Super 15: Reds vs Western Force. Suncorp Stadium (3/3/2012, 08:40 GMT)

[Darwin]

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (3/3/2012, 08:40 GMT)

Referee: Glen Jackson
AR1: Ian Smith
AR2: Simon Moore
TMO: Steve Leszczynski​

 

[Darwin]

vBookie: Reds vs Force

vBookie added

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Both of these were great fixtures last year, although James O'Connor had a lot to do with that.

Anyone know if us Nordies can get it?

 

[Feicarsinn]

I may watch this one if I can find a decent stream, always enjoy a good contrast of styles. Anyone know when the line up's are named?

 

[Darwin]

I may watch this one if I can find a decent stream, always enjoy a good contrast of styles. Anyone know when the line up's are named?

I'd expect the teams will be announced this afternoon (NZT) - probably sometime early tomorrow morning Ireland time.

The Reds have a few injury worries at hooker, with both their first-choice hookers (Faingaa and Hanson) in doubt, meaning they may be playing a virtual rookie at hooker (Albert Anae), who up until a couple of years ago was a prop.... I'd say Nathan Sharpe and co. will definitely be targeting the lineout!


EDIT - Reds named:

Luke Morahan, Dom Shipperley, Ben Tapuai, Jono Lance, Digby Ioane, Mike Harris, Will Genia; Radike Samo, Beau Robinson, Jake Schatz, James Horwill (capt), Rob Simmons, James Slipper, Albert Anae, Ben Daley.
Reserves:James Hanson, Greg Holmes, Van Humphries, Eddie Quirk, Liam Gill, Ben Lucas, Rod Davies

A few (mainly injured enforced) changes from last weekend. Anae gets his starting debut at hooker (though Hanson is fir enough to take his place on the bench). Samo comes back in at number 8, with Schatz moving to 6 to replace Higginbotham, who is out with a "gluteus muscle" injury.... In the backs, Lance replaces the injured Faingaa (hamstring) in the midfield, with Tapuai moving out to centre, while the Reds welcome back Rod Davies onto the bench.

Force named:
Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Winston Stanley, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, David Pocock (capt), Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'afu, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan.
Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Ben Seymour, Rory Sidey, Sam Wara

 

[Seaton]

Rain in Australia, at tis time of year?

Lies. Lies I tell you!

Mike Harris just looks too good a kicker to leave out the side once Cooper is fit, 21 out of 21 is a good feat.

Been an interesting game which has threatened to go one way at times but the Force have forced errors at times to halt the Reds.

David Pocock eat your heart out.

 

[big ginger 8]

22 out of 22. Has to be kept in the team when Cooper's back. Can Harris play 12? I know Cooper can but he has to be 10 because of his partnership with Genia would be a nicely balanced 10-12 axis.

 

[TNT88]

Harris played 12 last season until he was injured. So either he'll move there or fullback.

 

[Ostrayian]

yeah he did play 12 but i think they'll move him to fullback judging by morahans kicking game and tapuai at 12 and faingaa at 13.

 

[Ostrayian]

Force will be kicking themselves they didnt push harder for harris.

 

[Hulk Hogan]

Harris will move to 15 when Quade comes back, or McKenzie may even play Quade at 15 for a game or two.

 

[cyRil]

...Cos you'd love to see Quade Cooper as your last line of defence...

 

[big ginger 8]

...Cos you'd love to see Quade Cooper as your last line of defence...

In fairness he defended there last year and did pretty well.