WESTERN FORCE 2011
They battled last year just to stay off the bottom and there is no reason why they should not battle this year.
For all the enthusiasm in Perth and support for the team they have not been a threat to the top boys.
They just do not have enough pressure points to play with the top sides, David Pocock and James O’Connor notwithstanding.
They first competed in the 2006 season and finished with the wooden spoon in that year. However, their performances greatly improved in 2007. In 2008 they finished in eighth place, the same spot they occupied in 2009 – before dropping down to 13th last year.
Dare one say that they are not a force to be reckoned with?
Strengths: They have some great players – Nathan Sharpe, Ben McCalman, Tom Hockings, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown, experienced, skilled Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins and the glorious prodigy James O’Connor. One of their strengths is the enthusiastic support of its isolated community in the west.
Weaknesses: Depth especially when it comes to rough stuff. May find confrontations difficult.
Noteworthy acquisitions: Jono Jenkins, Gene Fairbanks, James Stannard, Paul Alo-Emile, Simelly Pierness, Willie Ripia, David Smith, Tevita Metuisela, Alfie Mafi.
Noteworthy losses: Scott Staniforth and Ryan Tyrill, both injured and retired. They have also lost Sam Harris, who is coaching in Sydney, Ryan Cross, who has gone east to the Waratahs, Dane Haylett-Petty who is playing in France, Nic Henderson, Luke Jones and James Hilgendorf who have all gone to the Rebels, nomadic David Hill, Chris O’ Young, who has retired, Haig Sare, and Josh Tatupu who is playing for Castres in France.
Coaches: After John Mitchell suddenly upped and went to Johannesburg and the Lions, Richard Graham came from Sydney to take the side. He had coached at Bath and the Saracens before coming home to become the Wallabies’ skills coach, a position he will retain till after the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Nic Styles, the Wallaby prop, has come to Perth from coaching in Japan. Phil Blake will be the defensive coach.
Captain: Experienced, personable Nathan Sharpe, a much respected figure in World Rugby. It is tough that he, like Mark Bartholomeuz , will miss the start of the season.
Potential bolter: Alfie Mafi – been around but still just 22 and a wonderful talent.
2010 Position: 13th
Best finish: Seventh in 2007
Worst finish: 14th in 2006
Home Venue: nib Stadium (Previously known as Perth Oval – capacity 20 000)
2011 Prospects: They are in the softer Australian conference but one cannot really see them doing well, more likely to be a points’ feeder to the top three sides.
Western Force squad: Tim Fairbrother, Pek Cowan, Matt Dunning, Kieran Longbottom, Paul Alo-Emile, Ben Whittaker, Nathan Charles, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Ben McCalman, Tom Hockings, Sam Wykes, Phoenix Battye, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown, Jono Jenkins, Tevita Metuisela, Brett Sheehan, Justin Turner, James Stannard, Mark Swanepoel, Willie Ripia, Mark Bartholomeusz, Mitch Inman, Gene Fairbanks, Rory Sidey, Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, David Smith, Alfie Mafi, James O’Connor, Pat Dellit
Schedule:
Sunday, 20 February: v Reds, away
Saturday, 26 February: v Waratahs, away
Saturday, 5 March: v Brumbies, away
Saturday, 12 March: v Blues, home
Saturday, 19 March: v Lions, away
Saturday, 26 March: v Stormers, away
Saturday, 2 April: v Rebels, home
Saturday, 9 April: v Waratahs, home
Sunday, 17 April: v Brumbies, away
Saturday, 23 April: v Bulls, home
Saturday, 30 April: v Crusaders, home
Saturday, 7 May: v Waratahs, away
Saturday, 14 May: Bye
Saturday, 21 May: v Brumbies, home
Friday, 27 May: v Hurricanes, away
Friday, 3 June: v Highlanders, away
Saturday, 11 June: v Reds, home
