Crono's Conference - 'Performance is the biggest influence on our game'

Fri, Mar 21, 2025, 7:00 AM
NT
by Nick Taylor
Western Force head coach Simon Cron spoke to reporters on Friday ahead of the Round 6 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Fijian Drua.

Western Force will be boosted by five international reinforcements to the starting side for the crucial Round 6 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific clash against Fijian Drua at HBF Park on Sunday.

But coach Simon Cron is demanding nothing less than a smooth transformation in their return.

The return of Wallabies Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and Nic White is a huge shot in the arm.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE VIA THIS LINK

They were managed under Rugby Australia protocols for potential Test players not playing six consecutive games and missed the 55-33 loss to the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend, the Force's third consecutive defeat.

"It's great having them back in," Cron told reporters during the CD Dodd conference after training on Friday.

"The key thing for us is making sure they are seamless in plays and patterns.

"Performance is the biggest influence on our game.

"We had a whole tour into New Zealand without them, so it's been a great addition."

Cron said there was "some good, some bad, some fixes and the odd bit ugly we've got to fix" from the Crusaders game.

One area to fix on Sunday is not giving the Fijian side as much space in the wide channels as they did against the Crusaders whose nine tries were all scored by their outside backs, wingers Macca Springer (five), Sevu Reece (three) and full-back Will Jordan with one.

The Drua have wide runners of their own and Cron said it was important his side keeps its structure.

He said they also need to be better in first up tackles, not get tight in the centre of the field leaving the edges exposed and not throw too many numbers into the breakdown.

"I won't give them (Drua) all the answers. They probably know them," he joked.

"Structure is really important for us.

"We've still got to be able to offload and do the things we need to do, but follow our protocols around those, rather than become too loose.

"The risk is, become too loose, and they will scoop up a lot of ball.

"They are a well drilled side, well coached, and impressive athletes.

"We've got to go at them."

Cron said the next three games were both "crucial and critical" to their finals aspirations.

After the Drua (kick-off 2:05pm WST and Live on Stan Sport), the Force travel to Brisbane to face the Queensland Reds next Saturday before returning home for the Highlanders on Saturday April 5 ahead of a bye.

The Super Rugby Pacific clash is a double-header with the Force Super Rugby Women also taking on Fijian Drua in round four of their competition (kick-off 4.50pm and live on Stan Sport).

The Force are offering one free child and adult pass for all registered juniors, with support from RugbyWA and VenuesWest, to the games.

Cron said the offer was "awesome".

"Having the kids there will be amazing," he said. "The Sea of Blue are massive at home for us, a huge supporter group.

"I've got no doubt the Drua will have a lot of support too."

Redeem your free tickets via this link.

The Super Rugby Pacific game kicks off at 2:05pm, followed by the Force-Drua Super W game from 4:50pm.

SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific Round 6

Western Force vs Fijian Drua

Sunday 23 March, 2:05pm WST

HBF Park

Live on Stan Sport 

SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Round 4

Western Force W vs Fijian Drua

Sunday 23 March, 4:50pm WST

HBF Park

Live on Stan Sport

Tickets available here

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