Super 15: Brumbies vs Western Force. Canberra Stadium (24/2/2012, 08:40 GMT)

[Darwin]

Canberra Stadium, Canberra (24/2/2012, 08:40 GMT)

Referee: Bryce Lawrence
AR1: Andrew Lees
AR2 : James Leckie
TMO : Matt Goddard

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

How are the Force looking this year after losing O'Connor among others?

 

[Darwin]

How are the Force looking this year after losing O'Connor among others?

Not great, but better than the Brumbies who have lost Giteau, Chisholm, Ashley-Cooper, Chapman, Salvi, Ma'afu, Elsom + a number of others...

 

[Gavin]

Can't see the Western Force winning this match. They have lost their main player and even though Pocock is immense he can't carry the team.

 

[Darwin]

Can't see the Western Force winning this match. They have lost their main player and even though Pocock is immense he can't carry the team.

I think almost the complete opposite: though the Force may be slightly weaker than last season, I think they look like a much better team than the Brumbies, who have lost over half of their (not that impressive) team from last season. I expect the Brumbies team to be full of debutants, that will take a few months to adjust to Super Rugby.

 

[Gavin]

I think almost the complete opposite: though the Force may be slightly weaker than last season, I think they look like a much better team than the Brumbies, who have lost over half of their (not that impressive) team from last season. I expect the Brumbies team to be full of debutants, that will take a few months to adjust to Super Rugby.

That's very true. Must admit the appointment of Jake White as Brumbies coach is a huge advantage and he ought to bring stability to the team.

 

[Gena_ZA]

Think the Force will take this one, good loosies and strong centres. Time this team performs.

 

[Dizzy]

Man, with the ommission of all those Brumbies, I'd also have to go with the Force on this one...

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

vBookie Brumbies-Force

For the first Aussie derby, also a vBookie...

 

[Darwin]

For the first Aussie derby, also a vBookie...

We have two options for the Force by 7 or less... I don't know which one to choose

 

[Feicarsinn]

Hmmm, looks a touch like a cripple fight this one. Early days perhaps, but if the Brumbies are to have any chance of not finishing bottom on the Australian conference they've got to win this one in my book.

 

[TRF_Ezequiel]

We have two options for the Force by 7 or less... I don't know which one to choose

Fixed

 

[Zed]

I think almost the complete opposite: though the Force may be slightly weaker than last season, I think they look like a much better team than the Brumbies, who have lost over half of their (not that impressive) team from last season. I expect the Brumbies team to be full of debutants, that will take a few months to adjust to Super Rugby.

Yeah the Brumbies are probably looking at being cellar dwellers this year. WF not far behind them! Unfortunately..

 

[TNT88]

I'm not so confident after our trial form. This one will be close, I hope our forwards get us through. (and our 11/14/15 being back at full strength will help)

 

[TNT88]

Brumbies:

1. Ben Alexander
2. Stephen Moore
3. Dan Palmer
4. Leon Power
5. Sam Carter
6. Peter Kimlin
7. Ita Vaea
8. Ben Mowen (c)
9. Nic White
10. Matt Toomua
11. Jesse Mogg
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Andrew Smith
14. Henry Speight
15. Robbie Coleman

16. Anthony Hegarty
17. Ruaidhri Murphy
18. Scott Fardy
19. Michael Hooper
20. Ian Prior
21. Zack Holmes
22. Joseph Tomane

Force:

1 Pek Cowan
2 Nathan Charles
3 Salesi Ma'afu
4 Toby Lynn,
5 Nathan Sharpe
6 Matt Hodgson
7 David Pocock
8 Ben McCalman
9 Brett Sheehan
10 James Stannard
11 Napolioni Nalaga
12 Rory Sidey
13 Winston Stanley
14 Nick Cummins
15 Alfie Mafi

Reserves
16 Elvis Taione,
17 Kieran Longbottom
18 Phoenix Battye
19 Angus Cottrell
20 Justin Turner
21 Ben Seymour
22 Sam Wara

 

[Darwin]

After looking through those two lineups I'm even more convinced of a Force win. I think the Brumbies have an edge in the front row, but in all other areas I believe the Force are superior. Even though the Brumbies have the home advantage I'm picking the Force by 10-15.

 

[TRF Mr Fish]

God I don't recognise half those players...

 

[TNT88]

Jake White has played 3 big backrowers instead of a traditional "fetcher", to take on Hodgeson and Pocock. The plan is probably to smash them off the ball (if they can keep up!).

Just something interesting to look out for if you are a neutral viewer.

 

[Darwin]

Jake White has played 3 big backrowers instead of a traditional "fetcher", to take on Hodgeson and Pocock. The plan is probably to smash them off the ball (if they can keep up!).

Just something interesting to look out for if you are a neutral viewer.

Good point - I hadn't actually picked that up initially! I was assuming (without even looking properly at the lineup..) that Colby Faingaa would be at 7, but I hear he is still out injured. I suppose it is not surprising that White hasn't gone a traditional 'fetcher' as he's always subscribed to the 'bigger is better' mentality. I really think the Force are going to destroy the Brumbies at the breakdown.

 

[Dizzy]

Gonna be good to see Winston Stanley get alot more game time than he did with the Blues. This is the Force's game to lose really.