Having just returned from tonight’s sell-out Force Vs Crusaders match, there are a few things that stick in my mind very clearly.
It will be very hard to sack John Mitchell, not only because his pay out would be huge, but whatever the truth is that lies behind all the rumours, he is immensely popular here in Perth.
Prior to kick off, a light plane flew overhead trailing a message ‘THE MEMBERS SUPPORT MITCH’. Who paid for it, I don’t know. But it wouldn’t exactly be cheap.
It was clearly an unofficial reminder to the powers that be that despite their own popularity, the players will not be allowed to run the club. It is rare to find a supporter group who identify with the coach ahead of the playing group, but then some of the players have let the team down badly in the recent past.
Many spectators were also wearing specially created black singlets with white writing saying: ‘We support Mitch’.
The question for the board is to risk losing marquee players by sticking with Mitchell or risk alienating the membership base by removing him.
It’s a lose-lose situation.
Aside from that thorny issue, a full house and a party atmosphere at a ramshackle old ground proved to be a massive improvement on Subiaco Oval. The future lies here, and if they can’t make the move in the next few years, the Force will go under.
Subi is killing them.
Finally, they may have a different coach, but the Crusaders will be up there again. Their ability to maintain possession for long periods, clean out the ruck with clinical efficiency and speed, and their support play are superb.
The Force were super in defence and their fitness looks good, but they couldn’t match the Kiwis’ ability to make the ball work for them. The more things change, the more they stay the same!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
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