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MakingNumbers

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Joined August 2020

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I liked the last sentence.

Brumbies vs Force: A test of discipline

Thanks Sheikh, yes largely some subjective calls there. Ultimately the Force have constructed a solid forward pack this year. Lee-Warner and Anstee offer varying contributions to the pack and its been interestingtosee how they have been swapped between run on and reserves this season. As a QLD/WA hybrid, Holmes will always remain this fans favourite!

Brumbies vs Force: A test of discipline

Good point, I did rewatch the match while writing this piece. It was difficult to find many positives given the result. I think the Brumbies will largely stick to their tried and proven tactic particularly with a full strength forward pack. Most sides seem to have had some success in disrupting the rolling maul, however this has largely involved a follow on infringement of some kind giving the Brumbies another chance. Hence the focus on discipline.

Brumbies vs Force: A test of discipline

Hell of a game by the Force. They threw everything into that and it was enough. They now need to do it again next weekend in Canberra. Their defensive lineout and scrum was a real point of difference throughout the night. Reds cruised in the second half but didn’t give anything away cheaply. They made some decsions in the closing minutes which will not be repeated in two weeks time. Ultimately they got good minutes into their entire 23 against an equal opponent.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

All I will say is, if you use a straw, you murder a turtle!

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Yes, they specifically mentioned the Force and Wildcats game could be attended, although masks required. AFL on the weekend will be players and officials only. So the long weekend isn’t completely ruined.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

It’s not cheating if the ref allows it and rewards it 😂

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Love the enthusiasm Gigs!

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

That’s a fair point Sheikh. As I recall the Reds did gain scrum dominance in that match, but Nick Bishop did an interesting post game analysis of the Reds scrum technique in the early SR games, which suggested technical issues. Undoubtedly, Holmes wealth of knowledge in this aspect of the game is a huge asset to the Force.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Thanks PS. Good observation, I hope Kearneys inclusion will tighten up the attacking back play. McGregor was outstanding at home last weekend, but Kearney may provide a point of leadership.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Cheers RR,
Yes Kaitu’u’s job at scrum time is made easier with the likes of Holmes and Robinson in the front row. This confidence has likely propelled his game around the park.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Unfortunately, I think us Force fans will find ourselves cheering on the Tahs tomorrow evening.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Appreciated Jimbo,

Yes the Reds have treated every game this season as a must win. Importantly they have reached the end of the season with a fit and dominant squad, with tough competition to crack the game day 23! It is the strength of the wider squad that has set them apart from the other clubs this season.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Perfect summary Freddie! One more season for the Force and they should iron out many of those drops in concentration. But at the moment the Reds are just too good.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Yes Bluey, there is a feeling that regardless of who makes the play off, the task of toppling the Brumbies in Canberra will be too much for either the Force or Rebels.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

It may have come off a bit nasty towards the Tah’s. This was not intended, I believe they have the ability to put one over the Rebels this Saturday and here’s hoping they do!

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Yes BF, I hope they stick with Sampson, I have heard that ex-force player Matt Hodgson speak quite appraisingly of Sampson. It is a big step up to Coach at SR level and without the NRC there is an obvious gap in our domestic coaching development.

Cutting the pack: Force vs Reds

Hi Nick, this has possibly been asked before. At the international coaching level, how do you manage the risk/reward of debuting development players when it is not clear that they unseat their incumbent. I am particularly thinking of Western Force hooker Feleti Kaitu’u, given his recent performances, there is a sense he is showing more promise than test incumbents Folau Fainga’a and Jordan Uelese. With Brandon Paenga Amosa certain to the take the yellow No. 2, should Dave Rennie risk having a debutant hooker on the bench over the likes of tried and tested Fainga’a and Uelese?

Get your questions in for Issue 9 of Coach's Corner

I am a big fan of Hodge, all of the Super AU franchises wouldn’t think twice if offered his services. His selection at 10 in the TRC last year was largely due to a lack of fit alternatives. That being said he did a remarkable job, particularly with two inexperienced centres outside him. However this is his strength, he is a competent choice at all positions in the backline, but unfortunately for him, not a first choice at any.

Rebels and Reds in the battle of the halves

Cheers JC, I enjoyed your article this morning as well!

Rebels and Reds in the battle of the halves

Thanks, yes this article could have taken a number of directions. The contest between the front rows will be particularly entertaining. Will the reds attain scrum dominance? The rebels front row are certainly no pushovers.

Rebels and Reds in the battle of the halves

Agree, he is a good quality backline utility, but FB appears to be his most natural position. In the midfield his defensive qualities are his best attribute. I think he will remain a strong contender for gold jersey due to his versatility.

Rebels and Reds in the battle of the halves

Thanks MZ,

Yes the Reds rightly go in as hot favourites. But as a long time reds supporter, I have watched them stumble to often to ever be confident. If JOC and Thorne want this win, they need to do more than just turn up. Penney would have drilled a plan into his team this week and they need to execute it. Here’s hoping we are delivered wonderful game on Saturday night! And not a one sided affair!

Could the Waratahs deliver the upset of the season?

Thanks AH, the clear solution to losing our best players to overseas franchises, is simply to invent new ones. Michael Giteau, Sam Larkham and Dave Carter could all help solve our talent gap at no. 10. As for our problems in the second row, I have a feeling Joseph Eales may develop into something special!

Could the Waratahs deliver the upset of the season?

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