WESTERN FORCE
Tue, 30 Jan 2007 12:07
WESTERN FORCE 2008
The Western Force made their first Super 14 appearance in 2006 and have made great strides since then. However the team is still transforming into a dominant force.
The Western Australian franchise has become rather renowned for spending big money on its most talented players, with Matt Giteau still the best paid player in that country.
They have great leadership within the team, with John Mitchell and Nathan Sharpe working together as coach and captain and are certainly heading in the right direction.
The real focus for the Force in 2008 will be to play as a more cohesive unit rather than relying on players like Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Giteau and Drew Mitchell to win matches for them.
Strengths: They have wonderful attacking options, in fact it is quite a glorious backline. When they are on song they have the potential to be absolutely devastating. The team just needs to gel. The support they
enjoy in a state - Western Australia - with a proud sporting culture will be a tremendous boost for the team.
Weakness: There are far too many political and financial scandals within the franchise itself. It can only be distracting for the players and coaching staff - some of whom are directly involved - and will destroy the team ethos if the matter is not addressed urgently.
Noteworthy signings: Nick Cummins (Randwick), Josh Tatupu (SM Pia XIII, France), Adam Clarke (Southland), Kieran Longbottom (Rockingham), Scott Fardy (Waratahs academy), Dane Haylett-Petty (Cottesloe), Tamaiti Horua (Toyota, Japan), James O'Connor (Nudgee College), James Stannard (Palmyra) Sam Wykes (Waratahs academy)
Noteworthy losses: Brett Stapleton (Reds), Chris O'Young (Glasgow), Rudi Vedelago (retired), Angus Scott (retired), Brendan Cannon (retired), Digby Ioane (Reds), Michael Dan (Ireland - study), Luke Doherty
(Japan), Jon McGrath (released), Matt Windle (Japan)
Coach: John Mitchell Not many coaches have the expertise and knowledge that John Mitchell has. The former All Black coach - the second most successful Test mentor in the past decade - has worked extensively abroad and has a lot to offer to his team in the way of ideas. He hasn't quite achieved with the Force just yet, but in all honesty he hasn't really had the opportunity to do so. Give the man time.
Captain: Nathan Sharpe is one of the greatest servants of the Australian game, without a shadow of a doubt. The man has tremendous experience and extraordinary leadership qualities. Leadership is one area where all the Australian teams are particularly strong and the Force are no different.
Player(s) to watch: Matt Giteau will always stand out in the Western Force line-up. He has loads of experience
to accompany his great speed and finess. His playing at fly-half this year will give him an opportunity to better control the game and make a far greater impact than he already has.
2007 Position: 7th
Best finish: 7th in 2007
Worst finish: 14th in 2006
Home Venue: Subiaco Oval, home (capacity: 43 500)
2008 Prediction: The Western Force have great individual talent, but perhaps lack the depth to compete the top Super 14 teams. It is a bit risky to predict this one, but they will finish seven or lower on the standings. However, their time will come.
Western Force squad: Richard Brown, Pekahou Cowan, Ryan Cross, Nick Cummins, Scott Daruda, Scott Fardy, Scott Fava, Matt Giteau, Gareth Hardy, Dane Haylett-Petty, Matt Henjak, James Hilgendorf, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Tamaiti Horua, Kieran Longbottom, Lachlan MacKay, Tai
McIsaac, Drew Mitchell, James O'Connor, Pat O'Connor, Junior Pelesasa, David Pocock, David Pusey, Haig Sare, Angus Scott, Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, James Stannard, Troy Takiari, AJ (Adam James) Whalley, Sam Wykes
Schedule:
February 15: v Sharks, away
February 22: v Cheetahs, away
February 29: v Lions, away
March 9: v Crusaders, home
March 15: v Blues, away
March 22: v Highlanders, away
March 28: v Stormers, home
April 4: v Bulls, home
April 12: v Waratahs, home
April 18: v Reds, away
April 25/26: Bye
May 2: v Chiefs, home
May 9: v Hurricanes, away
May 16: v Brumbies, home
