Simon Cron might have been one of the most active head coaches in the off-season market, but until he can find a front-row he can rely on it won’t count for anything.
Up against a physical Hurricanes side who easily won the gain line battle, the Force struggled to gain any strong foothold in their Super Rugby season opener and went down 44-14 at home in Perth.
They weren’t helped by a scrum that repeatedly went down and a lineout that broke down the longer the match went on, the Force won’t need to look further than their set-piece when looking at areas of improvement.
The issue is the set-piece was Cron’s biggest concern last year.
Cron wasn’t helped by losing locks Jeremy Williams (concussion) and Izack Rodda (quad), but the issues up front won’t be fixed overnight given the youth in the prop stocks and Harry Hoopert’s long-term injury earlier this month. Atu Moli, the former All Blacks prop, is one solution.
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The Western Force’s tight-five struggled against the Hurricanes in their season opener at HBF Park on February 23, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The Force’s inability to win the gain line battle and indeed the set-piece denied the home side’s backs the chance to show their skills.
When they got some parity up front, new halves Nic White and Ben Donaldson showed a bit. As did Harry Potter, whose strong leg drive almost saw him score, before White threw a big dummy and scored himself.
Max Burey, the livewire fullback who finished last year at fly-half, also warmed into the match nicely as he started to get his hands on the ball more and attacked the line
But every time the Force took one step forward, they fell two backward quickly by conceding simple tries against a Hurricanes side that were never quite tested
“The Canes came out with plenty of physicality up front and put us on the back foot from the get-go, and we found it pretty hard to get the momentum back,” Donaldson said.
Hurricanes midfielder Jordie Barrett, who showed that he more than just a cannon boot by delivering a marvellous cross-field kick to set up his side’s opener for Joshua Moorby, was ecstatic with the win.
“Very rapt,” Barrett said.
“Round one, away from home in Perth where teams struggle here, particularly early on, so we knew it was going to be a challenge and we’re stoked.”
Barrett was one of his side’s best, as he used his big body well and matched his physicality with strong decision making.
But he was far from alone, with halfback Jordi Viljoen having a night to remember on debut, while the Hurricanes’ forward pack was excellent.
Jordi Viljoen celebrates his maiden Super Rugby try for the Hurricanes at HBF Park on February 23, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Hooker Asafo Aumua led the Hurricanes’ pack, as the long-time heir apparent of Dane Coles stepped out of the shadow to deliver a strong first-up showing.
The All Black’s try in the 53rd minute, as he managed to crash through two defenders, was the decisive blow despite Chase Tiatia hitting back for the Force shortly after.
Flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi meanwhile showed the physicality and doggedness in defence, as he stepped up in the absence of Ardie Savea.
In total, the Hurricanes scored six tries, including two in the final 10 minutes, to run away with the game.
A big setback?
“No,” Cron told Stan Sport. “Every fight you’re going to take a punch in the face.”
But the Force coach will be fully aware that his side must aim up against the Rebels, whose scrum will be a feature of their game this year, next week in Melbourne.
Dualcode
Roar Rookie
I thought Burey was more effective at 10, but yeah Benny looked woeful in his first outing in Force colors.
piru
Roar Rookie
It honestly looked like the Canes had cracked our lineout code, they were all over us on our ball, every time
piru
Roar Rookie
You want tracking devices in your what?!
piru
Roar Rookie
As much as Murphy sh1ts me it's only a couple of things he does I don't like. I do like that he's pedantic on offside. If only there was some kind of additional tier between club and super where we could get up and coming refs time at a higher level before dumping them into the big leagues! NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC
Wrecked 'em
Roar Rookie
Comments like this only highlight your ignorance.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
WAE - I share the pain. We do have have better 2nd row stocks. Rodda and Williams are a big step up. So that will improve the lineout and their presence will lift others. Lack of aggression got to me. Players must step up, but Cron has to crank up their desire.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Yet another example of poor quality coaching. Especially at scrummaging.
piru
Roar Rookie
Yeah if only there was some way to get our best players more games against quality opposition! NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC NRC
piru
Roar Rookie
Not sure why Atu didn't play, he was at Kalamunda rego day yesterday and seemed fine.
piru
Roar Rookie
Donaldson to me just seems to have a script he runs to, doesn't take notice of what's going on, just follows the plan. It's not inspiring.
piru
Roar Rookie
No he didn't.
CUW
Roar Rookie
its a catch 22 right - u cant develop refs without giving them games , but giving them games means rubbish decisons are plenty. from the first week it seems refs are looking at 1. tackler rolling away fast 2. ball cleared inside 5 seconds 3. joining ruck from the hindmost foot neck rolls are off the menu along with offside chasers. wonder what the SH will think of DuPONT law - coz ATM even international test coaches are calling for it to be changed. saw it in application when DMAC cut thru leading to a try!!
robel
Roar Pro
2 days to reflect on what I saw on Friday night, also watched the Wallabies 2023 Doco. I guess that effort and commitment are unlikely to be missing in the lead up to the Force game, just as I doubt the lack of commitment of the Wallabies and coaches last year. Maybe E.J. was right when he was telling Slips that Aust rugby players are not used to being tough competitors, too few games, too little grind. Is this a result of trying to pick “winners” for academies, who then don’t get to experience week in week out grind, even at club level?
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
I hope they don’t dwell on those points. Our attitude was woeful. No spirit and depressing lack of fight. Missed tackles and a remarkable 5 consecutive lost lineouts was humiliating. A humbling night. Not irreversible but Cron needs to earn his money in getting forwards pumped up.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Lineout will improve and backs looked good. (Coach, please no joint captaincy!). Very disappointed with the lack of drive and aggression in the forwards. Wells showed little leadership. Atu Moli will improve things, but we desperately need fresh props. (Small consolation is no longer seeing Viljoen's ponytail).
Doctordbx
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Why would you merge our only decent side the Brumbies. The only side that can beat NZ sides.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
There isnt a good ref anywhere in the world at the moment. Refz decide games. They are super inconsistant and just plain average. No talent around. A curse on the game currently.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Terrence he is a Kiwi. Born in New Plymouth from Samoan heritage.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
His dad played against Morne Du'Plessis in a club comp and was so impressed with him he named his first born after him.