WESTERN FORCE

Tuesday 30th January 2007

The honeymoon may be over. Last season was certainly honeymoon time for the Western Force. There they were a brand new franchise in a newish rugby area, cut off by the width of a continent from their compatriots, a team with huge community support as the people of home and surrounds rallied to the cause determined, in a competitively Australian way, to make their island of rugby a treasure island.

So people supported them. They were clearly no threat to the other Super 14 sides, but had an appealing, fresh-faced look about them.

Then, too, they kept on making history. When Scott Daruda kicked a penalty goal, it was an historic first. When Scott Fava scored a try, it was an historic first. When the Western Force beat the Cheetahs, it was an historic first. Each historic first was greeted with smiling approval, a feat after all. Patting the good underdog.

That may have worn off this year. But there may be compensation in the strong squad assembled. They are largely an expat group with few locals but even that seems to work to their appeal.

There are rugby entities pilloried for having imported players. In the case of Western Force it has been seen as virtue, adding to their appeal. When they drew in Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Ryan Cross there was applause and admiration. But there was also a bit of disquiet. After all 2006's wooden spoonists may be a bit more than a bit of a nuisance. The wooden spoon may just become a weapon.

Strengths: They have a wonderful support base. If the novelty has not worn off and they can encourage that cheerful blue-clad army to return they can add force to the Force, supporters worth playing for. They are not just voices crying in the stands. They are also people who put their hands into their pockets. They must have great business support to be able to afford some of their signings. They have the wonderful skills of Matt Giteau, the finishing power of Drew Mitchell and the potential of rugby-league hardened Ryan Cross who comes back to the union game. That trio did not come cheap. Giteau, at AUS$4.5 million, is the highest paid footballer of any code in Australia's sporting history. Last year they scored tries. They also have good goal-kickers in Giteau, Cameron Shepherd and Brock James, who has been kicking so well in France.

Weakness: Lack of depth and a winning culture. If Australia has a scrumming problem in the East imagine what it's like in the West.

Noteworthy signings: Drew Mitchell (from the Reds), Matt Giteau (from the Brumbies), Ryan Cross (from Rugby League, Sydney Roosters), Troy Takiari (from the Waratahs).

Noteworthy losses: John Welborn (retired), David Te Moana (Manawatu)

Coach: John Mitchell, the big New Zealander, has had fingers in lots of big pies, including England as an assistant and the All Blacks as a vilified flop. He certainly can coach and his livelihood depends on coaching.

Captain: Stirling Nathan Sharpe, one of Australia's top and most charismatic tight forwards. Has he ever given less than his unemotional best?

Players to watch: You will see and watch Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell and you will be interested to see how Ryan Cross manages his swap. And you may want to keep an eye on Luke Doherty.

2006 Position: 14th
Best finish: 14th (2006, debut year)
Worst finish: (2006, debut year)
Home venue: Subiaco Oval, home (capacity: 43 500)

2007 Prediction: They will be slightly better, but not yet good enough. 11th

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

Schedule:

2 February: v Highlanders, home
9 February: v Stormers, away
16 February: v Bulls, away
24 February: v Lions, home
2 March: v Waratahs, away
9 March: v Hurricanes, home
16 March: v Queensland Reds home
30 March: v Sharks, home
7 April: v Crusaders, away
14 April: v Chiefs, away
20 April: v Brumbies, away
27 April: v Cheetahs, home
4 May: v Blues, home