This Super Rugby season could be a make or break season for the Western Force squad 2017. Despite assurances of support from the Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA), that they foresee five franchises as the way forward for Australian Rugby. There have been rumours of a proposed drop in the number of Australian sides as SANZAAR looks to streamline the Super Rugby product to benefit themselves, the fans and the opposing national unions.
Regardless of speculation off the field it is ultimately time for the Force to start to ‘prove a point on the field’.
2016: A Year of Missed Opportunities
Covering the Force in 2016 became a difficult routine to keep fresh after a persistent story line continued to appear. Excellent first half performances, where they pushed some of the best teams in the competition were too often undone by being unable to compete for the full 80 minutes. So often they threatened sides up to the 60 minute mark before losing out eventually. Whether this was fitness or a lack of fire power on the bench, this is something the Force need to target in 2017 if they are to improve on their tally of just two victories last year.
New Man at the Helm
David Wessels has taken over as Head Coach of the Western Force for the 2017 Super Rugby season. Wessels was named interim coach last year after Micheal Foley was axed after winning only two out of the Forces’ first twelve games. Despite not winning a match as interim, Wessels has been entrusted to take the Force to a new level and look to compete with the best in the Australian Conference.
An esteemed coach in supporting roles with the Force and ACT Brumbies, it will be particularly interesting to see how he takes on the pressures of being Head Coach at Super Rugby level.
Force Looking to International Experience
A glance through the Western Force squad 2017 highlights the lack of star names ‘jumping out’ as some other Australian franchises have. Yet despite Perth seemingly not being a destination for the star rugby player, Wessels and the Force have combined a squad capable of competing with; if not out-shining their competitors.
International experience abounds with the likes of new recruit Tatafu Polota-Nau, as well as returning players. Adam Coleman, Tetera Faulkner, Luke Morahan, Ben McCalman, Ben Daley, Matt Hodgson and Pek Cowan. Not to mention the Forces’ stand out player in 2016 and Wallabies ‘Rookie of the Year’ Dane Haylett-Petty (pictured above).
A New Model for the Future of Rugby?
It’s time to get behind rugby in Western Australia and #OwntheForce!
Head to https://t.co/upmdM8ospi to register your interest! #SeaofBlue pic.twitter.com/EZxNhRQBoH
— Western Force (@westernforce) 9 November 2016
With the Force in dire straits over their financial situation, they have made the decision to form the Western Force Owners Pty Ltd. This is in a bid to engage the community to help keep the Force financially stable whilst supporters have a say in how the franchise is run. This model has been successful for many football (soccer) clubs around the world including Barcelona, all of the German top flight clubs; and on a smaller scale, FC United of Manchester and AFC Wimbledon. The engagement with the community that resounds from these owner models is potentially exactly what rugby in Australia needs.
In a tournament as competitive as Super Rugby, it is particularly tough for franchises facing another year scrapping at the bottom of the ladder. The Force are not going to become world-beaters overnight but what is imperative is that they are competitive. They showed real potential at times last season and must start to convert that potential into wins. In 2016 they only finished above the Sunwolves and Southern Kings on the ladder, as well as bottom of the Australian Conference. Yet their fans know, the men from Western Australia are capable of so much more.
“Main Photo Credit”
