Western Force coach Michael Foley has no interest in pumping up his return to Sydney to face the NSW Waratahs for the first time this Sunday, solely focusing on keeping the Perth-based Super Rugby franchise improving.
Foley spent the last four years with the Waratahs, including as coach in 2012, but if he feels there’s any added significance to Sunday’s Allianz Stadium, he’s not letting on.
The Force have won just once from five games so far this season, but it was a supremely victory over Queensland before last Saturday night’s 19-10 loss to the Cheetahs in Perth.
The Waratahs scored a thrilling win over the Blues last Sunday, but Foley was not prepared to say much much more than they’re playing well.
“They have plenty of threats and are playing good footy. I want to see our team take a step forward from last week,” Foley said.
“Our defence is slowly getting stronger and stronger, but the key point for us out of the game is that our attack has to be more disciplined with how we look after the ball, and the decisions we make are crucial for us to build pressure in the game.”
The Force have had some mixed news on the injury front with hooker Nathan Charles ruled out of the rest of the season with a knee problem.
However, Ben Whittaker returns to help Heath Tessman in that role while Sian Ebersohn (hip) and Pek Cowan (ribs) trained strongly on Tuesday after copping knocks on Saturday night.
“It looks like we have been a bit lucky again albeit Nathan’s injury is disappointing. The rest of the guys seemed to have pulled up pretty well,” he said.
Matthew Skellett
Guest
I don't want to be too negativo but I'm putting the family house on Foley not completing the season :-)
Malo
Guest
Hessman and delit played great for easts last year, good luck for the force, lots of sydney players coming home such as the manly crew as well. should be close game. Foleys half time speeches dont seem to work.
Blue Blood
Guest
Hooper vs Hodgson. With Alcock as the impact player. Hodgson needs to start to lead the team. Cowan doesn't appear to have the talk and natural leadership that Hodgson has in spades. hodgson's impact off the bench last week coming back from injury compared to Alcock who played most of the game was far superior. not sure Alcock knows innately where he needs to be during running play. As a result he decreases his involvement in the game. On the flip side Hodgson reads it like a book. I think Hodgson works better with the his peers than Alcock. this is likely die to his experience advantage at Super and international level. What a great 7s competition.
Flying 14
Guest
I just hope Foley gets the boys really fired up for this one. The Tahs will want payback for last year.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Reckon Foley has the Tahs match on his calendar for the last 6 months and so should he.
Flying 14
Guest
Bad news about Cheese but great news if Sias and Cowan are fit. I can't wait to see Alcock vrs Hooper. Should be s good battle! I hope both tea play some good rugby.