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2009 has been a turbulent year for the Western Force and this has possibly been reflected in their inconsistent performances. However along the way the Force have provided some exciting football.
In a previous article I discussed the Waratahs inability to use their explosive backline. Like the Waratahs, the Western Force possess a star-studded backline. However they cannot be accused of playing defensive football. It has been pleasing to see the likes of Giteau, O’Connor, Mitchell and Cross looking to use the ball.
This is the style of rugby that I believe Australia is going to have to play in order to be successful over the next few years. Our strengths over the years have always been in our expansive and intricate back play however it is something that seems to have been lacking in recent years.
In saying that, there is also a need for balance. This is perhaps where the Force got it slightly wrong this year. On a number of occasions the Force have failed to close out matches, namely the Hurricanes game, and this has ultimately proved costly in the race to the finals.
With a world-class five-eighth such as Matt Giteau you would think the Force would have no problems playing for territory and grinding out a victory. However this has proved to be a problem this year. Perhaps the answer lies in the forward pack.
In contrast to the Waratahs, the Force’s forward pack is perhaps not quite so experienced. With the exception of Nathan Sharpe, who has again been outstading, there is a lack of high-level experience within the Force forward pack. Tamaiti Horua and Matt Hodgson have been able to find some consistent form and have stood up throughout the injury-enforced absence of Richard Brown. David Pocock has also shown he will be a world-class flanker before too long.
In the tight-five the Force have been steady and seem to have accepted their role as simply providing as much ball as possible for their exciting backs. In general, the forwards have done the job required of them and competed admirably for the majority of the time.
The Force are still a growing side and had they maintained the nucleus of this year’s side, they could have posed a real threat in 2010.
However it seems that this year may have been the Force’s best opportunity for some time. Wallabies in the form of Giteau, Mitchell and Valentine have already confirmed their departures for the Eastern Border. However the biggest loss could be in the form of James O’Connor, who is rumoured to be leaving for the Brumbies. O’Connor has the potential to be one of the Wallabies’ most lethal attacking weapons and it would be disastrous for the Force to lose him given he has over a decade of rugby in front of him.
Will 2010 be the Force’s time year or will they have to build a team all over again? They have proved this season that off field issues are surmountable and they are still able to be competitive. However with the amount of star quality they are losing, 2010 could be another tough year.
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.