Western Force 2014
- Thread starter Shiggins
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GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
The issue for the Force is they couldn't get anyone to play the teams on the east didn't want to travel over due to the distance and the same went for the force the teams they will face are hear due to the pacific cup so I guess it's better than nothing.
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The reality is the WF are playing who was prepared to come to Perth without huge $$ demands. Let's acknowledge that our Rugby is under severe $ constraints. The WF without a main "naming rights" sponsor will need to win to draw the crowds. Sponsorship in the West is difficult as outside Iron Ore EVERYBODY is doing it tough and Rugby is way below the main game in town!!
There was certainly NOBODY after the game who had an "overflated view of where we may stand".
The first half, playing against the wind, was a good workout for our run-on side as they continually had to adjust their game. Some tough, but unskilled, opposition from the Samoa A side whose efforts weren't helped by the 2 yellow cards.
2nd half gave the extended squad a good run and a chance to test combinations against opposition - who unfortunately were running our of legs.
Was very pleasing to see Sam Wykes lift his game from last year with some good ball carries. Kyle, HB and McCalman showing some good ball carrying skills.
Involvement of the forward pack at the breakdown a big improvement from last year.....
Strong depth of talent across the back row.
Scrum performed reasonably well under the new rules of engagement and were never really challenged.
Need to show better skills if kicking against the wind and until developed just keep the ball in hand! (Zack - highly floating kicks just don't work!!!)
Some of the new signings showed that the WF now have good options in most positions, which should improve performance, however need someone to step-up on RWing.
Dylan Sage came on after half time and, I think, was playing Outside Centre, and showed a lot of pace on the ball and combined well. His try under the posts came from his pace around the Samoans.
Ruggo
Mark Ella (57)
Our fucking idiot government withdrew the funding claiming it un affordable but gave 4 million to Parramatta to come.
It sucks this year not having the trial up here.
I think the only way we will get rugby back is if a franchise commits to playing matches both in Darwin and Alice Springs.
It probably wasn't a great contributor to the economy though and certainly not heavily.
brokendown
Bill McLean (32)
you are saying Im not alcoholic?
Slim 293
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Forcefield
Ken Catchpole (46)
Fingers crossed Darwin and Adelaide will be able to pick up a few NRC games. Perth vs Queensland Country could be a good one in Darwin.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Highlights from the game
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T
tranquility
Guest
Very excited about the prospects for the Force this year, the squad looks really well balanced and it's good to see so many genuine Perth products in the mix. However, can someone explain how you have so many Saffas on your list? How many will become eligible for Aus ?
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Until I see how we go against some real opposition I am remaining cautious for the year ahead.
The ARU increased both the number of marquee players we can have from 1 to 2 so we have Alby and then Steenkamp both who will never be eligible for the Wobs.
The Development spots have increased from 2 to 6 but we have only signed 5.
4 from SA and 1 from nz so its a bit over the top people saying we are chock full of saffas. Sias and Haywood are into there second year of a 3 year qualifying period at the end of that they will be eligible to AUS.
Marcel, Heiberg and Stander have just now started their 3 year residency so again at the end of that they will be eligible.
Of those 5 I can really only ever see 1 Stander anywhere near the Wobs guy is a beast after watching him last week I cant wait to see what he does in super rugby. A cross between Pocock and Hooper really exiting.
We also have another 3 Saffas in the WTG but they are not signed up to the squad maybe a view to use as cover in an injury occurs and use the 6th development spot and also in the NRC they would be meeting requirements for residency so again after 3 years would be eligible.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
Also DHP arrived back in Perth last week read abit about him here.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/rugby-union/a/21416353/welcome-mat-out-for-force-back/
Looks like he will be tried at 13 which i am very happy about.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sport/rugby-union/a/21416353/welcome-mat-out-for-force-back/
Looks like he will be tried at 13 which i am very happy about.
T
tranquility
Guest
I like that he is back in town. His first go at Soup footy wasn't too great, but he looked good over in France.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
He was very young only about 20 and I think we all remember him brain snap running it out from the try line.
He has played a lot of rugby since 52 senior games in France which would have done wonders for him and last year against the Lions a few days after getting off a plane and no training didn’t disgrace himself so hopefully he make a better shot at it this year.
The South African contingent is the result of a lot of work by the coaching staff and team management.
While the local talent is developed (and Foley has done more in his 1.5 years than others in 7 years) RSA is ripe for the picking:
- Competition is high in RSA so many good players struggle to get game time.
- Perth is considered to be like Cape Town - a great place to live.
- 4x means that a good A$ salary is an excellent Rand number
- They have great discipline, respect for coach and captain and are in a franchise where if you put in the effort then you WILL get game time.
- There is little/no politics around around the Force - the focus is success on the field and promoting the game.
- To a man the RSA players have slotted into the team/Perth culture.
However, nothing will succeed like success and for the sake of the franchise and Rugby in WA the WF have to start winning!!!
M
Moono75
Guest
Good to see MMM getting a run in the Force A team on Friday night. A quicker than expected recovery that hopefully lasts for the whole season. The biggest plus for the Force this year is that the talent on the roster has been upgraded and the depth improved. Combine this with our usual dogged determination and on paper at least we should make some solid improvements. I hope it also translates to the park.
Will have great interest in seeing what the starting team looks like for the Tahs game. I think our starting centre pairing could be the most contentious. Godwin is a lock, not so sure about Brache. I think Junior started to show a bit last year and has good size and speed to feed off Godwin.
Will have great interest in seeing what the starting team looks like for the Tahs game. I think our starting centre pairing could be the most contentious. Godwin is a lock, not so sure about Brache. I think Junior started to show a bit last year and has good size and speed to feed off Godwin.
GaffaCHinO
Peter Sullivan (51)
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caymantim
Herbert Moran (7)
I agree on all counts re improving the depth, and given the new coaches background I'm confident we have the pick of the bunch from RSA... but combinations take time... and whilst I am very happy with their approach, particularly bringing so many locals home, I am cautious about this season... hopeful, but cautious.
...and this season is what defines Foley too... they need to demonstrate a big step up..........
...and this season is what defines Foley too... they need to demonstrate a big step up..........
Shiggins
Simon Poidevin (60)
T
tranquility
Guest
Is that Hodgson? aka your skipper?
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