You will be forgiven if you think this match is as clear cut as previous encounters may suggest. The Rebels and Force have met six times, the Rebels walking away with five victories and the Force only one.
The margin of victory has never exceeded more than a score, in all likelihood this weekend’s clash between these two teams will once again be a nail biter for their supporters.
Last five:
| 2/4/2011 | Force Rebels 25-26 |
| 17/06/2011 | Rebels Force 24-27 |
| 23/03/2012 | Rebels Force 30-29 |
| 20/05/2012 | Force Rebels 31-32 |
| 15/02/2013 | Rebels Force 30-23 |
| 6/4/2013 | Force Rebels 23-30 |
The Rebels will be full of confidence after dismantling the Cheetahs and the Force are fresh from being dismantled by the Brumbies.
For an opening salvo the sheer statistics of the Rebels against the Cheetahs is in fact mind boggling, they have beaten 42 defenders and made 17 clean breaks in one match and the Force will have their work cut out to stop this new look speed of attack from the Rebels.
Tom English has been a revelation last week, beating 11 defenders and making 3 clean breaks, the Force will have to watch him closely. Luke Burgess will be equally dangerous from behind the breakdowns.
In contrast to the Rebels, the Force have been ill disciplined at the breakdown, but the Rebels were running the show against the Cheetahs, the pace with which they hit the rucks is likely to change if the Force can counter them, something the Cheetahs have not been able to do.
The Rebels have also not really been tested in the line outs by the Cheetahs whereas the Force has shown they can be equally as effective at the front, middle or back of the line out.
For both these teams the set phases will be of crucial importance, the breakdown battle as in most cases will determine which team gains front foot ball and can therefor send their backs onto attack.
I think the Rebels have shown they can be dangerous on attack, but let’s not forget it has been one game against a woeful Cheetahs team.
From a neutrals perspective this should be an interesting match. The Rebels have sounded the alarm that they are ready for big things this season, their aim to entertain in the truly Aussie style of rugby; the Force have always been competitive against the Rebels, and although they have two losses against the Waratahs and Brumbies in their first two outings of the season, you can expect them to see this battle as their first real opportunity for success.
Will Foley select Sias Ebersohn at 10 for this match or will he continue with Zack Holmes?
Will the back row combination of Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson and Chris Alcock be able to dominate against Higginbotham and his charges?
Will the Force allow Burgess and Hegarty the space to make the play the Cheetahs did?
And how are they going to shut down Tome English?
My tip for this match, Rebels by more than seven.
Join us on the live blog for match updates and some banter.
roardog
Guest
Buzzard did you watch the Hurricanes game Mowen didn,t panic when they were down 13-3 ,that is the difference between a good Captain and a ordinary one and it,s not the first time he has done go back to the Cheetahs game last year.
Mike
Guest
With someone of the experience of O'Connor at 10 sure. Hegarty is a decent super rugby 10, but he is not up to doing this.
Cheers Digger.
Lions are trying hard this season, it is clear they lack experience, but I bet they will scare a few teams this season.
Digby
Roar Guru
Oh well, thanks for the chat lads. Have a good night.
Digby
Roar Guru
He is not a favourite i must admit. I note BDP fell rather heavily on his opposite on the last scrum. Think he had had enough and rightly so!
Jaco Peyper is just clueless here, Lions are scrumming dangerously up, almost breaking Bismarck's neck, twice.
Digby
Roar Guru
Well, they are better than some others in favour ;)
felix
Guest
Both these halfbacks should be boks under normal circumstances wouldnt you agree
Digby
Roar Guru
I like the spirit of this Lions team! They ain't giving in! Great stuff. Their little halfback is a wee fighter isn't he?
Digby
Roar Guru
You lads have a tough trip alright!! Mate, i have been quietly wondering to myself whether we may only get the chiefs in this year!
felix
Guest
Digger fancy knocking the blues and saders out of contention to sneak in with the Chiefs,seriously I cannot believe the Stormers fixtures: Chiefs,Reds and them Brumbies after we played the Saders today,who makes these fixtures??
felix
Guest
That step of Reinach should have A.Smith wondering who'se that "sick" kid if only we had a not so Bull coach :-)
Digby
Roar Guru
Haha ;) birds are up singing this morning!
Digby
Roar Guru
;) kids and pets help keep the sleep away
Nah, it 7h00 in NZ now, Digger went to bed with the birds last night. ;)
felix
Guest
I'm amased you are still awake Digger,we had a few kiwi's here but I guess a good nights sleep got the better of them :-),are you batman or something?
Digby
Roar Guru
:)
Of course we are, I don't miss any game in Super Rugby. ;)
felix
Guest
Not too many ticks in CT ;-) ,Lions wont die wondering,are they better than the Kings of last year,I think so,lots of fight