The Force will enter their clash with the pumped-up Crusaders on Friday night with a 1-5 record this season. Tune into The Roar from 9:00pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary, and to see whether or not the Force can get their second win this season.
In the solitary change to the Force’s line-up, coach Michael Foley has given Ross Haylett-Petty another week off after receiving a nasty head-knock in their loss to the Hurricanes last weekend. For this reason, Steve Mafi will make his long-awaited return to the starting line-up, whilst prop Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance off the bench after recovering from his own injury.
Even though Foley and the whole organisation that is the Western Force have been disappointed with the results so far in 2016, there are definitely positives that can be taken away.
“We set about changing the way we play this season by being more dynamic with ball in hand and while we haven’t got the wins we’d all like, we will persevere”, Foley stated.
Meanwhile across the Tasman, the Crusaders have made numerous changes to the side that just trumped the Lions by six points in their round 6 clash.
All-Black Sam Whitelock, flanker Jordan Taufua, exciting scrumhalf Mitchell Drummond and centre Sean Wainui all make their way back into the starting squad, meaning that Scott Barrett, Jimmy Tupou, Andy Ellis and Kieron Fonotia all take their respective places on the bench.
Additionally, Fijian international and former NSW Shute Shield player Ben Volavola returns to the 15 jersey, replacing the injured David Havili and hooker Ged Robinson (formerly a Melbourne Rebel) has been given a chance as a second-fiddle behind Codie Taylor.
For the Crusaders, heading to Western Australia is a difficult task often met with grim results. The Crusaders have only managed to win one of their last three matches in Perth.
However, if you’re a Force fanatic, you’d have to be concerned with the 80 points that the Force have conceded in the last quarter of matches this season – the most by any team. In contrast, the Crusaders have managed to keep a positive differential in all four quarters, only the second team to achieve this.
Prediction
Even though the Crusaders struggle in Perth, it’s likely they will be too strong on Friday night given the form they have shown.
Crusaders by 13.
DT
Guest
How many goes does Taufua get to propel that ball 4ward? Bit dodge I reckon. Anyway, would have been a fairytale if the Force won, but in the end they didn't deserve it given their lack of adventure and set piece shambles. Had plenty of chances from their own scrum feed in the last few minutes to get the pill down the other end but couldn't even manage that.
Kylee
Guest
This is the life of a Western Force fan. Blind hope, momentary glory, ultimate let-down. Same again next week. Arghhhh.
Hello
Roar Rookie
There was a lot of talk about Coleman being the lineout caller. Looking at that he needs to do a lot more work.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Force - 19 Crusaders - 20 The Crusaders JUST triumph over the Force in Perth. Somehow, the Force held on for as long as they could, it just wasn't long enough. In the first half, the Crusaders had all the possession and territory, capitalising on that with points. In the second half, the Crusaders went missing until right at the end, where they were just able to get the job done. For the Force, they tried very hard and almost took the points away, however, their set piece (particularly lineout) was awful. More positives for the Force to take away from this match, but in the end, you can say it was a win that went begging. The Crusaders made too many errors, and were extremely lucky to come away with the points. Thank you for tuning in guys, hope you enjoyed the coverage. I'll be back to cover more tomorrow!
Kylee
Guest
Arghhhhh
Sylvester
Guest
Crusaders were awful but we'll take the win.
RebelRanger
Guest
Shame on the Force and their time wasting tactics. How ironic they needed the time at the end.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'80 - The Force attempt the short kick-off but the Force are penalised for tackling the player in the air.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'79 - TRY! The Crusaders cross the chalk through Taufua just to the left of the posts. Disappointing to be on the receiving end of that if you're a Force fan. They just couldn't hold on! Mo'unga converts and the Crusaders take the lead with 1 minute left. Force - 19 Crusaders - 20
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'78 - The Crusaders left with maybe one opportunity to convert field position into points. The Crusaders have a lineout on the Forces 5m line. Pressure on the Force.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Offloads: Crusaders (20), Force (8)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Volavola off, Macilai on (CRU)
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Handling errors: Crusaders (7), Force (2) Almost all of them have come in the second half as another handling error is made around 15m out from the try line.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'74 - Big turnover for the Crusaders off the back of a Force scrum. May have just shifted momentum substantially in favour of the Crusaders. They get the feed just outside the 22m line of the Force. Crusaders on the attack.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
Charles off, Tessman back on (WF) injury
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'70 - TRY BOTCHED! Mo'unga kicks across field, 5m out, into the hands of McNicholl who KNOCKS IT ON! McNicholl didn't get the bounce he was after and tries to grab at it. Open pasture in front if him and would have seen the Crusaders sit 1 point behind with a kick to come. Anything can happen in rugby.
Nathan Farebrother
Roar Guru
'67 - Crusaders enter the Force's half for one of the only times in the second half. The Force, Mafi I believe, give away a penalty 5m out for being offside. The Crusaders opt for touch and pull down the lineout, they pass the ball down the short-side but get tackled out of play. From there, the ball pulled in from their own lineout but get penalised for a breakdown infringement.
SP
Guest
Carn the Force
Kylee
Guest
Question 3: Yes. A thousand times, yes!
AndyS
Guest
Seriously, would that have been called back if it had been anyone but the Crusaders...?