Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force coach Simon Cron says George Bridge change tactical relatively than form-based | USAEMALL.com

Western Force coach Simon Cron says former All Black George Bridge’s shift back to his natural wing position comes amid an anticipated aerial dogfight against the Highlanders.

The Force have a chance to win back-to-back games in New Zealand for just the second time in history and the first since 2008 when they take on the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Despite bombing a sitter of a try, Bridge starred for the Force as they opened their account for the season with a 35-19 win over Moana Pasifika last week.

But after playing Bridge at outside centre for the season’s first three games, Cron has shifted the Kiwi out wide for the clash in Dunedin, with Divad Palu coming into midfield to partner Hamish Stewart.

Cron said Bridge’s move was borne of a desire for aerial coverage as he anticipated the Highlanders would turn to their kicking game.

Per Opta Stats, the Highlanders rank second in the competition for kicks from hand at an average of 36.7, compared to 23 per game for the Force.

“He’s playing brilliant rugby. The reason for the shift is a little bit more technical, tactical than anything,” he said.

“He has earned the right to play in both of those positions but he is great on the left edge, and he’s also great under a high ball, which is a big part of the game this week, we think.

“Divad had an amazing pre-season, so it’s important we continue to layer guys in, to give them the experience and continue to build depth.

“Bridgey is on fire at the moment, so there’s nothing to do with his performance. It’s more a case of giving Divad an opportunity at 13 and keeping them all on the field.”

Cron said the Highlanders’ bigger midfield, led by imposing inside centre Timoci Tavatavanawai, also factored into the decision to star Palu at 13.

“They do have a bigger midfield, and Divad gives us a bit of size in there,” he said.

“Also Bridgey has done such a big job over the last three games that we don’t want to keep beating him up and give him a little bit of space, a little bit of room to move.

“There’s a combination of both that suits Divad and Bridgey. They’ve got a big midfield, and Divad will be a part of that process.”

Wallabies loose forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa both return to the starting line-up for the Force and Cron said going two-from-two to begin their three-game trip to New Zealand would give the squad a huge boost.

“It’s critically important we put a performance together on that park and we talk about stacking winning moments during games,” he said.

“We talked a lot in the during the week about dominating your lane on that field, and I felt a lot of guys did that for the majority of that game (against Moana) and it continues to build belief and growth in the group.

“We’re still continuing to build combinations. You forget some of these guys, it’s their first year with us, too. We don’t like to change too much.”