Force aim to topple Crusaders
NZPA
April 4, 2007

Clambering over the Crusaders into second place on rugby's Super 14 is the mission the Western Force have set themselves this week.

Force No 8 Scott Fava today told NZPA in Christchurch that the West Australian side were looking to earn respect at Jade Stadium on Saturday night.

"I guess if you topple the best team in the competition in Super rugby ... these guys, 24 games straight at home, it's going to gain you a huge amount of respect," he said.

"So there's no doubt about it. I think everyone will sit up and listen and know that we're a force to be reckoned with."

Last season the Force would have been laughed all the way back to Perth for suggesting they might topple the champion Crusaders at Jade Stadium.

After all, the Crusaders have notched up a record 24 home wins, while the Force are second-season Super 14 rookies.

But in 2006 the Force are to be "reckoned with". Third on the points table led by the Blues, they are right on the tail of the Crusaders.

More impressively, they are unbeaten on the road.

Under former All Blacks coach John Mitchell and with expensive signing Matt Giteau calling the shots at No 10, they already demand respect.

"If you look at the context of our year, we've lost a couple of games by one point," Fava said.

"We could be a lot higher in the competition realistically, but at this point of time we're looking to consolidate our position.

"Obviously with the second-placed team playing this weekend, we can jump them and really make a go at this comp."

The Australian side arrived in Christchurch early to give themselves their best shot at the champions, Fava said.

"We're coming up against one of the best teams in the competition, so the better we prepare over here in Christchurch will be better for us."

Fava promised a repeat of the Force mix that has served them well against lesser sides this year: tough in the forwards, hard-hitting defence, a touch of dash in the backs.

He felt they had stepped up from last year, when they carved out a shock 23-23 draw with the Crusaders in Perth.

"Not only are the boys running the ball quite well, but we're actually bonding quite well, so a lot of communication in our defensive line has sort of come naturally, which wasn't there last year," he said.

"After last year's effort ... we sort of knew we could have won that game. So we've both got a point to prove.

"They haven't beaten us; we haven't beaten them in the competition yet. So it's going to be a good game.

"You can look at our track record and say we're undefeated away, so we can take that confidence coming into this game."

The Force are due to name their team tomorrow.

The Crusaders yesterday confirmed their starting 15, notable for the absence of All Blacks lock Chris Jack, who will be sidelined for up to six weeks due to a hamstring tendon injury.

Newcomer Michael Paterson gets a chance to impress in his place after being promoted from the bench.

All Blacks first-five eighth Daniel Carter rejoins the side after recovering from a neck injury suffered against the Stormers two rounds ago.

Carter, winger Caleb Ralph and halfback Andy Ellis replace Stephen Brett, Scott Hamilton and Kevin Senio respectively.

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