Western Force

[Polynesian Warrior]

OK that what I meant......it never had finals, and wasn't as well supported,...plus it was dominated by the larger unions.

1) It never had finals but the traditional games between the province's were very popular .

2) Im not sure if you were around in the early 80's when Auckland were so useless even Wairarapa Bush beat them and that went on until 1985 when Auckland beat Canterbury in the match of the century in Lancaster Park and took the shield north .

3)I don't recall Counties, Manawatu, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Bay Of Plenty, Southland, Wairarapa Bush and Northland larger unions but they did dominate the scene at different times .
Wellington hasn't seen the shield since Stu Wilson and Bernie Fraser and Otago hasn't seen the Ranfurly shield since 1951 .


Here's a history of the shield games and who ever had the shield was normally the stronger team .


http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/R/RugbyUnionFootball/RanfurlyShield/en




http://www.answers.com/topic/ranfurly-shield

 

[fieldo]

sorry 60's and 70's not the 80's

I am showing my age now LOL

 

[aussies1st]

Lol now the Force have draw with the Cats. First drawing with the top team and then with the bottom team.

 

[Scott]

Poor Mitchell!

Couldn't happen to a nicer man!

 

[douglasallen91]

Lol now the Force have draw with the Cats. First drawing with the top team and then with the bottom team.

have i missed something, isn't the force the bottom team.

 

[aussies1st]

Well next bottom team after the Force

 

[Twizzle]

these guys need to learn how to win

 

[ThrashViking]

How didnt they come away with a win after leading by 16 points with 30 minutes to go? Incredible.

 

[aussies1st]

They were even leading to the final play when the conceded that try. Defence has always been a problem for them.

 

[fieldo]

Gits will fix that up

 

[aussies1st]

Hes meant to fix up their attack don't know about defence.

 

[Woods99]

With Mat Giteau and Ryan Cross in the centres, and David Pocock added to the forwards, the Force will be a force next year. A big force.

 

[meltiger]

With Mat Giteau and Ryan Cross in the centres, and David Pocock added to the forwards, the Force will be a force next year. A big force.

Maybe they might beat the Cats :lol:

 

[aussies1st]

We shall see how Giteau go by himself. Whose this Pocock guy?

 

[fieldo]

If they get Ryan Cross that will be great because he is a champion and hes comes from a champion club in Easts (Sydney Roosters).

 

[Woods99]

We shall see how Giteau go by himself. Whose this Pocock guy?

David Pocock is a flanker who starred for Australia in their successful under 19 campaign.

He is big, strong, quick and excellent at the breakdowns.

 

[fieldo]

Is he Mark Pocock's son that used to play for Manly (ARL)

 

[skeepe]

Was Tromp or Januarie cited after that match? Tromp in particular should be out for a very, very long time after that disgraceful eye gouge. Sickening.

 

[Woods99]

Is he Mark Pocock's son that used to play for Manly (ARL)

I believe that his family are immigrants from Zimbabwe. A lot of Saffers and Zims have emigrated to Perth, one reason why rugby is popular there.

 

[fieldo]

Is the Force finished for the year?

Haven't seen any news about their next game.