Force is a farce
The Western Force have named their inaugural side to play the Brumbies in their Super 14 debut, and the only ones quaking are coach John Mitchell and his support staff.
In fact, two very distinct cheers could be heard at the completion of his team announcement earlier today. The first came from Brumbies coach Gandalf Fisher, convinced one of his spells had actually worked and an opening win for his side is now guaranteed. The second from Sharks supremo Dick Muir, who no longer coaches the weakest side in the competition.
Simply put, the Force are a Farce. This is no Brumbies’ style gathering of good players unlucky not to be afforded opportunities elsewhere, moulded by a common vision and player power.
There is talent, at halfback especially where Matt Henjak can sense the Wallaby No 9 jumper clinging to his back a little more tightly each day, and flyhalf where stand-out U19 Wallaby Scott Daruda is one of the most exciting prospects on the Australian scene.
Like two diamonds sparkling in about two tonnes of dirt, however, any excitement generated by their inclusion is buried in the collection of plodders surrounding them. If ever there was a rugby example of what happens when you stretch resources beyond their means, this is it.
The Brumbies, when conceptualised and then launched in 1996, were also predicted to fail. The difference, however, was that their players had not been afforded opportunities and their potential was as yet unknown.
With the notable exception of Henjak and Daruda, the same cannot be said of the Force. Too many players have experienced Super 12 and been found wanting.
Examples such as journeyman Scott Staniforth, Junior Pelesasa – dangerous on attack but a revolving door on D, Lachlan Mackay – shifted out of position, and David Fitter – the poor man’s Donut Dunning, are far too plentiful.
There is quality in Scott Fava, an outstanding No 8, and competence in Nathan Sharpe and Brendan Cannon, but far too much rests on players known for their dependability and consistency rather than shooting lights out.
South African expats in Perth often speak of their homesickness, how much they miss their country of origin…’The Republic.’ In naming his side, Mitchell provided the certainty that they will have quick and prolonged relief throughout the Super 14.
They, too, can spend Friday nights and Saturday afternoons lamenting a side taking a routine pummelling, with the brutal reality that their team is just not good enough struggling to hide behind glitzy marketing campaigns and gimmicky ploys.
THE INAUGURAL FARCE
15 James Higendorf
14 Scott Staniforth
13 Junior Pelesasa
12 Lachlan Mackay
11 Digby Loane
10 Scott Daruda
9 Matt Henjak
8 Scott Fava
7 Matt Hodgson
6 Luke Doherty
5 Nathan Sharpe (c)
4 John Welborn
3 David Fitter
2 Brendan Cannon
1 Gareth Hardy
Subs
16 Tai Mclsaac
17 David Te Moana
18 David Pusey
19 Richard Brown
20 Chris O’Young
21 Josh Graham
22 Cameron Shepherd
February 8th, 2006 at 2:19 pm
Ja chris, until they beat a few SA S14 teams. Dont underestimate the Aussies, espec not with John Mitchell as the coach.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:21 pm
So the Cheetah win meant zilch?
February 8th, 2006 at 2:24 pm
Red
It meant that the Cats woes before had NOUGHT to do with the Meilie boers being unhappy away from home.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Cannon is in there. He’s a tjop, but still, I don’t think this side is THAT bad. Could they beat the Spears ?
February 8th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Volgende jaar behoort die onderste plek darem weer aan ons. Alles te danke aan iemand se fuckedup brainwave om die Spears te skep.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:28 pm
“The Brumbies, when conceptualised and then launched in 1996, were also predicted to fail. The difference, however, was that their players had not been afforded opportunities and their potential was as yet unknown.”
Chris, there are a number of players in the Force squad that haven’t had opportunities. Do you know anything about their youngsters at all?
February 8th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Murph,
From Bloem or SA?
February 8th, 2006 at 2:29 pm
Hodgson, Ioane and Brown are players to watch.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:31 pm
Chris dont joke – no doubt our spears will cause even less fears….
February 8th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Going through the motions when picking my Fantasy Rugby team today, as you do, I was browsing through the Crusaders team, and it struck me, they have got quite a weakness in their ranks. Or perhaps, a potential weakness, or even, an unproven strength. But as from the title of this piece, I think the first, there is a weakness in the Crusaders, and it will be attacked by many.
What weakness you are asking? Well, one of the more important ones, especially if you subscribe to the old saying, “it all starts up front”.
Yes, their tight five, and in particular, their front row. Hard to believe, I know, but when you look at the makeup of the Crusader fatties, you have proven performer Greg Somerville, fringe performers Corey Flynn and Campbell Johnstone, who have never really proven themselves at the highest level on a constant basis, and then three very unproven performers at any level, Tone Kopelani (hooker), Wyatt Crockett, and Ben Franks.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
hobo, they still have Chris Jack who is a key for them.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
That Lachlan Mackay, was he the flyhalf for the U21 wallabeis in 2003? If so the guy is very talented.
Again the Wallabies put a flyhalf at the N12 position!!!
February 8th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Not a bad team at all.Quite a few Wallabies there.And dont forget,John Mitchel aint no spring chicken !
Why call them a farce when the real thing has’nt started yet ? Sensational!
Force will surprise a few.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Yeah MacKay was the flyhalf. He is playing at 12 as he isn’t a strong kicker. big lad could almost play at 13.
February 8th, 2006 at 2:56 pm
Brumby
Chris Jack is the best lock in the world but they will need more to win this super 14….
February 8th, 2006 at 2:59 pm
Scott Fava is another good player, i think he came from the Brumbies and im sure he was also the U21 Captain of the Wallabies when Clyde Rathbones team beat them the U21 World Cup Final.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:05 pm
Chris you such a DOOS
I will put money on they will finish above two SA sides and at least one kiwi side.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Fitter a poor mans donut dunning , donut may not cut it at international level but he is a very good s12 player What i saw of fitter last year impressed me he gave lensing a hard time last year. and we all know lensing can scrum
February 8th, 2006 at 3:08 pm
Above the Sharks, Stormers and Chiefs? Nah, nice try though.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:10 pm
spoof, Fava is 29. Tamaiti Horua was the Oz captain in that tourney. Horua is now uncontracted.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:14 pm
Thanks BrumbyIV
He still a good player though, did he play at the Brumbies?
February 8th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
Fava, yep. Won the Brumbies Forward of the Year award a few times and the Sydney Club MVP (catchpole award) 3 years in a row.
Made his wallabies debut on the tour but only got a handful of minutes. Eddie never really liked him and there was a big call in the press here from him to start.
February 8th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
hobo, when you post Silver Fern stories, please refer to them so we know where it comes from!!
http://www.rugbyweb.co.nz/content/view/311/2/
February 8th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Lol I BET they come out and whoop the Stormers.:)
February 8th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
3 David Fitter
1 Gareth Hardy
I can see where the selection went wrong.
David’s surname should’ve been Laurel. Then the props would’ve been Laurel & Hardy, OR
Gareth’s surname should’ve been Turner. Then they would’ve had a Fitter and Turner as props.
PS. Fir Her & Turn Her.
February 8th, 2006 at 4:26 pm
Sorry, that’s Fit not Fir
February 8th, 2006 at 4:39 pm
Barbie it seems all the fir has been removed. On the subject I asked on another thread about The Force are their kinsman called force-kins?
February 8th, 2006 at 7:12 pm
Their from Australia.
I don’t like them.
February 8th, 2006 at 7:45 pm
They will still beat the Neandersharks.
February 8th, 2006 at 10:27 pm
donut dunning’s not the problem, its al baxter, and the rest of the pack that are not giving him much support. Dont forget Donut gave the bulls front row a good going over in Sydney.
February 9th, 2006 at 1:52 am
cab, but Baxter is still is front row partner at the tahs.
February 9th, 2006 at 3:50 am
Man, wont it be embarrasing for a few SA sides to lose to the force?
Chris just sings wotever tune blows out of Keo’s arse.