Western Force 2012

[Moono75]

Have heard it could be Sharpie announcing season 2012 is his last...

Yeah the Australian newspaper has a story saying Sharpie is finishing at the end of this season to spend more time with family and new career in mining sector. Hopefully we can play some finals and send him off in style.

 

[Moono75]

NIB is awesome. The atmosphere is tops and you can always find a park within 500m and it is straight in and out of the city. I'm 175kms away and can get to the ground in 2 hours.

If it is Sharpie leaving he will get a hero's ovation at the last game. He has been the heart and soul of the Force since inception.

Charger I think Rosco McGlashan has a car up for sale which might just cut that 175km trip to the game down to nothing.

 

[tranquility]

If it is Sharpie leaving he will get a hero's ovation at the last game. He has been the heart and soul of the Force since inception.

When Sharpie left QLD as the most promising lock in Australia to head to Perth I was like everyone one else, pretty dissapointed. However, they way he had lead that side through adversity and loss of players over the years, plus several coaches and become probably the first true legend of the club makes me feel that he has completely justified the move. The way he has constantly reestablished himself in Australian rugby is pretty unheard of, fantastic player.

 

[Sully]

Yeah the Australian newspaper has a story saying Sharpie is finishing at the end of this season to spend more time with family and new career in mining sector. Hopefully we can play some finals and send him off in style.

Shit! Even rugby players are pissing off to the mines. Fly in fly out?

 

[Shiggins]

Imagine Shapie turning up to work. The boys would spin out. I reckon he will be in the office.


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316

 

[Shiggins]

It's official then. I hope Sharpe can go out on a good note. Here's to the year of the Sharpe.


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316

 

[barbarian]

Imagine Shapie turning up to work. The boys would spin out. I reckon he will be in the office.

Yes Shig I think when they said Sharpe has a new job in mining they didn't mean actually IN the mines.

 

[Shiggins]

Yes Shig I think when they said Sharpe has a new job in mining they didn't mean actually IN the mines.

surely he would get bored. I hope he comes back and coaches one day


Http://www.youtube.com/shiggins316

 

[todd4]

2/14/2012
Pocock to tackle Reds

By RugbyWA Media

David Pocock​

Emirates Western Force star flanker David Pocock will play his first match for the club since being officially announced as captain a fortnight ago. The West Australian’s will tackle reigning FxPro Super Rugby champions Queensland in Perth on Thursday evening in their final practise outing before the 2012 season.

Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has also added the experience of Wallabies capped fullback Cameron Shepherd into his run-on side with both teams able to call on 26 man squads.

Graham said Pocock’s inclusion on Thursday was a good opportunity for the backrower to become more familiar with the responsibilities of captaining the side.

“I tossed up whether to play him before the season started particularly with the amount of rugby that he has played last year, however I think it was important, given he is going to captain the side this year, to spend some time with the group in the middle,” Graham said.

Youngster Justin Turner will start the match at scrumhalf after completing his first match since late 2010 in Darwin a week and a half ago. The Australian U20’s representative is on the comeback from consecutive knee reconstructions and will partner James Stannard in the halves.

Graham has stuck with his second row pair of Sam Wykes and Toby Lynn with Nathan Sharpe again rested. The centre combination of Rory Sidey and Winston Stanley will have further opportunities to flourish after an impressive showing in the opening trial match.

“I thought Rory and Winston did some really good things last week, we made some first phase breaks and challenged the line. Given how well they performed last week they deserved another opportunity against the Reds,” Graham said.

The coach though was keen to point out that there are no guarantees ahead of the club’s opening round fixture against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday Feb 24 with positions up for grabs across the field.

“Reputations don’t count for anything and the challenge for the group is to front up on Thursday night and play well,” Graham said.

“I want to see a progression from our opening pre-season game against the Brumbies. We have a very clear focus on what we want to achieve from this trial and it’s a great opportunity to play a few combinations and introduce more players back into games.”

Nick Cummins will be rested after picking up a slight knock to his leg in Darwin while Richard Brown will be given additional time to ensure his shoulders are 100% ahead of the season proper.

“It’s important that we get that right for Brownie. We’ve spent six months trying to rehab him and get him strong and just want to make sure we finish that process,” Graham said.

The match will be played across traditional 40 minutes halves but with an option for the referee to call a drinks break 20 minutes into each period.

“We’re only a week away from our opening regular season game against the Brumbies and then the Reds again in a fortnight. While there are a number of key objectives you want to get out of the trial, at the same time you still keep a few things close to your chest,” Graham said.

Pre-season Trial Match
Emirates Western Force v Queensland Reds
Thursday, 16 February 2012 at nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.10pm – Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com.au

Emirates Western Force Starting XV
1.Pek Cowan
2.Nathan Charles
3.Salesi Ma’afu
4.Sam Wykes
5.Toby Lynn
6.Matt Hodgson
7.David Pocock (Captain)
8.Ben McCalman
9.Justin Turner
10.James Stannard
11.Napolioni Nalaga
12.Rory Sidey
13.Winston Stanley
14.Sam Wara
15.Cameron Shepherd

Reserves to be taken from the following players;
Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Gene Fairbanks, Tetera Faulkner, Kieran Longbottom, Alfie Mafi, Salesi Manu, Ben Seymour, Brett Sheehan, Elvis Taione, Ben Whittaker

Please note that there will be a curtain raiser match between the Emirates Western Force A and Australian Barbarians. Gates open at 4.30pm with the curtain raiser kicking off at 4.40pm.

http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsEvents/NewsArticles/tabid/905/ArticleID/5381/Default.aspx

 

[Moono75]

I see Will Tupou is not in the squad for the match. Is he having a run in Force A team? Pretty good Force team named, hope they have a good hit out against the Reds and are all good to go the following week when things get really interesting!

 

[Moono75]

Anyone got any thoughts on where they see the Force finishing this year? I've been reading a lot of S15 season previews and have been checking out the South African and NZ rugby websites plus their betting markets to get a feel for where all the teams are at. A lot of the sites have the Force picking up the wooden spoon. Do they know somthing we don't? They even have the Ponies tippied to win against us in Round 1 (is this based on that trial game?).

A lot of the experts seem to think James O'Connor was the be all end all of the team and without him we have no hope. I think the Force squad is pretty decent. Sure there are some unknowns going into the season....we need to see how our centre pairings develop (Sidey, Stanley, Dellit, Tupou) can Stannard cut the mustard at 10, will Turner eventualy push Sheehan for a start at scrumhalf and will the front row give the team good ball from which to attack. But as much as these are unkowns going into the season could they end up being our strengths.

I think there is plenty of upside with the Force, a healthy Cam Shepherd, the Honey Badger getting better each year, Nalaga a potential second coming of Jonah Lomu and a great group of loose forwards. Perhpas these experts are just "glass half empty" kind of people. GO the FORCE!

 

[qwerty51]

No only are you guys favourites for the spoon but strong favourites, I don't understand it at all, the Bulls, Hurricanes and Rebels will all surely have worse seasons than the Force. Sorry to say your backline is one of the worst in the comp but your pack is still one of the best which should be enough to climb higher than those 3 mentioned who have poor packs. I don't rate Richard Graham as a coach, maybe that's where they see the Force's weakness as the season goes on.

 

[Moono75]

No only are you guys favourites for the spoon but strong favourites, I don't understand it at all, the Bulls, Hurricanes and Rebels will all surely have worse seasons than the Force. Sorry to say your backline is one of the worst in the comp but your pack is still one of the best which should be enough to climb higher than those 3 mentioned who have poor packs. I don't rate Richard Graham as a coach, maybe that's where they see the Force's weakness as the season goes on.

Yes I'm undecided myself on Graham as a coach but I will refrain from any comments until we see how this season goes and the tactics he employs during games. I guess the one factor that can't be determined at the start of a season is how much your players have grown and developed from one year to the next when given the oppportunity to shine. I see a lot of potential in the squad but whether they get the opportunity and have the ability to grasp it is another thing.

 

[todd4]

2/15/2012
Emirates Western Force A in action



By RugbyWA Media

Phoenix Battye will add some punch to the line-up​

After a successful campaign in 2011 the Emirates Western Force A programme has geared up again to provide both the professional rugby programme and up and coming West Australian players an opportunity to continue their rugby development.

Emirates Western Force A coach Andrew Scotney will oversee the programme’s first hit-out on Thursday evening when they tackle the Australian Barbarians at nib Stadium as a curtain raiser for the trial match between the Emirates Western Force and Queensland Reds.

Scotney has arranged a six match schedule which will take in games against the Baa Baas, Rebel Rising, Perth Gold and NSW 1st Grade sides West Harbour and reigning Shute Shield champions Eastwood.

“The aim is for improvement with the match programme every year and the games against the Baa Baas and 2011 Shute Shield winners Eastwood really provide this on top of the other fixtures that were initiated last year,” Scotney said.

“West Harbour's return shows how much they benefitted from last year's trip, whilst the Rebel Rising games continue to strengthen our link with another young Australian franchise and provide all prospective Super Rugby players from both the current Emirates Western Force squad and local Premier Grade rugby ranks with further exposure to quality rugby,” said Scotney.

The matches will be played from mid-February through until the end of March after which Scotney will continue to work with contracted Emirates Western Force players not taking part in FxPro Super Rugby games and monitor their progress in the WA Premier Grade competition.

Reigning Premier Grade championship coach Steve McFarland, UWA, will add his weight to the programme after joining as an assistant coach.

“Having Steve on board is fantastic and reward for his efforts in taking University from mid table finishes in previous years to grand final success in 2011,” Scotney said.

“Anyone who saw Uni play would have recognised the structure and organisation he brought, particularly to their forward pack, and I look forward to working with him over the next seven weeks.”

The match against the Baa Baa’s at nib Stadium starts at 4.40pm on Thursday, Feb 16 with gates opening at 4.30pm. Tickets can be purchased at the ground or at www.ticketmaster.com.au and include both the Emirates Western Force A clash and the trial match between the Emirates Western Force and Queensland Reds at 7.10pm.

Emirates Western Force A v Australian Barbarians
Thursday, 16 February 2012 at nib Stadium. Kick off 4.40pm

1. Tetera Faulkner (Waneroo)
2. Ben Whittaker (Cottesloe)
3. Salesi Manu (Palmyra)
4. Jake Ball (Palmyra)
5. Phoenix Battye (Waneroo)
6. Nick Haining (Cottesloe)
7. Ryan Hodson (Cottesloe - captain)
8. Anare Koliavu (Palmyra)
9. Tyler Berry (Waneroo)
10. Wes Roberts (Waneroo)
11. Juan Pretorius (Nedlands)
12. Andy Finn (University)
13. Ammon Matuato (Associates)
14. Matt Venter (Nedlands)
15. Chance Bunce (Wests Subiaco)
Reserves
16. Joe Savage (Palmyra)
17. Elvis Taione (Palmyra)
18. Ollie Hoskins (Cottesloe)
19. Brent Murphy (Perth Bayswater)
20. Richard Hardwick (University)
21. Ryan Louwrens (Cottesloe)
22. Teava Te Rangi (Wests Subiaco)
23. Brad Lacey (Wests Subiaco)
24. Trent Vatseilas (Palmyra)
25. Nick Lekkimlin (Cottesloe)

Head Coach – Andrew Scotney
Asst Coach – Steve McFarland
S&C Coach – Brendan Appleby
Manager – Craig Fairhall

Emirates Western Force A match schedule
Thursday, Feb 16: Australian Barbarians at nib Stadium, Perth - Kick off 4.40pm
Saturday, Feb 25: Rebel Rising at UWA Sports Park (McGillivray Oval) – Kick off 4.00pm
Friday, Mar 9: West Harbour at nib Stadium, Perth – Kick-off 4.40pm
Saturday, Mar 17: Eastwood at Tompkins Park, Applecross - Time TBA
Friday, Mar 23: Rebel Rising at AAMI Park (Melbourne)
Friday, Mar 30: Perth Gold at The Foreshore, Nedlands – Kick off 5.00pm
​

 

[GaffaCHinO]

I think RG's coaching this year will be a lot more improved then last year (I hope).
He was caught out after Mitchell left and stuck in the Beiber Mindset which I felt limited the forces game plan. I really like the look of the team not only because I am a fan of the force but I think most players are on the verge of having a great year. The backline just needs to click.
At 9 we have Sheehan a work horse if there ever was one and Turner was rated one of the next big things before he got injured.
10 yes we all know what has happened but I think Chucky will do a great job. We saw what he was able to do last year in the last 3 games after JOC (James O'Connor) was out Suspended and I think he can do it again.
We just need to find a back up maybe Seymour will stand up but RG needs to find a suitable replacement just in case.
The Centres will be fine as well Stanley looks to have the goods at 12 with Siddie and Dellit having break out years last year they are both great under the high ball and very strong in contract.
The back 3 are very strong.
Nelaga we all have seen what he can do. Cummings will be pushing for a Wallabies gig this year and if Shep can stay fit…if he can stay fit is one of the best finishers in Aus rugby. And I think we should Watch out for Mafi this year I think he has been working a lot on getting around the park and trying to keep busy.
Yes there are a lot I IF’S above but I think its not as bad a most have made out and the back line should be able to achieve parody with most teams, there isnt a lot of difference players then last years team minus JOC (James O'Connor) and as i have said i dont think that will be a bad thing and with the forward pack available to the Force expect a battle up front.

 

[tranquility]

The Force looks good mate, just gotta hope Stannard stays healthy and you will have a good year.

 

[tigerland12]

Where's Pat Dellit this year? Is he injured? I thought he looked pretty solid defensively last season.

I'm also with Tranq on this one, hopefully a good season for you guys. I always support them in all their games apart from the QLD ones.

 

[Moono75]

Where's Pat Dellit this year? Is he injured? I thought he looked pretty solid defensively last season.

I'm also with Tranq on this one, hopefully a good season for you guys. I always support them in all their games apart from the QLD ones.

Pretty sure Dellit's good to go for the start of the season. Won the Force's rising star and was a good pick up. Looking forward to a big year from him. Probably just saving him for round 1.

 

[mudskipper]

jeez this blog fell to page 2... is there No interest here? I'm just doing CPR blogging here...

 

[Moono75]

just waiting for news on the squad announcments before rejoining the discussion. I am dubbing Friday 24 Feburary as "pound a pony" day hahahahahaa. I guess one of us will be happy Friday evening. I have taken Friday off work to dedicate my full attention to the 2 games (Blues v Crusaders will be good) and reducing the beer stocks in Perth. Go the Force!