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Force Backline
With the 3 (so far :confused: ) new high profile recruits, hows our backline gonna look in 2007?
I'd really like to see hilgy and stanners resurected at 10 and 12, but figure it aint gonna happen. :( None theless, I'd like to see them together. This probably isn;lt a selectors backline - but I'm not a selector :D
Henjak
Giteau
Cross
Staniforth
Hilgendorf
Shepherd
Mitchell
Bench?
O'Young
Ioane
Mackay
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It's starting to look good for year 2
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its be...ginning to look like.....christ...mas
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I think this will be the first choice backline, at least for game one S14 '07.
09. Henjak
10. MacKay
11. Ioane
12. Giteau
13. Cross
14. Mitchell
15. Shepherd
20. O'Young
21. Hilgendorf
22. Staniforth
MacKay at #10 will counter the lighter Giteau at #12.
Cross will be given every opportunity to fast track his development for any chance to make France however, he will be expected to perform right from the start or be replaced by Pelesasa.
Shepherd has the jump on Mitchell at #15, firstly on form and '06 experience, secondly on being the current Wallaby of the two. Mitchell is coming West to get out of Lathams' shadow however Mitch has made it quite clear that he has no promise of a position.
Both Hilgendorf and Staniforth offer excellent options from the bench in the modern 22 man game. Hildgendorf is able to cover from #10-#15 and Staniforth #12-#14. Hilgendorfs' style is more suited to second half rugby when the gaps start to appear to dart through and likewise, Staniforth offers some excellent impact on tiring defence.
We shouldn't forget that Staniforth turns 30 at the end of next year and, if managed properly now, should be able to milk out another contract worth without burning out. His rugby world experience is on a par with Welborn and cannot be disregarded as a steadying and instructional influence.
In my mind I would be unleashing him around the 60 minute mark while still having him as a starting quality replacement if one of the backs go down in the first minute.
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Force backline 2007
My Western Force backline for 2007 would look like this:
Run on
9 Matt Henjak- Probably did enough to secure at least starting the season no. 9 ahead of O'Young. Hopefully will improve from last year and push for Wallabies selection.
10 Lachlan MacKay- Our best genuine flyhalf in the squad. Giteau could play there but he has better starting positions. Mackay deserves to run on at least for the first game. May also feel pressure from Hilgendorf and James for the 10 position.
11 Drew Mitchell- No doubt will be pushing for the 15 Jersey with Shepherd during the season. A quality finisher and generally smart rugby player Mitchell will get to play his second preferred 11. Did have an average season for the Reds last year but was still deserved to be looked at by the Wallabies selectors a little more closely this year after his awesome European Tour. Hopefully the Force can provide him with some more opportunities out wide than the Reds did last year and we can see his true talent shine through. Great pick up.
12 Matt Giteau- It was really hard moving Staniforth from Inside Centre but this man has the credentials to do so. He will no doubt get first dibs on his preferred 12 position. He may apply pressure to Mackay at 10 if he wishes to although it is unclear if he still has any ambitions to play there. It is possible that he will be moved to 10 in order to accommidate Staniforth at 12; however the "money man" of the Force backline will most probably be given the opportunity to show he is worth the cost in his favourite position.
13 Scott Staniforth- I had to give the man a starting position after such an awesome and dominating season last year. The man carried the Force through many of the hard times last year and was nothing short of inspirational. 9 tries from Inside Centre in a Super 14 season should get you a Wallabies start more often than not; I have no doubt he should be at 12 for the Wallabies ahead of Rogers who is currently there. The arrival of Giteau will affect his positioning but rather than casting him back out to the wing I would like to see him trialed at Outside centre. A centre combination of Giteau and Staniforth would easily be the most exciting combination of the Australian sides.
14 Ryan Cross- The Rugby League convert will be given a starting role no doubt in order for the Wallabies selectors to have a good look at him ahead of the World Cup next year. His rightful position is a bit of an unknown. Formerly a schoolboys fullback, he is unlikely to have a shot at 15 with the likes of Shepherd, Mitchell and Hilgendorf ahead of him. The outside position of 14 would be a good place for him to get reacquainted with Rugby Union again. He may find himself amongst the centres also. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and how he goes.
15 Cameron Shepherd- Outstanding last year. Hopefully he keeps improving from last year and can play 15 all season. Mitchell is a great addition to the Force but he is going to have to play extremely well or Shepherd will have to lose form for him to get the 15 position. Hopefully more Wallabies game time coming his way.
Reserves
20 Chris O'Young- Should tussle with Henjak all season for the starting 9 position. Good season last year, hopefully he continues to improve.
21 James Hilgendorf- Injury marred what was a good season of development for Hilgendorf. He played at 10 and 15. He may challenge for the 10 position with Mackay or perhaps a centres spot. He is fairly versatile and therefore should be able to hold out a bench position for the season's start.
22 Digby Ioane- Tons of potential and showed some good signs in his debut season. The Force selectors will continue to try and provide the young Melbournian with opportunities. This is easier said than done with three quality imports in the new look Force backline. Should he get a start he will always be under pressure to perform in his spot, this could be a good or bad thing for his development.
Unlucky
Brock James- Played really well and was consistent last year, particularly towards the end of the season. The unluckiest to miss out. If he plays as he did last year I have no doubts he will be there and there abouts for a starting position. He played mostly 10 last year and also spent some time at 15 towards the end of the season. He may challenge Mackay and Hilgendorf for the 10 position or even be preferred as he was at the and of last year. He is a quality replacement and may look the add a centre position to his possible positions.
Junior Pelesasa- Injury marred season for the powerful centre. He is definitely a possibility to be starting at 13, his specialist position. Hopefully stays injury-free so we can see him play to the best of his abilities.
Josh Graham- Consistently good last season without catching the world on fire Graham should be in and around the starting 22 next season. His tackling and defensive pressure was impressive.
Zander Peden- Big raps on this man who missed the entire last season with Injury. I look forward to seeing him get some game time next season.
Brett Stapleton- This kid is 18 and apparently has rocket boots. Apparently very, very fast. Still young so may receive some opportunities next year although he has plenty of time to mature and there is no reason to rush him into the side.
let me know what you thing guys,
Regards,
Felix
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I reckon the team will be
1. Hardy
2. Cannon
3. Takiari
4. Vedelago
5. Sharpe
6. Pusey
7. Pocock
8. Fava
9. Henjak
10. Hilgendorf
11. Staniforth
12. Giteau
13. Cross
14. Mitchell
15. Shepherd
16. McIsaac
17. Te Moana
18. O'Connor
19. Doherty
20. O'Young
21. Pelesasa
22. Ioane
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Yo felix,you maybe the best thing to come out Tassie since the map!
Great summation and a worthy winner of our nearly famous shiraz.:D
Cheers
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Great work there Felixnelson. Yes, the Force backline is looking strong, to say the least. Giteau and Mitchell have been great signings, I can't say i've seen Ryan Cross play much. I would like to see Digby in the starting 15; if not a prominante member of the 22. In terms of Brett Stapelton that boy can run a hundred meters in 10.27 seconds! I met him at City Beach once and we spoke a bit about his ambitions.
Anyways great to have you aboard Felixneslon
Cheers
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My Force backline for game one:
9. Henjak
10. Mackay
12. Giteau
13. Staniforth
11. Ioane
14. Mitchell
15. Shepard
reserves:
20. O' Young
21. Cross
22. Hilgendorf
I wouldn't mind seeing giteau at outside centre, he is faster than people think he is and has the abillity to run around players.
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I'd love to stick Digby Ioane in. But where? I have see Cross play a little and he looks to have the goods. Who knows he could end up in the centres rather than the wing and that would free up a wing for Digby. Anyway injuries will occur and im sure he will find a starting spot somewhere. He is quality. Stapleton is faster than i even thought. Things are looking good.
Cheers,
Felix
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I highly doubt Force and ARU have spent money on Ryan Cross and have him on the bench.. :)
And felixnelson,
Good to see a Tassie boy supporting the Western Force, especially a team that is the furtherest Aussie team form where you live. A few thoughts on some of the players listed,
1. Josh Graham has signed a contract to play Rugby League
2. Brett Stapleton probably won't play super 14 next year, he is really quick, but still needs a bit more experience, he also needs to work more on his skills
3. Zander has raw talent and a good attitude, like Brett, also needs some more experience at a decent level (possibly through APC and Aus u/21 next year.)
Keep up the good work!
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I think no13 has to be a larger frame than Giteau to absorb punishment and also dish it out.
Giteau is our man for no12,he is a playmaker.
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Stapelton could have like went to olympics with that speed! Yeah Digby to me is great talent(if he doesnt fumble it.) What will happen to the likes of Daruda and Pelesasa? Drauda played for a couple of miuntes and then would get injured; but pelesasa started to look good those last two games.
Anyways Kudos for posting such a good thread.
cheers
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Yeah, I just can't see us not playing Stanners! Thats the main issue. Sorry for not really knowing anything about ryan cross, i can't really put him into my backline if i don't even know the guy...
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I've merged the 2 'backline' threads' ..... Nice input Felix! Congrats on the Grog too :D