Western Force

2006 Preview

If any rugby nation is in need of a good-news story it is Australia, and the Western Force may just be the panacea that the sports-mad populace has been looking for in the wake of the Wallabies' fall from grace.

Nothing blows out the cobwebs like a gust of fresh air, and the new Perth-based franchise, full of the exuberance of youth, has guarantee a wind storm - the neophytes are aiming at nothing less than world domination.

Plonking a 15-man franchise slap-bang in the middle of Rules territory could be construed as a risk, but the Force has not looked back since beating off Victoria and Melbourne for the rights to Australia's new Super 14 team back in December 2004.

Indeed, the Aussie babe was up and running before its South African twin - the Central Cheetahs - was even conceived, and the bosses at the Force have made full use of the head-start.

It is thanks to this highly professional set-up that the side, which has yet to play a competitive game, already boasts the largest membership base of any of the Super 14 teams - 20,000 members and counting.

The wheels could fall off if the new boys stumble out of the starting blocks, but former All Black coach John Mitchell and his team have assembled a cast of characters that should be able to steer the new vessel around any major icebergs.

Of course, the nascent swans could still turn out to be ugly ducklings, but don't count on it - the omens look very good indeed.

Strengths: Youth, a lack of baggage and a unity of purpose. And in John Mitchell they have a coach who has built some of the finest foundations in the game - he was involved with England prior to 2003 and New Zealand prior to 2005. It's about time that he reaped the rewards of his own labours.

Weakness: A lack of experience could affect their chances, as could their lack of together-time. And if the South African sides believe that distances conspire against them, just think about the Force - even matches against fellow Australian sides will involve lengthy stints away from home. Fatigue could become a factor late in the season.

Noteworthy signings: ***New franchise***

Noteworthy losses: ***New franchise***

Coach: Mitchell played for New Zealand in 1993, captaining the team on three occasions. In 1997, he was appointed assistant to England coach Clive Woodward for three years. In 2001, John was made head coach of Waikato in the Super 12 competition and the following year became head coach of the All Blacks until after the 2003 World Cup. During the period he was in charge, the All Blacks won back-to-back Tri-Nations championships and the Bledisloe Cup. He left his job as head coach of the Waikato provincial side to join the Western Force. He's had his fair share of detractors within the media and within the game, but his pedigree is spotless.

Captain: Wallaby star Nathan Sharpe has the honour of leading the Force during their inaugural year. Sharpe comes with all the right attributes - a towering lock with presence all over the field, he has captained the Wallabies twice in George Gregan's absence and is an established vice-captain of the national side. Sharpe made his international debut against France in 2002 and has over 40 caps to his name. Originally from Wagga Wagga in NSW, he grew up playing Australian Rules before moving to the Gold Coast.

Player(s) to watch: Who not to watch - that's the question! A good mix of experience campaigners and relative novices will make for exciting viewing. But it will be the side's Wallaby squad members that will be asked to shoulder the lion's share of responsibility - and they have the talent to deliver. For experience, the side can look to Brendan Cannon and Nathan Sharpe. For power, David Fitter and Scott Fava. For inspiration, Matt Henjak, Scott Shepherd and Digby Ioane.

2005 Position: Newcomers
Best finish: Newcomers
Worst finish: Newcomers
Home Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth

2006 Prediction: Still a bit of an enigma, but all signs point to a decent debut season. Top half of the table, but it's perhaps too early to think of the play-offs.

Western Force squad: Richard Brown, Vitori Buatava, Brendan Cannon, Pekahou Cowan, Scott Daruda, Tim Davidson, Gavin DeBartolo (apprentice), Luke Doherty, Scott Fava, David Fitter, Josh Fuimaono (apprentice), Josh Graham, Gareth Hardy, Matt Henjak, James Hilgendorf, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Digby Ioane, Brock James, Tajhon Mailata, Tai McIsaac, Lachlan MacKay, Pat O'Connor (apprentice), Chris O'Young, Zander Peden, Junior Pelesasa, David Pocock (apprentice), David Pusey, Haig Sare (apprentice), Angus Scott, Nathan Sharpe, Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Brett Stapleton, David Te Moana (apprentice), Ben Ward (apprentice), Rudi Vedelago, John Welborn, Matt Windle, AJ Whalley.

Schedule:

Friday 10 Febuary: v Brumbies, Perth
Saturday 18 February: v Hurricanes, New Plymouth
Friday 24 February: v Chiefs, Perth
Week four: bye
Saturday 11 March: v Reds, Brisbane
Friday 17 March: v Waratahs, Perth
Saturday 25 March: v Bulls, Perth
Friday 31 March: v Stormers, Perth
Saturday 8 April: v Highlanders, Dunedin
Friday 14 April: v Blues, Auckland
Friday 21 April: v Crusaders, Perth
Friday 28 April: v Cats, Johannesburg
Saturday 6 May: v Cheetahs, Bloemfontein
Friday 12 May: v Sharks, Durban