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Force pack have solid foundation

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:19

Will this teddy become a grizzly? (c) Getty

Western Force forwards coach Nick Stiles has heaped praise on the work ethic and commitment of front row recruit Salesi Ma'afu and has backed the Wallaby to be the rock the club can build its scrum around in 2012.

The West Australian side took massive strides in their set-piece work in 2011, ranking in the upper rungs of the competition, and the recruitment of Ma'afu has added another important piece to the forward set-up which also has the experience and class of Nathan Sharpe as well as new skipper David Pocock.
 
"Salesi has come over and fitted in fantastically well," Stiles said.
 
"We recruited him with the view of strengthening our scrum and you could see with the way he performed through the back end of the internationals last year he is a quality player. We're very excited to have him over here and he'll be a good contributor for us.
 
"He's a big unit. That's one of strengths, his size. You want someone at tighthead that is built like him and we've definitely got a rock to build our scrum off this season," said Stiles.
 
While two losses during the trial period has dampened the enthusiasm of some bookmakers framing markets for the upcoming season, Stiles said predictions of the West Australian's propping up the competition were off the mark.
 
"We're not allowed to bet or offer advice but you'd be wasting your money if you put it on us finishing last. Keep your hard-earned in your pocket."