Congratulations to the Western Force from a rusted-on Canberra Vikings supporter.
You outplayed us in every department in your thoroughly deserved 41-3 victory in Saturday’s final of the NRC. You forced us into schoolboy errors.
That’s not to take anything away from the Vikings – they put their hearts into it, but hearts don’t win games.
Having said all of that, there is a general malaise in Australian rugby. There are just so many basic handling errors, pushed passes, and 50-50 balls.
We have to get around or over that.
In the old days, we did no-mistakes drills ad nauseum – the players hated them because they were repetitive and boring, but they work.
In Australia, we think it’s all about catch-pass. What a load of rubbish if the third or fourth pass floats aimlessly over the sideline.
How many intercepts are we seeing in the modern game? How many no-look passes and Sydney Harbour Bridge passes floated over the top?
Wingers and centres are being coached to lie in wait for intercepts.
Come on, Australia, we are better than this. That is why we are sixth in the world. That is why we are not RWC finalists.
But, again, huge congratulations to the Force. Is Tim Sampson in the frame for Wallabies coach?
If not, why not?
Kick n Clap
Guest
Probably should be playing for the Saffa’s, but he’s too slow for their team now.
Kick n Clap
Guest
Who’s actually bothered about RU & the Farce?
AndyS
Guest
The clash with SR isn't the problem, as both NRC and M10 don't start until August. But M10 does go longer, by 3 weeks. The NRC perhaps should ultimately be similar through the addition of 3 sides, but it is club rugby that it should overlap if necessary. Not all club players will be in the finals, so if a few need to miss the start of the NRC for finals duties that wouldn't be the end of the world. That should certainly take priority.
gatesy
Roar Guru
Can't really answer that but the Mitre 10 Cup in NZ does seem to have a much longer season than our NRC. maybe the answer is to start the club comp earlier and flow straight into NRC, without the Super Rugby players, who can join in later on?
gatesy
Roar Guru
Why not add - how to keep your eye on the ball and get rid of "no look' passes?
MitchO
Guest
A flanker I used to play with transitioned to Loosehead prop at Shute shield level. He would have looked a touch undersized but he was strong and extremely tough. A couple of good 7s transitioned to half back.
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
Yes, the Force generally presented a cohesive unit. Very good effort in the Finals by the Western Force considering the number of first-choice players who were unavailable for selection either through injury or RWC commitments. The list was a long one: Injuries: Ian Prior (capt), Kieran Longbottom, Johan Bardoul, Chris Alcock, Brad Lacey RWC: Marcel Brache, AJ Alatimu, Henry Taefu Other regular players who moved on prior to the start of the NRC included: Masivesi Dakuwaqa, Rodney Iona and Rod Davies. Was also very good to see the young talent from Club Rugby and interstate who were given a chance to show their stuff in the NRC. Including: Pama Fou, Byron Ralston, Dom Hardman, Rory O'Sullivan, Jake Strachan, Aisake Meo, Chris Miller, Leon Feke, Kiti Ratu, Grason Makara.
MitchO
Guest
The Force do have some very good prospects on the books but without the Force they may not find themselves in a sufficiently professional environment. Not everyone is going to do what Bill Meakes or DHP did and travel. It would actually make a lot of sense for Carlo Tizzano to go Italy and play some rugby. Luckily for WA, Peter Grant, Hodgo, Brynard Stander and Marcel Brache have all stayed. I presume that Tessman and Prior are staying or at least staying for a while. That is good the next generation of players.
AndyS
Guest
I would have said that if GRR does manage to get up, the last places it should have anything at all to do with will be the SR centres. But especially Sydney.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Why do you always have to go overboard? Sure there's not cap. But teams with no TV money aren't going to be able to afford to pay more for players than every other major competition.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I was mistaken when I made that comment that he was the same age as McReight which he is not. I'd say it's almost certain he'll start Aus 20s in 2020 and likely captain. At 19 years of age he's probably a little too small but he certainly has the frame to bulk up to 110kg and be a dynamic and mobile hooker. Really any 7 who doesn't start Aus 20s would be best served transitioning to hooker. There's always going to be 2 spots in every 23 for a start. 7 is one of the most competitive positions on the park.
MitchO
Guest
Sydney at high level rugby are the answer to the old joke. How do you make small fortune? Start with a big one and pee it all away.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Yeah I definitely think it was more so luck regarding the time he came up. 2016 was his first year out of school. At the time he was stuck behind Frisby, Tuttle and Sorovi at the Reds. He was at the Brumbies for a bit, but again stuck behind Powell and I think Ryan Lonergan was also a great prospect. Guys like him really benefit from the Force set up. Not able to force his way into SR reckoning without the opportunity, but probably good enough if given the chance to shine.
MitchO
Guest
Tizzano said he'd like to play for Australia or Italy. He is built like a brick outhouse. Apparently he was a centre when younger. He may be another guy who needs to try transition to hooker to get a run. May not be big enough for hooker though but he's very blocky.
MitchO
Guest
Cheers. Fines looks worth a crack somewhere. He has elite level pace if nothing else.
piru
Roar Rookie
Lol - it's in Sydney, you came last Mr. Rugby Market
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Sydney? That would be the city that ran stone motherless last in the NRC. The days of Sydney being the centre of the Rugbyverse are long gone. Perth is the third-largest Rugby Community in Australia and still growing despite the efforts of the Sydney-centric Rugby [East Coast] Australia to destroy it. We’re not broke, anything but. Global Rapid Rugby is going to shock you when all is unveiled. Here’s a hint: “no salary cap”.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Three words "No salary cap".
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
IF your talking DHP he moved to Perth at a very young age and played his school and club rugby in Perth.
The Recalcitrant
Guest
If GRR is serious it needs to be in the biggest rugby following city of Australia which is Sydney. Not in non rugby markets like Perth, and Hong Kong. Most of the players will come from Sydney so it makes sense. Possibly get a few old league teams involved to tap into their disgruntled fan base.