Western Force vs Highlanders: Super Rugby Trans-Tasman live scores

Hey TLN hows it going? Things are good over east. Beautiful autumn weather and the first of the whales floating by Hows things with you?

The Force have the best crowds in the comp. how can you say that? Force has got more turning up than the Tahs

I think they have some very good players coming through (Hosea, Pone, Leota, etc.) and have a good culture in the team. I think they lacked an attack coach. Wessels weren’t the problem, it was the attack coach. Don’t forget they lost most games this year by under a try. Sadly the 7s boys have left now and the depth is exposed. But they’ll be better for it next year. I think they’ll be fine. Just need to play on non competing times to the grade comps in Melbourne. Because a lot of the rugby fan base is involved in the community game.

And he blew his whistle a lot!

Not that I know of.

I saw it I thought highlander dove into that. Nothing Holmes could do. His arm was moving coz he was going to use it in the tackle like you are supposed to

I wasn't aware of Gilbert being injured Highlander. I kind of agree with you that they lack a bit of consistency, but I think Ioane has become less inconsistent and error prone this season. Hunt I've never been a great fan of.

I’m not a fan of having them both on the park at the same time, but last night Gilbert pulled up in the warm up so Ioane started. Issue with them both is consistency, brilliant and error prone in equal measure.

13 582

Berry wasn't consistent on the lineout throw calls though. Pinged Coltman for a crooked throw, the like of which has been allowed pretty well through both comps to date, then Ready throws a similar ball 10mins later and play on. He was also very quick to rule a forward pass on what would have been a Highlanders try (from memory Ioane) when the replay suggested the pass was good.

TBH Highlander, I think Ioane should be at first five and Hunt at fullback. Highlanders always seemed to have the Force's measure (despite Nick Berry's best efforts). Very good win.

and played for Sunnybank

Took Easts to the GF and lost in 2015

My fundamental point is this - the ARU as it then was was right 4/5 years ago. There is not the rugby infrastructure - heritage, depth, supporters - to support super rugby franchises (still the best standard competition in the world outside of test matches) at either the Force or the Rebels. I am asked what my solution would be? Given a blank sheet of paper I would merge the Rebels and the Brumbies. From what I see - and I don't have direct knowledge - there is enough embedded support and interest in the west to build a powerful team and rugby culture - Andrew Forrest's financial support would strengthen this. TO those that point to a good club competition in Melbourne and the long presence of the game in Melbourne - agree. But there is just as much good club competitions across many grades, and support and heritage in places like Newcastle, the Darling Downs, Western Sydney and FNQ ... and they don't demand a super rugby franchise. It is a fact that many millions have been poured into the Rebels by a resource light Australian rugby organisation for a poor return. Anyway I have got away from the point of my initial post ... which is neither the Force or the Rebels really looked like winning at any stage last night. I have offered an assessment as to why this reality is so. Coming up we have the Tahs, Brumbies and Reds and lets hope for Australian rugby at least two of those sides can get a win or be competitive to the death. Can't see it being the Tahs alas so lets hope the Reds and Brums measure up.

Yeah.. he spent just as much time putting his hand through his hair as he did blowing the whistle!

Yeah, that side will suck the joy out of his rugby. Watching the Leicester v Montpellier final on replay. Dire rubbish. One good try and 79 minutes of kicking.

Very impressed with coach Dermody so far in Browns absence. Really thinking his way through the matches. Showed the Force the right level of respect and managed the travel fatigue with the game plan. Nice and tight, none of this helter skelter run from everywhere nonsense. While the Highlanders kicking game from the back field wasn’t as good this week with Hunt having a wobbly and Ioanes decision making below that we saw from Sam Gilbert last time out, it was still a very pragmatic approach. Squeeze the Force, get that two score lead and then be defensively efficient. Force need some creativity with the ball becasue they were never going to run downs three score gap with the one out slow ruck stuff they play. Thought the Highlanders looked pretty comfortable without the ball for most of that game. Can’t fault their heart or endeavour but they are going concede against sides that play quickly from ruck time ( by the way, Highlanders had 100pc ruck efficiency, that’s awesome ) so they are going to need to find a way to score 20+ points if they want a win in this comp. Smith again, Frizzell, Evans, Gregory and Nareki best of our guys for mine.

Anyone remember Steve Walsh? :shocked:

When?

Just signed for Bath. Must love a challenge!