Western Force 2012
- Thread starter Lee Grant
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T
TheNextBigThing
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Later in the season Smith has showed some real potential and it's a shame he won't be around to provide a real strike option for the force in the future.
I honestly think Dunning will be big loss offield. They don't have enough statesmen in their squad to provide guidance and leadership. I think too much of that falls on Sharpe and Shep.
Their forwards next year will be intimidatingly strong, they need a more commanding 10 than Ripia to guide them. If JOC (James O'Connor) stays he should be first choice flyhalf next season as they've never looked as composed since he shifted wider.
I honestly think Dunning will be big loss offield. They don't have enough statesmen in their squad to provide guidance and leadership. I think too much of that falls on Sharpe and Shep.
Their forwards next year will be intimidatingly strong, they need a more commanding 10 than Ripia to guide them. If JOC (James O'Connor) stays he should be first choice flyhalf next season as they've never looked as composed since he shifted wider.
Shiggins
Simon Poidevin (60)
Let's hope standard gets more game time and plays the same as yesterday. He could be the answer.
But we gave too wait and see if it wasn't a fluke. I Spose he isn't the aussie 7s player of 2010 for no reason
Go the force!!!!
spectator
Bob Davidson (42)
What a pity that David Smith is off to France next year. He's proven to be a great buy.
I'm thinking that if the Force recruit backs wisely, and JOC (James O'Connor) stays, with the forward pack they have, the Force could be the great improvers of 2012.
My only question is "how many good seasons does Sharpie have left in him"?
I'm thinking that if the Force recruit backs wisely, and JOC (James O'Connor) stays, with the forward pack they have, the Force could be the great improvers of 2012.
My only question is "how many good seasons does Sharpie have left in him"?
RedsHappy
Tony Shaw (54)
If, as quoted in the Perth media, DS 'loves Perth' etc, I don't get why RugbyWA didn't fight much, much harder to keep him...was it top unmatchable $s from France, 'I just want to play in Europe', or what, that allowed or drove his departure ?
It strikes me that with WA's much thinner player feedstock system than is the case in NSW and QLD, then RubyWA simply cannot afford much player churn in its best players or it will never stand a chance of building a team good enough, and stable enough, to get into the S15 final 6. If the Force is perpetually the 'woulda, coulda. mighta' team that shows weeks of promise and some good wins, but never really gets to the top tier, IMO there are real risks to the medium-term viability of the franchise (as gate and sponsorship income will ever-gradually decline).
ChargerWA
Mark Loane (55)
Only thing in our favour for Medium term prospects is the huge immgration rate to WA of South Africans, Poms and Kiwis. A good percentage of those who come over pick up the Force to some extent, even if the Force aren't their number one team, they will still support them as they want to see Rugby develop in WA. And their kids will grow up playing the game in WA
Growing up outside Perth, there was no rugby competition down here at all until 6-7 years ago when the seniors began. There is now a competiton for all grades and I believe the Perth competition is experiencing growth also. I'm optimistic for the future, and hope in 10 years the Force will be supplying at least half of the squad from local ranks.
Growing up outside Perth, there was no rugby competition down here at all until 6-7 years ago when the seniors began. There is now a competiton for all grades and I believe the Perth competition is experiencing growth also. I'm optimistic for the future, and hope in 10 years the Force will be supplying at least half of the squad from local ranks.
farva
Vay Wilson (31)
Longbum
Turner
Ah-Nau
Godwin
Stannard (kind of, he moved to Perth to play in the local comp and got picked from there)
Sheehan (he was born in Geraldton)
Im hoping DHP will be back soon as he is another local.
Edit: Cummins is from Port Macquarie.
qwerty51
Stirling Mortlock (74)
Didn't realise that many, although I wouldn't classify Sheehan and Stannard from Perth
T
tranquility
Guest
Apparently the local comp has really improved as well. Blokes like Godwin and Turner are absolute freaks to be as good as they are from unconventional pathways.
What is the name of the local prop who got selected in the Australian schoolboys last year, I think he is the academy?
spectator
Bob Davidson (42)
Yes I know, quoting self is a bit ordinary, but I think it's worth re-stating now that the latest JOC (James O'Connor) story is that he will be staying. If these guys recruit wisely in a couple of key positions next year they will be on fire next year. The backrow is close to the best going around, the second row has performed sensationally. They also have some really promising hookers. Props and some try scoring ability out wide is the only thing missing IMO. Some backup at 10/12 might also be wise and Turner will be back at 9 to strengthen that position.
farva
Vay Wilson (31)
Gary Neubrfbrbrbsd.
Something like that. I think he is only around 17 or 18 at the moment.
Sheehan is from geraldton, but he left when he was young.
Having said that Adam Wallace-Harrison grew up in perth, so we can claim him too.
farva
Vay Wilson (31)
Absolutely.
They have a marquee spot open, and Id be looking for a playmaker type player to cover 10/12 or another David Smithesque speedster for out wide. They have plenty of big runners in the backs and I think the forwards are going well. Having said that, Fairbrother is leaving, and I think Cowen is too. We have CAN and PAE to cover, but they are a bit young. I wouldnt mind seeing another older prop come into the squad for a couple of years to mentor these guys. Pieman is doing that role (but is he sticking around?)
Id also like to see Phoenix Battye get some game time next year.
farva
Vay Wilson (31)
Id forgotten he had signed!
He has some Wallaby experience and can do some mentoring to the younger guys. Good stuff.
I can see Longbum being the starting loosehead, but will Ma'afu be the starting tighthead? I guess that is why he came over but I am not convinced he will be the best option there.
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