this year. But I hardly think he would make an opposition team, plan for him or even mention him pre-match. He is perhaps one of the only 12s in the comp where I would actually prefer Tom Carter.

I say 'sadly' because Gene is from my local club, and as a youngster he was electric, a poor man's Giteau (at his best) if you will. These days he is more of a poor man's Ant Finger. It's a a real pity.

Good defense, decent enough on attack. I did say arguably, nobody ever reads the arguably then that are looking for a spray.

I think he'd make a lot of start 15s personally. I think Defense is underrated when we stack up players, it's at least as important as attack and he is very good there.

 

[tranquility]

Good defense, decent enough on attack. I did say arguably, nobody ever reads the arguably then that are looking for a spray.

I think he'd make a lot of start 15s personally. I think Defense is underrated when we stack up players, it's at least as important as attack and he is very good there.

Mate I read your arguably, and I wasn't trying to give you a spray. The point was that there was no valid reason as to why JOC (James O'Connor) is at 15 and not 12 as you were perhaps alluding too. Certainly not Gene, anyway.