Force vow to instil pride in jersey
May 11, 2017 - 7:53 AM Western Force lock Adam Coleman says the team have vowed to make amends for last week's poor showing against the Sharks, but they'll have to do it without veteran flanker Matt Hodgson and hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau.Hodgson has been ruled out of Saturday night's Super Rugby clash with the Jaguares in Argentina with an ankle injury, while Polota-Nau has been rested.
The Force put in their worst display of the season when they succumbed 37-12 to the Sharks in Durban last week.
But despite winning just two games for the season, the Force remain a chance to reach the finals by topping the struggling Australian conference.
Coleman says an open and honest talk between players and coaches after the Sharks loss had left everyone determined to turn things around against the Jaguares.
"We know we have to bounce back from that performance last week and instil the pride we have in the jersey," Coleman said.
"We don't feel like we gave it justice last weekend.
"That's something we've spoken about during the week.
"It was a massive step back, and our thing this week is acknowledging that and moving forward to show the fans that isn't us.
"A lot of the boys will have a point to prove this weekend.
"We've had the hard chats with each other, and from the coach too."
Force coach Dave Wessels has made a number of changes to his side.
Prop Francois van Wyk, hooker Heath Tessmann, utility back Peter Grant, flanker Onehunga Havili, lock Richie Arnold, and winger Semisi Masirewa have all been elevated in to the starting side.
The Jaguares have won four of their five games at home this season.
Most of the Force squad have never been to Argentina before, but they won't let the unfamiliarity of their surrounds be an excuse.
Coleman is relishing being back in the action after missing six weeks with a torn left calf.
The 25-year-old made it through 40 minutes against the Sharks and he could be set for more game time against the Jaguares.
Coleman has four more matches to prove he's 100 per cent fit for Wallabies selection ahead of the June Test window.
But his No.1 priority was helping the Force snare more wins in what he hopes will play a role in boosting the franchise's chances of surviving the axe.
"There's a lot going on here with the future of the club," Coleman said.
"A lot of families are being affected. It's hit the boys pretty hard.
"My goal is to play good footy for the club to ensure the future of the Force."
Western Force: Peter Grant, Semisi Masirewa, Curtis Rona, Billy Meakes, Alex Newsome, Jono Lance, Ian Prior, Richard Hardwick, Onehunga Havili, Ross Hayleltt-Petty, Adam Coleman, Richie Arnold, Tetera Faulkner, Heath Tessmann (capt), Francois van Wyk, Res: Anaru Rangi,Pek Cowan, Shambeckler Vui, Lewis Carmichael, Brynard Stander, Isireli Naisarani, Mitchell Short, James Verity-Amm.
Source: AAP
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