Force Look to Put Their Offseason Blues Behind Them

Blues (2008 Position: Sixth)

V Force (2008 Position: Eighth)

@ Subiaco Oval Perth – 7:45pm local

Head to head: Played 3, Blues 2, Force 1

Last match: Blues 17 Western Force 27 @ Albany (New Zealand)

The Force will be hoping to break their first round bogey, having lost every opening match of their Super seasons so far. It has been a tumultuous recent few months for the Perth based franchise, with rumours abounding the Matt Giteau, their star player was looking at an early exit, and more recently discontent between their players and head coach John Mitchell.

It has only recently been confirmed that the former Waikato and All Black coach will remain with the team for the season after being taken off “restricted duties”

Despite this, it is a team that looks impressive, more for the international development of players such as Ryan Cross, Richard Brown and David Pocock. They will be looking at consistency this season, as they have either started or finished their seasons well, and been unpredictable at Perth—having only won 7-of-19 games at home.

However, arguably their finest win of last year came against the Blues, with the victory being the Force’s first win on New Zealand soil. They do come into the tournament proper without winning form, losing to Queensland 22-19 and the Crusaders 24-19.

Meanwhile, the three time championship winning Blues are being talked up by their faithful, with new coach Pat Lam having a far more instinctive connection with his team than the autocratic David Nucifora.  He also has been groomed for the role through his coaching of the Auckland provincial team.

The Blues wield their typical star studded team, but have lost Nick Evans this year who brought an element of tactical control to the freewheeling attack operation. In the crucial playmaking role Tasesa Lavea will start this week, ahead of Jimmy Gopperth who has moved from Wellington.

Their depth will be tested immediately, with All Blacks Rudi Wulf and Ali Williams (injured) and Jerome Kaino and Joe Rokocoko (paternity leave) unavailable.

Irrespective of this, the Blues will still roll out an All Black front row with Isaia Toeava and Anthony Tuitavake playing centre and wing respectively. Much attention will be on Benson Stanley this year at second five eighth, who has been earmarked by some as a future All Black and could emerge as a suitable back up to current incumbent Ma’a Nonu.

The Blues have played four preseason games, losing their first two against the Chiefs and the Hurricanes, before defeating the Highlanders and the Reds, so match rustiness will not be a warranted excuse.

The Force will like to put their off field distractions behind them, and playing at home with a point to prove, they may be too strong for the Blues, who may struggle without four of their front line players. We pick the Western force to win their first match by two points in a high scoring match.

Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Haig Sare, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Josh Tatupu, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Chris O'Young, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Tamaiti Horua, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Pat O'Connor, 3 AJ Whalley, 2 Tai McIsaac, 1 Pek Cowan.

Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Troy Takiari, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 James O'Connor, 21 Nick Cummins, 22 Dane Haylett-Petty.

Blues: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Isaia Toeava, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Chris Lowrey, 7 Onosai'i Auva'a, 6 Justin Collins, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Kurtis Haiu, 3 John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu (captain), 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Tom McCartney, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Dean Budd, 19 Peter Saili, 20 Chris Smylie, 21 Jimmy Gopperth, 22 Jamie Helleur.