Western Force coach Simon Cron has revealed he gave some of his players a rocket for wearing the wrong types of studs in last week’s 48-13 Super Rugby Pacific loss to the Crusaders.
The Force endured scrum problems throughout the match, and it didn’t take long for Cron to realise some of his players were wearing studs not suited for a game in Christchurch.
Cron didn’t name names, but said some players in the “back five” of the forward pack were at fault.
“It was really evident that a couple of our guys last week were slipping from the first scrum,” Cron told reporters on Wednesday.
“In Christchurch, the field was dewy and a bit soft on top.
“So if you put in 14s or 12s – or even plastics in the front of your boots like we discovered one (player) did – then you’re basically on ice skates.
“It’s like pushing around with socks on a gym floor.
“About 62-65 per cent of your power at scrum time comes from your back five. So if they’re slipping, our front row are at a hiding.
“I didn’t miss with my shots and bullets. The boys owned it, fixed it, it won’t happen again.”
Force prop Tom Robertson, who missed the game through a calf injury, was also shocked.
“It was hard to watch when a lot of our back five (of the forward pack) were on ice skates,” he said.
“It’s like going to the cricket without your bat – you’ve really got to have the right equipment.
“We’ve spoken about how that was unacceptable at this level, and I dare say they won’t let that happen again.”
Robertson and hooker Folau Fainga’a are the big inclusions for Friday night’s crunch clash with Fijian Drua at HBF Park.
Fainga’a has battled an Achilles heel injury all season and hasn’t featured since playing in the round-five loss to the Blues.
Simon Cron (rugby.com.au)
Robertson is back after missing two matches with a calf strain.
Their experience and class could prove critical as the Force (3-7) attempt to snap a two-match losing run that has resulted in them tumbling to 11th spot on the Super Rugby Pacific ladder.
Fijian Drua are four points ahead of the Force in eighth spot, making Friday’s clash a crucial encounter in the race for a top-eight berth.
Force No.8 Rahbni Vosayaco returns to the starting line-up following the birth of his son, with recent signing Isi Naisarani relegated to the bench.
Prop Angus Wagner is back after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
It’s not like I’m picking a whole different bag. But I won’t always bring all the different options of recovery clubs, fairway woods,etc. I have a couple more than the permitted 14. So what I bring can vary. And I think it’s always important to check you balls. :silly:
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Which clubs to take? Which balls? You don’t sound like an amateur if you’re thinking that much about your golf Paulo ;) I disagree mate that the coaches have no responsibility. They’re equally responsible for not knowing their players are rocking up with moulds.
KTinHK
Roar Pro
All very well to tell them off after the game but he's the coach.... it's his job is to make sure it doesn't happen... before the game. The buck stops with Cron.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
What are they? 10 year olds? I play (very) amateur golf as a hobby, but even for a hit out at a new course I look at what balls I should use and which clubs to take. For a professional to not take the same care with their own gear, especially something as important as sprigs to a rugby player, is inexcusable. The coaches have enough to worry about without mollycoddling them.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Players are professionals, they need to own it.
Wig
Roar Rookie
The ref used to line both teams up in the 70s walk down each line and check us for dangerous sprigs etc etc :laughing: .
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Seriously, the Coach has to tell professional players what studs to use. Unbelievable !
GusTee
Roar Pro
Interesting - but who is the author or originator of this contribution - Julian Assange?
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Buck stops with the coach. How do you not spot their boots in the warm up? And go, hmm in NZ that won’t fly.
charels
Aren't the players well paid professionals? Does Mum still send them off with a cut lunch? Players should look after their own gear.
savant
Roar Rookie
Spot on. That’s a coach who has failed to get the detail right.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
I’ve got to ask, who’s checking this? I mean you’re heading to NZ the conditions don’t change. Who’s checking before they get on the plane or at training during the week?!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Wow! Amateur hour. Tahs had James Turner show up in NZ with the wrong boots once, but he was an amateur!