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Prior to the beginning of the Super Rugby season, many pundits and fans probably thought the Lions would finish bottom of the South African conference and bottom of Super Rugby overall.
No one, however, expected the events at Bloemfontein on Saturday, when the Lions picked up a precious away win against last season’s surprise team the Cheetahs.
While the Lions’ tenacious and determined win will give them a much needed confidence boost, it puts the onus on the Western Force to improve this season. Last year the Perth-based franchise finished bottom of their conference and 13th out of 15th overall in Super Rugby.
The off-season hasn’t been good for the Western Force while under the stewardship of Michael Foley. Foley hasn’t got much to work with, hence his decision to bring in several coaches and players from South Africa – four of the seven players the Force have acquired in the off-season.
The Force’s squad, led by captain Matt Hodgson, don’t have a wealth of depth. Within the forwards only Ben McCalman and possibly Hugh McMeniman have the star quality to allow the Force to win the vital battle up front.
McCalman had an excellent season for the Force in 2013 and the franchise will hope he can perform again in 2014, laying the platform for the backs to create chances.
The experience of Nick Cummins, Alby Mathewson, Luke Morahan (recently acquired from the Reds), Sias Ebersohn and their prodigious young talent Kyle Godwin mean the backs – although limited – can be dangerous if things click.
Mathewson is a scrum half full of cunning whose try against the Hurricanes last season was a real joy to watch, while Cummins is a winger who can put a real shift in every game as he showed for the Wallabies last season.
Ebersohn’s kicking helped pin opposition teams in their own half last season – should they go down the tactical kicking route again, Ebersohn is a handy asset. Morahan is a shrewd signing and showed what he could do with his excellent try against the Lions.
But Kyle Godwin is the pick of their backline talent. He is a player with huge potential and his contract extension until 2016 will have pleased Force fans.
Whether he plays at No.10 or No.12, Godwin will play for the Wallabies come the Rugby Championship in August should he have a good season.
Though the Force are a side full of spirit and enthusiasm, which on occasion can beat top teams such as the Crusaders, Brumbies and Reds, their attack can be toothless and limited.
The stats last season showed they had the worst attack in the competition, scoring a paltry 26 tries in 18 games. South African franchise the Stormers scored 30 tries last season but their defence at home was watertight. In fact, they remained undefeated at their Newlands fortress in 2013.
The Force’s defence was awful, conceding 366 points at an average of 20.3 points per game. Foley has at least tried to rectify that by bringing in South African coaches who can help with the defence and organisation.
Western Force fans will hope their on-field issues can be rectified by the time they kick off their season away to the Waratahs on Sunday, because off the pitch the franchise has major financial issues.
Their poor finish last year saw major sponsor Emirates pull out, meaning they have a hole of AUD$1 million in their budget despite being funded by the Australian Rugby Union. To try and limit their financial shortage, the Force have made offers to companies to have their logo on the jumper of individual players for $50,000 per player for the whole season.
In a time when Australian rugby is suffering financially talk has grown of whether Australia merits five teams in Super Rugby. This talk gathers steam when the depth at a grassroots level is considered, and when the Australian Under-20s side does not match the South Africans, New Zealanders or arguably even the Argentineans.
In the past two editions of the Junior World Championships in 2012 and 2013, the Australians have lost against Argentina’s Pumitas. The Aussies have underachieved in the 12-team tournament, finishing eighth and seventh in the past two years respectively.
That is why this season is so important for the Western Force to show critics they are worthy of their place in Super Rugby and persuade the ARU not to cut them.
With the rumour that SANZAR is to formally announce Argentina are joining Super Rugby – possibly in the next week or two – calls will be made to cut the number of teams over fears the competition will become bloated.
If the Force fare badly this season then rumours will grow of them being jettisoned by the ARU to save costs, meaning rugby union will lose its presence in Western Australia.
That would be a shame, but it’s up to Michael Foley and his players to prove they aren’t making up the numbers.
And what better way than to take inspiration from the Lions and surprise the Waratahs. Some might think the Waratahs will easily beat the Force, but who gave the Lions hope against the Cheetahs?
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.