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Force wary of Mitchell's plan

Pieter Jordaan

Johannesburg - The knowledge Lions coach John Mitchell and the Western Force have of one another will not have a major influence on Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby match at Coca-Cola Park.

Mitchell coached the Force between 2006-2010 before making the surprise decision last year to cut ties with the team from Western Australia.

His assistant, Richard Graham, took over the reins at the Force, but Mitchell does not expect the inside knowledge from both sides to make a difference.

“I don’t think it’s an advantage for anyone. I must say that I shared their pain on Saturday because they could have beaten the Blues,” Mitchell said of his former team’s 22-22 draw last weekend.

“But the competition has moved on (since I was there). The same applies to teams’ methods on the field. All the Force and I can do is to focus on footage from the last few games.”

Since his arrival at the Lions, Mitchell has regularly referred to his philosophies about how rugby should be approached and played. He believes it has worked for him in the past and openly states that he does not intend changing.

The Force will therefore know of Mitchell’s blueprint, but the evolving version thereof will surely be to surprise the visitors.

Mitchell believes in an adventurous approach, but was happy to win ugly against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last Saturday. That may also be the way forward against the Force.

However, the absence of centre Doppies la Grange will hurt the Lions’ chances. La Grange picked up an ankle injury in the win over the Cheetahs and there is a good chance Mitchell won't risk him on Saturday.

Deon van Rensburg is the likely replacement, although Mitchell also rates youngsters Joubert Engelbrecht and Hoffmann Maritz.

Mitchell has also previously picked back-up flyhalf Burton Francis at inside centre, but will likely be looking for someone who can provide a physical approach similar to that of La Grange.
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