The Western Force’s off-field problems will be forgotten for 80 minutes as they aim to end a nine-year hoodoo against the Blues, while Tana Umaga’s men are looking to make it two in a row against international opposition at Eden Park.
The Blues
The Blues started the season on fire, thumping the Rebels in Melbourne to the tune of 56-18, but then their season stuttered with three consecutive losses to their NZ rivals. They got themselves back on track last week with a solid 38-14 defeat of the Bulls, blitzing them with five second-half tries.
They get an opportunity to restore parity to their record at home before travelling to Dunedin next week.
TJ Faiane – gets his first start in Super Rugby
While Tana Umaga’s men have shown glimpses of dominance so far, notably in the win in Melbourne and the second half of last weekend’s game, they have made basic errors too often, which has seen them struggle to put 80 minutes together.
Much is expected of experienced players such as Jerome Kaino and Charlie Faumuina, while a backline including Augustine Pulu, George Moala and Matt Duffie has the ability to turn it on when required. Umaga has chosen to relegate Reiko Ioane to the bench, handing a starting debut to TJ Faiane at second-five while giving flanker Murphy Taramai the start over Blake Gibson.
Dane Haylett-Petty – back in the team after a rest
The Force
The Force head to Eden Park on the back of a 45-17 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch and are hoping to end this trip on a high note. The Perth-based team will lament sloppy defence and not taking chances in losses to the Tahs and Brumbies, though they picked up a solitary win at home against the Reds.
Known for strong defence and a lacklustre attack, this season the Force have shown flashes of running rugby to give even the most disapproving fans hope, but second-half fadeouts and poor discipline are costing the team big.
Head Coach Dave Wessels has brought Dane Haylett-Petty back into the fold after resting him for the Crusaders. He is still missing Adam Coleman, Ben McCalman and Brynard Stander, and also those injured last week against the Crusaders – Jermaine Ainsley and Curtis Rona.
At least injuries have given a great opportunity for younger players to fill the void. Although Future Force graduates Kane Koteka and Richard Hardwick are inexperienced they have been valuable replacements, and we’ve also seen debuts for Richie Arnold, Onehunga Havili and Alex Newsome. Saturday’s game also sees the return of club legend Matt Hodgson, who pulls on the 7 jersey once more, and Billy Meakes at inside centre.
Augustine Pulu – has key match-up with Ryan Louwrens
Key match ups
Battle of the Nines – Augustine Pulu has been one of the Blues’ best players this season, leading the team in clean breaks while also providing the tactical spark the team has needed. His direct opponent, Ryan Louwrens, has been a revelation at 9 for the Force, with his quick thinking and ability to run the ball being key to the Force this season. Both players are aiming for international honours and the winner of this battle will go a long way to deciding which team walks away happy.
Scrum Battle – The Auckland-based side’s front row of Manu, Parsons and Faumuina are dangerous and will provide a tough match up for the Force players.
The loss of talented young THP Jermaine Ainsley will mean a return to the starting line-up for Tetera Faulkner, though Wallabies LHP Ben Daley and hooker Tatafu Polota Nau start for the second time in a row.
The Force scrum held their own against the Crusaders and will need to do so again if they are to leave Eden Park with the win. One to watch for the Force is Shambeckler Vui, the reserve tight head prop. A star for Australia in the 2016 World Under 20s and eligible for 2017, the 19-year-old is considered one of Australia’s brightest forward prospects.
All six of the front rowers will have to be at the top of their game if they want to keep the Blues scrum in check.
Shambeckler Vui – Aus U20s v Italy 2016 – bright prospect
Key points
Force Discipline – If the Force want to give themselves an opportunity of winning, they need to stop giving referees the opportunity to penalise them. Rohan Hoffman did them no favours last week and a Ross Haylett-Petty yellow card cost them a shot at a win in Canberra. In Round 1 the Waratahs took full advantage of penalties with Reece Robinson knocking over 12 of the Waratahs 19 points from the kicking tee. Giving the Blues field position and shots at goal will add unnecessary pressure to the Force and could cost them.
Ross Haylett-Petty – yellow card in Canberra was costly
Unstructured Play – Like most teams from New Zealand, the Blues are strong in irregular play. The Force will need to make sure their kicks find touch or grass to stop the Blues unleashing their backs in space and using field position to their advantage. Through the first five rounds the Force’s kicking hasn’t been spectacular, something they need to make sure of Saturday afternoon.
Prediction
The last time the Force won in New Zealand was in 2014, beating the Highlanders in Dunedin, while it’s been nine years since the Force have tasted Super Rugby success against the Blues. It’s going to take a monumental effort for the men from the West to find a win, but if they can take their chances and stand strong in defence for 80 minutes, an upset could be on the cards. After a week of turmoil, the team will be bursting to show itself on the field.
The Blues are members of the world’s strongest rugby conference, and if they want to be in with a shout come late July, these are the games they need to be winning. Using their exciting backline to full effect would put them in the driver’s seat to nab the four points. If the Blues take advantage of any chances early, it’ll be tough to see them being caught.
Blues by 12
Matt Hodgson – back in the team
[one_third last=”no”]
Blues
1. Pauliasi Manu
2. James Parsons
3. Charlie Faumuina
4. Gerard Cowley-Tuioti
5. Patrick Tuipulotu
6. Jimmy Tupou
7. Murphy Taramai
8. Jerome Kaino
9. Augustine Pulu
10. Piers Francis
11. Melani Nanai
12. TJ Faiane
13. George Moala
14. Matt Duffie
15. Mike Collins
Reserves:
16. Matt Moulds
17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi
18. Sione Mafileo
19. Scott Scrafton
20. Akira Ioane
21. Billy Guyton
22. Ihaia West
23. Rieko Ioane
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”no”]
Force
1. Ben Daley
2. Tatafu Polota-Nau
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Matt Philip
5. Richie Arnold
6. Ross Haylett-Petty
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Isi Naisarani
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Jono Lance
11. Alex Newsome
12. Billy Meakes
13. Marcel Brache
14. Chance Peni
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves:
16. Anaru Rangi
17. Pek Cowan
18. Shambeckler Vui
19. Richard Hardwick
20. Kane Koteka
21. Michael Ruru
22. Ian Prior
23. Robbie Coleman
[/one_third]
[one_third last=”yes”]
Match Details
Date: Saturday, 1 April 2017
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 17.15 local, 15:15 AEDT
Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)
Assistant referees:
Ben O’Keefe (NZ), James Doleman (NZ)
TMO: Glenn Newman (NZ)
[/one_third]
