Foley not happy with Force scrum penalties
Western Force coach Michael Foley is concerned about Super Rugby match officials' perceptions of his forwards after their problems in the loss to the Queensland Reds last week.
The Force pack were hit with a penalty try following a series of scrum penalties in Brisbane and while not blaming referee Nick Briant for the 18-6 loss, Foley confirmed he had contacted SANZAR game manager Lyndon Bray about various scrum issues, including boring, binding and front row collapse.
"We accept responsibility for the loss but there were things of concern, things that we weren't happy with," Foley said ahead of tonight's crucial clash with the Hurricanes at nib Stadium.
"You try and ensure that there's not a picture in the referee's mind.
"We want to make it clear that we are not going to be judged based on those things … so it doesn't hang on your head as an issue."
Meanwhile, Hurricanes stand-in captain, hooker Dane Coles, warned he will not change his aggressive style despite being handed the leadership.
"Obviously I don't want to do something stupid, especially with the way that a few players have been cited lately, so I'll play on the edge but do it in the right way … don't get on the bad side of the referee would be a good start," he said.
Wallabies prop Pek Cowan returns from injury to become the Force's second-highest capped player.
Cowan, who has been with the club since its inaugural 2006 season, has made 93 appearances.
He may not be the answer to all the set-piece problems but will go a long way to fixing them.
Luke Burton comes in at full-back and Zack Holmes moves from No.15 to the playmaker role as the back line prepares to face huge centre Ma'a Nonu and a host of other All Black threats.
Brynard Stander starts at open-side flanker with both Matt Hodgson and Chris Alcock injured.
"Brynard's very dynamic and likes playing on the ball," Foley said.
"He may not quite be as hard at clamping on the ball (as Hodgson or Alcock), Brynard is more equipped for blasting. We're backing him to play his game."
Steve Mafi replaces the injured Adam Coleman in the second row, local product and academy member, flanker Kane Koteka, is set to debut from the bench, but Foley is taking no risks with winger Nick Cummins, giving him another week to recover from ankle surgery.
"Nonu speaks for himself, he's probably the premier No.12 in the world. Julian Savea is one of the biggest impact backs in the world," Foley said.
"In the forwards, Blade Thompson can play back row or second row. In some ways they are playing with four back-rowers.
"They are going to look to move the ball around."
FIXTURES *
_TODAY _: Highlanders v Reds, Force v Hurricanes, Cheetahs v Blues
_TOMORROW _: Chiefs v Crusaders, Rebels v Brumbies, Bulls v Sharks, Lions v Stormers
