Western Force 2025
- Thread starter RugbyReg
- Start date
Hogan
Herbert Moran (7)
Didn’t that popgun backline put 40 on the Reds this year?
Tomthumb
Chilla Wilson (44)
With the amount of players we have that fall into this boat, I'm wondering if it's just bad luck and not poor training methods. Guys like Jack Dempsey were constantly injured over here and then move overseas and become ironmen
Yoda
Ron Walden (29)
My question was to ‘UptheReds’, because I don’t think the Force backline is popgun…. Far from it. He obviously forgot the Perth game!
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Good to have Tom Franklin and Reed Prinsep locked in for 2025.
Both were top contributors in 2024 when they came in for injury cover.
Both were top contributors in 2024 when they came in for injury cover.
Great, was hoping they'd both be brought back. Prinsep has that hard edge that you need off the bench.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Reesjan has been well cared for as he is young and has heaps of potential. Recovered well from his knee recon and suffered a badly dislocated elbow in the 2024 pre-season. He's been a top performer for Perth Bayswater in Club Rugby. Good to see him back and hopefully active in the RSA Spring Tour. He adds a lot of depth to some key positions (FH, Centre, FB) and has a real physical presence.
Tomthumb
Chilla Wilson (44)
I'm well aware he's a young talent. But he's seemingly always injured
Jimmy_Crouch
Ken Catchpole (46)
HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) should move back to the loosehead side.
upthereds#!
Peter Johnson (47)
You're right - There are 1 or 2 real mass monsters in that backline, real line bending potential - plus they possess some of the fastest players in Super Rugby, working outside the silky skills of the 10 options? Deadly.
Seriously though - I think it is clear Aus Super Rugby teams are always lacking the right combination of threats, hence our inability to match it at the pointy end against the big dogs. To also be clear, I see no solution so just venting. My frustration for the WF was back to the old Twiggy talking about wanting world top 100 players and be a top team etc, but I don't see that now, nor previously. Only time the WF had real class players was at their foundation.
Now as a well coached, well schooled unified effort that embarrassed the Reds? Fantastic work. But 4 - 10 ? I see it as the WF being outmuscled, out paced and simply outclassed across the park.
Wilson
Phil Kearns (64)
Force have signed Nick Champion de Crespigny:
westernforce.rugby
Force lures home Champion de Crespigny after French stint
westernforce.rugby
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Also the backline that missed the finals. Not trying to be negative but gee it's not the most threatening group over the course of a season.
Whilst White is a big name he looks to be on the slide to me.
Mr Pilfer
Dave Cowper (27)
wow, yep would have put money on him going back to Sydney and they needed him. Oh well good for the force
The Ghost of Raelene
Simon Poidevin (60)
Seems Leota is drifting towards signing with the Tahs so it could explain it. Think they also have an eye on Wilkin.
Dctarget
Tim Horan (67)
Not overly impressed with Nick’s time in Top 14. Would much rather someone like Reece Hewat home. But he’s a solid player who won’t miss his tackles.Force have signed Nick Champion de Crespigny:
Force lures home Champion de Crespigny after French stint
Yoda
Ron Walden (29)
No pressure on the Tahs next year. Some big signings. Surely they can’t get the spoon again?
D-Box
Cyril Towers (30)
Most readers of this thread would be more than happy for the Tahs to prove you wrong.
