Western Force 2011

[TOCC]

This is where the Force will struggle, there top line of players is good but apart from the backrow and front row, they have very shallow depth....

the loss of Inman and possibly Sidey will hurt

 

[RugbyReg]

agreed TOC.

When is Ripia back?

Cummins has played a bit of 13 at club level right?

I know we don't want JOC (James O'Connor) to be moved all around but a backline of 9 Sheehan 10 Ripia 11 Shepherd 12 Fairbanks 13 Cummins 14 Smith 15 JOC (James O'Connor) aint too bad. Stanard, Mafi and possibly Dellit on the bench.

 

[Lance Free]

Force Press Release says:

"Western Force flanker David Pocock is set to spend between four to six weeks on the sidelines after scans revealed a medial ligament strain in his injured right knee.

Pocock was sidelined early in the first half of the club’s match against the Sharks last Saturday night in Perth and will miss at least the next month of Super Rugby.

Young outside centre Mitch Inman is also expected to be out for a similar period of time as Pocock after dislocating his right elbow in the opening minutes against the Sharks.

Pocock will have a few days rest before starting his rehabilitation which will include wearing a brace for approximately three weeks. Inman meantime will be required to keep his elbow immobilised for at least a week before undertaking his rehab."

 

[chequebalance]

Hmmm lets hope they don't rush him back.

 

[RugbyReg]

Easts (QLD) flyhalf has been signed by the Force on a short term contract. I wonder if Ripia's injury is worse than thought?

Regardless Brandon is a quality player. Will be interesting to see if he gets a run.

 

[TOCC]

Mitch Inman will join the Rebels in 2012 after turning down a offer from the Force

 

[tranquility]

I have been crying out for someone to sign Matty Brandon, he is such a quality young organising flyhalf. I will be very interested to see him get a run, because I think he has the goods.

 

[ChargerWA]

Mitch Inman will join the Rebels in 2012 after turning down a offer from the Force

Dissapointing Inman has made that move, he was really looking like turning into a first rate player.

Seems a bit odd, considering in theory he will be behind Mortlock at the Rabble. Then again, chances of Mortlock remaining fit. Inman could in all reality displace Morty on form if he keeps developing.

 

[Charlemagne]

JOCc

agreed TOC.

When is Ripia back?

Cummins has played a bit of 13 at club level right?

I know we don't want JOC (James O'Connor) to be moved all around but a backline of 9 Sheehan 10 Ripia 11 Shepherd 12 Fairbanks 13 Cummins 14 Smith 15 JOC (James O'Connor) aint too bad. Stanard, Mafi and possibly Dellit on the bench.

Surely it is a better idea to leave JOC (James O'Connor) in 10 or 12 closer to the action and leave Shepard at full back?

 

[The_Brown_Hornet]

Morts will be done at the end of this season, I reckon. Inman would get a start at the Rebels with no problem. Bloody disappointed that he's going though.

 

[TOCC]

Mortlock doesnt have 2 full Super15 rugby seasons left in him, Inman probably see's it as a chance to learn off a player formerly considered one of the best in the world in that position

 

[spectator]

I have been crying out for someone to sign Matty Brandon, he is such a quality young organising flyhalf. I will be very interested to see him get a run, because I think he has the goods.

I'm stoked to see Matt Brandon finally getting a Super rugby opportunity. He is the complete package as a 10. Good hands, great passing game, solid defender and excellent organiser. My only concern for him is his size and he wont be the quickest 10 out there. The main bonus is that he is a better goal kicker than anyone else in the Aussie S15 sides.

 

[tranquility]

I'm stoked to see Matt Brandon finally getting a Super rugby opportunity. He is the complete package as a 10. Good hands, great passing game, solid defender and excellent organiser. My only concern for him is his size and he wont be the quickest 10 out there. The main bonus is that he is a better goal kicker than anyone else in the Aussie S15 sides.

I have a big wrap on him, but I think the goal kicking call might be a bit premature.

 

[spectator]

I have a big wrap on him, but I think the goal kicking call might be a bit premature.

I'm willing to back that statement. He might not have the long range ability of Beale, but from what I have seen in club rugby over the years is that week in, week out he is consistently accurate, and he nearly always lands the pressure goals. I will take that every day over the more flighty, sometimes excellent kicking of Giteau, Cooper, and even O'Connor.

 

[Reddy!]

The Force are a good team, that is evident, and I always enjoy watching them play as they always put the effort in. Nathan Sharpe has done a great job with the culture at this franchise.

They probably should have 2 more wins to their name already this season.

I'm not sure how Pocock fits back into the picture as the back 5 are doing a great job in his absence - I would ease him back through the bench to be honest.

It was great to see last night Alfi Mafi finally getting some good game time and having a go in counter attack - has pace and some obvious skill.

I expect the Force to be very competitive in most games for the rest of the season and be up there with the Reds by the end.

 

[Godfrey]

Pretty sure he fits back in at 7, where he is consistently world-class. If he's fit enough to play, he'll start.

 

[TOCC]

If the Force can keep there top players on the pitch then they will be up there at the seasons end, whether its the conditioning program used at the Force or just bad luck, they seem to be have a higher injury toll then average.

 

[Shiggins]

If the Force can keep there top players on the pitch then they will be up there at the seasons end, whether its the conditioning program used at the Force or just bad luck, they seem to be have a higher injury toll then average.

It's unlucky man. Look at Inman. That's just a freakish unlucky thing too happen too any sportsman. I still think the reason pocock is injured is because of a meat head sharks player.

Ripia is staying in Perth for another week which I think is a good thing.

He needs too train with the team for two weeks before starting. I think he might start on the bench when the force come back after the stormers. The hardest thing is it might take him a couple of games too get the combinations really firing. It will be interesting. Or is he good enough too start trait back in, he was good in the early trials.

What's everyone else think?


Go the force!!!!

 

[Lance Free]

I think they should consider putting him at inside centre and retain JO'C at 10. He's played in that position before. Fairbanks has done OK but he's no world beater. JO'C's been the best Aussie No 10 exponent so far in Super Rugby.

 

[Eyes and Ears]

Did Brandon or Dellit get on the field against the Lions?