Australian Rugby / RA
- Thread starter Dave Beat
- Start date
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
The Force won't back down even if they don't have some of the cattle of the eastern states, looking forward to some spice in these contests.
dru
David Wilson (68)
I don’t know about spite.
One thing for sure though - Force just became my second team.
D-Box
Cyril Towers (30)
What will be interesting is how high can the Force finish. Last and it will go to the argument that we don't have the player for 5 teams. Come higher and in particular be competitive with the Brumbies and that starts to go away.
A mid table finish would be good for RA to sell to broadcasters and NZ that we have 5 competitive teams that could form the bulk of either a Aus based comp or a Trans Tasman comp.
A mid table finish would be good for RA to sell to broadcasters and NZ that we have 5 competitive teams that could form the bulk of either a Aus based comp or a Trans Tasman comp.
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
I honestly think we'll struggle, at least initially. I don't know that the talent in our best XV is quite at the same level as the Super teams. I think the boys will give it a red hot go, but will end up finishing second most games. An interesting wild card will be the fitness of each team after the extended break. There will undoubtedly be some blokes who have snuck into the pies while on forced hiatus and will be found wanting.
Quick Hands
David Wilson (68)
Twiggy sums up RA in a few short sentences. (my bold)
“Put simply, I want what is best for rugby in Perth and in Australia and to ensure the game flourishes,” Forrest said. “My views on the mismanagement of the game under the previous Rugby Australia administration are well known. Change is imperative at the top for rugby to thrive long-term.
“Rugby Australia cannot afford to miss this opportunity to restructure and reinvent every aspect of the game – its governance, cost structure, rules, competition construct, partnerships with broadcasters, commitment to grassroots and most importantly, engagement with the fans.”
Forrest, however, made it clear this was a short-term agreement and that the Force would not commit to anything long-term just yet.
“Until I see evidence that reinvention is at the core of any strategic plan RA comes up with, it will be difficult to commit to a long-term investment,” Forrest said.
“Put simply, I want what is best for rugby in Perth and in Australia and to ensure the game flourishes,” Forrest said. “My views on the mismanagement of the game under the previous Rugby Australia administration are well known. Change is imperative at the top for rugby to thrive long-term.
“Rugby Australia cannot afford to miss this opportunity to restructure and reinvent every aspect of the game – its governance, cost structure, rules, competition construct, partnerships with broadcasters, commitment to grassroots and most importantly, engagement with the fans.”
Forrest, however, made it clear this was a short-term agreement and that the Force would not commit to anything long-term just yet.
“Until I see evidence that reinvention is at the core of any strategic plan RA comes up with, it will be difficult to commit to a long-term investment,” Forrest said.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
It would probably be in the Force’s best interest, and the competition in general really, if Forrest can fork out the cash to get releases for a few of the ex-Force players who aren’t getting much game time at the elitist easy coast teams..........
Isaak Fines for example is being wasted at the Brumbies behind Powell and Lonergan, and they have Nic White returning next year.
Isaak Fines for example is being wasted at the Brumbies behind Powell and Lonergan, and they have Nic White returning next year.
Aurelius
Ted Thorn (20)
Yeah, at least for the first few rounds I'd settle for running the opposition close. I've sort of lost track of who's in the Force squad but if they've retained the bulk of the NRC side at least they'd have a certain amount of familiarity with the combos.
Dismal Pillock
Michael Lynagh (62)
KOB1987
John Eales (66)
Plus some of the NH players who have returned home - e.g. Jono Lance, TPN, Kerevi. Surely their NH employers aren't going to take issue with them getting some game time given the current circumstances. And as Reg (I think) has suggested Rodda, Hockings and Lucas.
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
I’m not sure if you’d get Lloyd back...........
Canberra local, and starting to get some game time with the Brumbies.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Not so sure about that. Ben Smuth, for example, won't be playing Super Rugby Aotearoa for the Landers. The insurance covering these contracts is high, especially for the likes of Kerevi.
I like a redemption story as much as anyone. But there's not a huge amount to be gained by helicoptering these 3 in for what is essentially an 8-game tour for the Force if they then depart like mercenaries straight away.
It's less than ten games all year for this team. Players like Lee-Warner (an underrated guy) and Thrush can put in good shifts at lock.
Everyone knows this roster - plus the all-away schedule - won't be taking out this interim comp; that'll be the Brumbies. But the existing squad who have been preparing for months deserve their shot IMO. Dance with the ones wot brung ya.
Different story if someone's signing on for a season.
If it happens, it happens. But a (somewhat) better option might be to get those Reds blokes into a Baabaas outfit. If that's made up of sevens players then some tall timber will be needed …
rugboy
Jim Clark (26)
Great to see the Force back. Hopefully they can put up about a strong showing and nick a couple. Will be interesting to see how the RA Twiggy relationship unfolds. Considering RA will more than likely look to a similar model for next year and Twiggy suggested a decent relationship with Mclennan helped ensure their return heres hoping it can be more than a short term outcome.
Assuming Sunwolves won't work, but we can call on their Aussie players, and a few of the other Japan based players over here (highly unlikely) what about this?
15 Isaac Lucas
14 Henry Hutchison
13 Ben O'Donnell
12 Samu Kerevi
11 Rod Davies
10 Quade Cooper
9 Ben Lucas
8 Ben Mowen
7 Michael Gunn
6 Ben Hyne
5 Izack Rodda
4 Harry Hockings
3 Sam Talakai
2 Efi Ma'afu
1 Fred Kaihea
16 Ed Craig
17 David Feao
18 Gavin Luka
19 Michael Stolberg
20 Jake Schatz
21 Nick Chapman
22 Lewis Holland
23 James Dargeville
15 Isaac Lucas
14 Henry Hutchison
13 Ben O'Donnell
12 Samu Kerevi
11 Rod Davies
10 Quade Cooper
9 Ben Lucas
8 Ben Mowen
7 Michael Gunn
6 Ben Hyne
5 Izack Rodda
4 Harry Hockings
3 Sam Talakai
2 Efi Ma'afu
1 Fred Kaihea
16 Ed Craig
17 David Feao
18 Gavin Luka
19 Michael Stolberg
20 Jake Schatz
21 Nick Chapman
22 Lewis Holland
23 James Dargeville
dru
David Wilson (68)
Haha as unlikely as this team is, I would sure watch it.
kiap
Steve Williams (59)
Looks alright. I look forward to a Baabaa v Force clash
It'll be Globetrotters v Washington Generals all over again - go the Generals.
Up the Guts
Steve Williams (59)
If it did happen, I reckon it would as a one off against the Force like Kiap suggests. Pity the Force defenders trying to stop Kerevi running lines off Quade.
formerflanker
Ken Catchpole (46)
Perhaps RA could go one step further and create a draft for "very good but underused" players.
and who pays for the relocation costs, salary and accommodation of these players?