Super Rugby preview: The Force

With kick-off of the Super Rugby season now just days away, we take a closer look at each of the fifteen teams continuing with Western Force!

Last year: While the 2009 season was one of so close yet so far for the Force as a few near results denied them a semi-final chance, 2010 saw the team fail to build on any momentum that may have been developed the previous year.

For the most part John Mitchell's men showed moments of class but these were overshadowed by a tendency to dissolve into scrappy, error-strewn play.

Despite this, the Force managed to see off the finalist Stormers outfit courtesy off a late David Hill drop-kick and produced the shock of the season by beating the Crusaders 24-16.

This year: In most areas the Force look to have assembled a competent line-up, especially amongst the backs where the likes of Cameron Sheperd, David Smith, Willie Ripia and James O'Connor should shine.

The Perth-based outfit pack a potent loose trio, with David Pocock, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson and Ben McCalman fighting it out for starting spots.

But, it is in the tight five where the Force start to come unstuck. A combination of lack of depth and questionable capabilities mean that Graham's men could come under pressure at scrum time and as a result fail to provide the likes of O'Connor with a suitable platform to shine.

Coach: Richard Graham takes over the reins from John Mitchell a year earlier than originally planned, with Mitchell taking up a post with the Lions. While Graham may lack experience as Head Coach, he had been mentored by the likes of Mitchell as well as Eddie Jones, Brian Ashton, John Connelly and Robbie Deans, all of whom have served as national coaches. Having been part of the Force set-up last year, the former Sevens star shouldn't have too much trouble stepping into a leading role.

Captain: If there's one thing that you can be sure of with Nathan Sharpe it is that he will lead from the front. A tireless campaigner, Sharpe is potent both at line-out time and in the loose. At 32, age may not be on his side, but Sharpe is still the man who holds the Force together.

Player(s) to watch: David Pocock has developed into one of the finest loose forwards in the business, and was deservedly nominated as IRB Player of the Year in 2010. The back three will be a potent weapon for the Force and the Zimbabwean-born flanker will head this charge. Pocock will also be relied upon by Nathan Sharpe to take up a leadership role within the team. After initially using him at full-back the Force have learnt that more they get the ball into the hands of James O'Connor, the better the do, hence his move to the insdie channels.

In 2006 he was touted as 'The Next Great Thing in Waiting' by the New Zealand press, but despite his early promise, David Smith has not quite been able to live up to his billing. After a strong season with the Hurricanes last year, the former New Zealand Sevens pace machine could make a big impact having been drafted in as a replacement for retired Scott Staniforth.

Noteworthy signings: David Smith, Willie Ripia (both Hurricanes), Alfi Mafi (Brumbies)

Noteworthy losses: Scott Staniforth (Retired), Nic Henderson (Rebels), Andre Pretorius (Lions)

2010 Position: 13th
Best finish: 7th (2007)
Worst finish: 14th (2006)
Home Venue: Nib Stadium (Perth Oval). Capacity: 20 500

2011 Prediction: The Force's big challenge will be to beat the Rebels in order to escape the Australian wooden spoon. A lack of depth and deficiencies upfront mean that challenging the likes of the Cheetahs and Highlanders for the lower placings will be the most they can hope for.

Fixtures:

Sun, 20 Feb: v Reds - Away
Sat, 26 Feb: v Waratahs - Away
Sat, 5 March: v Brumbies Away
Sat, 12 March: v Blues - Home
Sat, 19 March: v Lions - Away
Sat, 26 March: v Stormers - Away
Sat, 2 April: v Rebels -Home
Sat, 9 April: v Waratahs - Home
Sun, 17 April: v Brumbies - Away
Sat, 23 April: v Bulls - Home
Sat, 30 April: v Crusaders - Home
Sat, 7 May: v Waratahs - Away
Sat, 14 May: Bye
Sat, 21 May: v Brumbies - Home
Fri, 27 May: v Hurricanes - Away
Fri, 3 June: v Highlanders - Away
Sat, 11 June: v Reds - Home