The Canes should start this game as firm favourites, especially as the Force have lost their two top first-five options (O'Coonor and Ripia). O'Coonors loss will be particularly hard on them, as he's almost single-handedly keep the Force in a number of games this year. It will be interesting to see how Stannard goes at 10, given he is far more familiar at halfback (at least at Super Rugby level).
The Force probably have better locks as well as an edge in the loose-forward trio, but the Canes look to have an advantage in most other areas. It will be good to see Coles get some extended game time for the Hurricanes. Though he doesn't have the same workrate or ability at the breakdown as Hore, he does give the Canes another attacking option, and could cause the Force a lot of problems with his running wide of the ruck. I'm particularly looking forward to the matchup between McCalman and Vito at number 8. Vito has been in great form this year, but the problem for him is that the other AB's contenders for the 6/8 jersey (Messem/Thomson) have been in arguable even better form (Messem in particular over recent weeks). It will certainly be a another good game for Vito to show what he's got against a high-quality Force loose-trio.
Interesting to see Weepu is still on the bench. It was clear he was nowhere near full fitness in his last game, but hopefully his fitness level is increasing ever week. It is going to be an important game for the a number in the Canes back division, with Nonu, Smith, Gear, and Jane wanting to show some late season form before the AB's are picked for the Tri-nations. Realistically neither Nonu nor Smith are under any real pressure, but will want to get the best of the inexperienced mid-field duo they are facing. Hosea Gear and Cory Jane however may be feeling a bit of heat from a number of outside backs, so similarly need to show that they are at the top of their games. It will be good to watch the matchup between ex-Hurricane David Smith and Andre Taylor, as both are very elusive players (though Taylor is a much more complete player).
I'm picking the Canes to take it by 15-20 points.
i hope the AB players have a good run...Jane, Nonu, Smith, Gear, Weepu, Tialata, Hore, Vito.....
