The main subject that will probably be discussed following Willia Ripia’s move from Taranaki and the Hurricanes to the Western Force will be his inclusion as a ‘project’ player. What I want to discuss, though, is what role he will play in the fortunes of the Force in the coming seasons.
In 2011, the inaugural season of Super 15 Rugby, the Western Force will be playing in their fifth term of Super rugby. Last year was a bit of a damp squib, after the three previous years of mid-table finishes.
Injuries played a large part in their slide down the table in the competition last season, but the lack of direction at the pivotal five-eighth position was another reason.
They have tried to remedy this problem by signing the Kiwi, Willie Ripia.
Ripia started last year as the ‘Canes starting stand off, but was eventually replaced by the prodigiously talented Aaron Cruden. Obviously realising his chances would be limited in Wellington, and probably any other New Zealand franchise he could have joined, he jumped at the chance to head to Perth.
Now that we know what the Force are able to offer him, what can Ripia offer the Force?
Ripia is a player who likes to play the gain-line and will invite his comrades into it with him. He possesses a cultured left boot and is quite a big lad who can look after himself in contact.
Maybe it’s a fatal flaw in his play or maybe it’s just that he is still young and has been playing in a pressure environment at the ‘Canes, but he is quite inconsistent. His distribution can be erratic and his kicking all over the place.
It’s a big ‘if”, but if the Force can keep their injury list small or even clean of their key players throughout the year, then I feel the play of Ripia will decide if they make the finals in 2011 or not.
With a competitive pack, lead by franchise player David Pocock, and a solid backline with a few gems, this is a side that can make a run if given the right direction and focus by their pivot.
So is Ripia the man to provide that for them or is he just a stop gap before they entrust the reigns to a young player like a Stefana Hunt, or sign a Lealiifano or Halangahu?
Ben S
Roar Guru
I think you misunderstand me. I didn't suggest that Ripia and Fairbrother were ever going to pull on an All Black jersey.I 'm not sure where the confusion lies? 'It’s very obvious what their defection says about the NZ rugby system. YOU HAVE TO BE VERY GOOD TO MAKE THE ABs and while good players theyare not at that level to go one further.' Clearly NZ is an astonishing rugby nation but the two defections don't necessarily suggest that at all. 'Australian rugby is struggling to find depth so how the hell is replacing depth with foreigners going to help?' Realistically, Australia could field Barnes, Cooper (currently), Giteau, Toomua and Halangahu at 10, so Ripia's decision to move has nothing to do with depth. Bringing in outside ideas has myriad benefits, as you imply. It is what it is. Rugby is professional, and there doesn't have to be any concrete definite reason or broad hysteria with regard to such, basically, irrelevant player movement.
Richierich
Guest
Not at all Ben and shows how little you actually know about New Zealand rugby. Ripia whilst a good player wioll never pull on the AB Jersey much like Fairbrother he quite simply wasn't good enough and never would be. Unfortunately for Ripia players such as Aaron Cruden, Stephen Brett, Robbie Robinson (normally full back but playing some excellent rugby at 10 for Southland), Weepu at a pinch are all ahead of him. Cruden and Robbinson both having youth on their side. It's very obvious what their defection says about the NZ rugby system. YOU HAVE TO BE VERY GOOD TO MAKE THE ABs and while good players theyare not at that level to go one further. Australian rugby is struggling to find depth so how the hell is replacing depth with foreigners going to help? What they should be doing is giving their kids a break and letting them play against the best in the world, I don't know of many players in any sport who improve by sittting on the bench. You may counter that the foreign pros bring wisdom and experience. Well I'd say how are the younger players going to get experience sitting on the pine waiting for the import to get injured?
Ben S
Roar Guru
What kind of message does Ripia's (and Fairbrother) deflection say to up and comers within the New Zealand rugby system? Maybe you're upset that a player has rejected his country, but ultimately rugby union is a professional business, and we're talking about a very, very small percentage of development players. It's hardly uncommon either.
mudskipper
Guest
I must say is a kid has talent... far better than the limping yappie they signed last season... Good signing and head coach Mitchell wasn't even in the country... This must be a sign that Mitchell must be gone... if the Force are signing new talent
Nerk
Guest
Wow I hadn't noticed that, Thats wicked!! And the force had David Hill this season as well... BTW who would have lealiifano in 1st 5?! he seems like a born centre when he's been playing for Waikato... Good player but def not a 1st 5
Richierich
Guest
Interesting for sure, Ripia has supposedly expressed his desire to pull on the Green and Gold....... I'd say it's more so that he knows he will highly unlikely ever make the ABs so if he wants to play international footy he needs to became a Mozzie to get a shot. What kind of message does this send to up and comers within the Australian system? Try as hard as you can but to be honest we're gonna head across the ditch and pluck some struggler from New Zealand make him a paper citizen and give him your Jersey. Righto run along to the NRL like a good lad off you go. I look forward to a few years time seeing the All Blacks vs the Australian Kiwis
katzilla
Roar Guru
He certainly had very good moments at the Hurricanes and was definately a solid option with the boot. Not the greatest of passing first fives, as you said he will be strong in the contact and has a good running game, but will certainly bring more to the table in attack then David Hill. The Force would be happy with this signing, with the Rebels coming along I dont think they're in the Hunt for the next big Australian first five. So he'll go a couple of years at least in Perth. On a side Note if King Carlos manages to come out for the Lions one more year that would make 6 S14 teams with Maori First Fives. Stephen Brett - Blues Aaron Cruden - Hurricanes Robbie Robinson - Highlanders Quade Cooper - Reds Willie Ripia - Force Carlos Spencer - Lions? Thats more then any country has teams.
Matt
Guest
I don't know that his playing style is that well suited to the way the game is being played at the moment. He's more of a kicking No.10 than an attacking one, although he'll certainly be a good option for the club and be a better signing than what the Force could have conjured up internally.