We here at Last Word on Sport are always on the lookout for talented and passionate writers to join the Last Word Army. We are thrilled to welcome Gemma Provan, a Skiwi (Scottish/Kiwi) based in Western Australia. Gemma will be sharing her thoughts on all things Western Force, welcome to the team Gemma.
Super Rugby: Expectations of the Western Force
It’s that time of year again, where thousands of rugby fans around the world gather to support their favourite Super Rugby team. Western Force fans are certainly no different.
With a promising looking group of forwards and a backline that are eager to shine, fans will be hoping that this season, the Western Force boys will show the competition that they are in it to win it. It’ll be a tough feat. But one that fans are excited to witness.
Western Force fan, Aston says that he’s excited to see how the team will come up against the competition.
“I think this is the year in which the team can show it’s thirst for success. In previous years, Ithink the competition has been dominated by a few teams, so it’ll be interesting to see how they push for success.”
Coming back from a fairly disappointing season last year, and finishing 13th on the ladder, the Western Force team has had a revamp with some new players. Including a fair few from the Australian 7s team.
“The new new players will definitely bring some diversity to the team. And this year is the year for the coaches and players to show what the team is made of.”
It won’t only be the new players who will build the team dynamics, experienced half-back Alby Mathewson will also bring a lot of depth to the game. Specifically at the breakdown and at scrum time. The former All Black will open the season in his 100th Super Rugby game when the Perth based team travel to Sydney to take on the NSW Waratahs on Sunday.
Having to take on the Sydney based team in their opening round of the competition will be a tough job, especially given they have the talent of Israel Folou in the back. Folou was awarded with the Australian Player of the Year for 2013 but Aston has every faith that his team will get the basics right and build from that.
“At the end of the day, it isn’t about playing fancy rugby. It’s about getting the basics under control and not cracking under the pressure. The Waratahs are a hard team to beat when they do everything right, but I have every confidence that we can give them a run for their money.” Aston also points out, “I feel like the Force have had a few good seasons and some very good games within those seasons but they need to build on consistency to be able to make the top 8 this year.”
Its great seeing so many fans still backing their team and sharing the same passion for the game.
“Rugby is a game of passion,” says Aston, “and if the fans aren’t passionate, what are the players going to be passionate about?”
The same could be said for the players though. If there is no passion in the team, then why should the fans watch. Not only watch, but get behind their team. Show up to the games week in and week out. Rugby is certainly a game filled with passion and without it, it’s just another sport.
Given the fact that the team overall, havent played consistently over the years, since they were admitted into Super Rugby, its going to take hard work and determination to push over for the results thats players and fans alike will be hoping for. Coming off a successful pre-season campaign against Samoa A, its easy to see why everyone is getting excited for the team going ahead.
So all fans are hopeful that this can continue through the season. It’s going to be tough year to come back from last season but with the skills and determination to drive the ball over the line, who knows what will happen.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @RugbyFreakGemz. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Interested in writing for LWOS? We are looking for enthusiastic, talented writers to join our Rugby writing team. Visit our “Write for Us” page for very easy details in how you can get started today!
Main Photo Credit: Ross Websdale via Flickr
