To see troubles or not to see, that is The Question

To see troubles or not to see, that is The Question
DAVE HUGHES
1st May 2008
The West Australian


Cameron Shepherd is at his diplomatic best when it comes to The Question.

He’s tired of it. He’s spent 10 days being asked The Question by his friends and family, and discussing possible answers with teammates.

He shows up for training on Tuesday, has a bunch of microphones pushed under his chin, and is confronted by The Question.

He steps away from the television cameras and is waylaid by a pen pusher asking The Question.

What’s gone wrong with the Force?

Those who have invested in a season ticket or a replica jersey have been debating it for a month, since the Stormers sent the Western Force into a skid at Subiaco Oval.

All have theories, which come from the heart as much as the head, as to why a team rumbling towards the finals with four wins from six matches and most of their travel behind them should suddenly slide to a stop.

If anyone can provide a plausible reason, it should be the erudite Shepherd, who will play his 50th match of Super rugby on Saturday at Subiaco Oval. He’s the fullest of rugby bottles, a World Cup Wallaby, an insider.

But no. He’s groping for answers like everyone else. If he knew, he’d have set things right four matches ago and the Force would be playing the Chiefs for a semifinal spot, not just self-respect.

He does give The Question careful consideration, though.

“It’s not a matter of lack of trying,” he said. “And it’s not just one big issue.

“Not to make excuses, but maybe our tough schedule caught up with us.

“We had a very intense pre-season and then did our trips to South Africa and New Zealand in the first six weeks of the season.

“It would have been better if the bye had come earlier. It’s been a very hard few months.”

Shepherd also feels the Force’s emphasis on youth has its drawbacks.

“When you’re young and inexperienced you often don’t know how to handle it when the team isn’t playing well,” he said.

“A few mistakes have really cost us.

“We also haven’t stuck to our brand of football. We’re not getting the ball wide as often.

“I think we must not be scared to lose on Saturday. We must go out and relax and do what we do best.

“Personal pride is driving us now.”