The Western Force have been in a holding pattern this year after their near-wooden spoon experience of 2010.
They’re in 12th position, five points above the bottom-placed Lions. It’s unlikely their remaining three matches will make too much of a difference to the final standings. And it could have been different. I count six matches the Force were in a good position to win:
Round 1: v. Reds 21–20
Round 4: v. Blues 22–22
Round 7: v. Rebels 26–25
Round 12: v. Waratahs 20–15
Round 14: v. Brumbies 13–13
Round 15: v. Hurricanes 34–28
They lost to the Crusaders in Round 11 (42–30), but I thought this encounter was probably their finest hour. They played with a panache and intensity across the park that hasn’t really been replicated.
Their best win was against the Bulls in Round 10 in Perth. This was at the tail end of a longish mini-tour for the Bulls and maybe their heart wasn’t quite in it. The Force put the squeeze on and kicked their way to victory.
Last weekend’s match against the Hurricanes was another classic example of not being able to finish off your opponent. The Force were leading 28-20 with ten minutes to play. Some mistakes and slackening-off at the business end allowed Aaron Cruden to work some magic, and two offloads later their hopes were snuffed out.
This was a game where the Force forwards completely dominated for three quarters of the match, as the Canes piggies seemed reluctant to commit. An early Nonu try and Cruden’s goalkicking kept them in it. With such forward dominance the Force should have put on a decent score at the least.
Unfortunately, there just doesn’t seem to be any strike power in the backline. Rabbit O’Connor (who wasn’t available last Friday) can’t do it on his own. David Smith has been getting better each week but Cam Shepherd’s on-again, off-again season hasn’t allowed him to develop a continuum of form. The other members of the backline are workmanlike but not dynamic. Where’s the penetration?
The statistics tell the story. The Force have scored the least number of tries in the competition (18), although Rabbit is top of the penalty goal scoring table. This suggests the Force are getting plenty of field position but not converting this territorial advantage into five-pointers.
The forwards have collectively been impressive with Nathan Sharpe like a fine vintage wine, improving with age. Ben McCalman, Sam Wykes, Nathan Charles and David Pocock consistently perform. The Force set piece has been a highlight and it’s not often that they’re bettered. It’s a shame that the backline talent isn’t of the same standard.
This week’s Highlanders clash will be the last Super Rugby match to ever be played at the House of Pain. This is a worry because the Highlanders will want to turn on a decent show for their fans, especially after their insipid effort against the Lions last weekend. The Force are no strangers to winning in Otago and seem to cause the locals a bit of trouble.
There’s only one change from last week’s team and that’s Alfie Mafi swapping with Nick Cummins. The James Stannard/Mark Swanepoel halves partnership continues after an impressive debut in Palmerston North.
All Blacks flanker Adam Thomson will make his 50th appearance for the Highlanders on Friday. He returns from an injury layoff. In the only other change to the starting line-up that lost to the Lions, openside flanker John Hardie replaces Alando Soakai. Soakai will be joined on the bench by All Black lock Tom Donnelly, who has recovered from a back injury.
The Highlanders have to win this match if they want to remain in contention for a play-offs position in three weeks’ time. That will provide them with oodles of motivation, I’d imagine. They will unveil a new and controversial green playing strip on the night.
With Thommo back I can feel the pain ahead. The skirl o’ the pipes will inspire the Carisbrook crowd and the Clan. Highlanders by 13.
Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Alfie Mafi, 13 Patrick Dellit, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 David Smith, 10 James Stannard, 9 Mark Swanepoel, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Kieran Longbottom Reserves: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Richard Brown, 20 Chris Cottee, 21 Mitch Inman, 22 Nick Cummins.
Highlanders: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Shaun Treeby, 11 Siale Piutau, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 John Hardie, 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Josh Bekhuis, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Chris King, 2 Mo Schwwalger, 1 Jamie Mackintosh Reserves: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Bronson Murray, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Nick Crosswell, 20 Aaron Smith, 21 Robbie Robinson, 22 Alando Soakai.
Date: Friday, 3 June
Venue: Carisbrook, Dunedin
Kick-off: 19:35 (21:35 AEST)
Referee: Jonathon White
Assistant referees: Vinnie Munro, Kane McBride
TMO: Mike Fraser
