Western Force coach Michael Foley is confident his team are on the verge of turning their season around, but he knows they’ll need more than a man in a banana suit to stop the Crusaders on Friday night.
The Force have snared just one win from six Super Rugby matches this season to fall out of the finals picture again.
But they showed enough encouraging signs in last week’s 32-20 loss to defending champions the Highlanders in New Zealand to suggest things are on the improve.
Foley is adamant his players have kept faith in the new attacking game plan, and he hopes they’ll be rewarded with a win against the Crusaders.
But it won’t be an easy task.
The Crusaders have scored 20 tries in their recent four-match winning run, including six in last week’s 43-37 triumph over the Lions in South Africa.
However, Perth has proven to be somewhat of a stumbling block to Super Rugby’s most successful team, who have posted just two wins and a draw from five visits there.
Their last appearance at nib Stadium in 2013 was particularly memorable.
The Crusaders were left fuming after a number of pitch invaders ran onto the ground while the NZ outfit was launching a potentially match-winning attack in the dying minutes.
One invader was dressed in a banana suit, another in his underwear, while a third was painted in Crusaders colours.
Crusaders centre Ryan Crotty tackled the banana man, while assistant coach Dave Hewett took down another.
The Crusaders failed to score after that and lost the match 16-14, with the result putting a dent in their bid to win the New Zealand conference.
Foley said although his side boast a decent record against the Crusaders in Perth, it wouldn’t count for much come Friday night.
“I certainly remember the last time we played them here – we had streakers and all sorts of things, so it was a fairly eventful night,” Foley said.
“But both teams are very different from the teams that played that night.”
Foley is confident his side are on the verge of breaking through for some wins.
“We don’t console ourselves with close losses,” Foley said.
“We are remaining true – trying to keep the ball in hand and do a little bit more with it.
“The guys are believing in how we’re trying to play.
“We’re not hoping for next year, we’re hoping for now.”
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder has made five changes to his starting side in a bid to keep players fresh, with All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock and halfback Mitchell Drummond among the inclusions.
DJW
Guest
The Force have returned from 3 weeks in NZ. So no advantage this time,
CUW
Guest
nope , ben volavola the back and the fijian jone the sub. it seems he coach thinks dagg is another week away from super rugger. reports said he had played 30 minutes of club rugger and scored a try. i remember onetime - cory jane went straight to all blacks with that king of prep :)
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Is Israel getting a run this week. He has the ability to change their game up and adds some of that pace. He has flown over to meet them.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
It is always a tough gig on the way home from two weeks in SA. A big advantage to the Force but this time looks the Crusaders time.
Old Bugger
Guest
You may be right but the Saders of late, have had that innate ability to not only find the web, but also the banana skin. Slippery??? You betcha.....!!! There you go - I've let the ounce out of the bag....haha!!
Ralph
Roar Guru
It's a slippery banana skin web you weave OB.
Old Bugger
Guest
Never underestimate anyone who believes, they are at the top of their game.......but, we may over-estimate what a banana skin can do, when anyone steps on it.......I think you'll agree, there's an ounce of something, in there somewhere. Jus an ounce, mind you.....I wouldn't want to be seen as being, overly-generous.
CUW
Guest
Despite the trys and all, Crusaders are a comparatively slow team . Only really quick guy is McNichol and even he last lost a yard after all the injuries. if Force can attack from deep and break the line, there is always a chance to score. also no need to mention that nandolo is the biggest threat - both figuratively and literally. :) fro crusaders , whitelock will have to come up with a big game, he has been quite this season and hasnot been the industrios self. also the under 20 center wainui shud stake a claim for a permanent starting spot. dagg is held back for another week. not sure how volavola will do at 15.
CUW
Guest
yeah , dont auzzy cricketers eat a banana at every drinks break , especially when they are batting :D
Ralph
Roar Guru
Hang on a moment -- banana's are high in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and have good levels of Potassium and Folate. Plus all the goodness of a sugar hit. Don't under estimate the banana man!
Old Bugger
Guest
Banana man may not but, the banana skin just might do the trick......it has before, when the Saders have called into Perth.