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Force have new plans for recruit
NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian November 10, 2010, 9:32 am
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The Western Force have signed former NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies flyer Alfi Mafi - but interestingly head coach Richard Graham is looking at bringing him off the wing.
Mafi played his early representative rugby in the centres and it was only when he moved to the 'Tahs that he was seen as a winger.
The Tongan-born 22-year-old, who broke his ankle in 2008 and again last year, was given the all clear yesterday after spending the past week going through a tough fitness programme with Force medical staff.
Graham is keen to develop the 86kg Mafi, who has represented Australia at Schools, Under 19 and Sevens level, into a centrefield line breaker.
"I'm looking at playing him at 12. We want to see if we can develop his skills as an inside centre" Graham said.
"He brings genuine speed but also an ability to beat the first offender every time he carries.
"He's very dynamic in contact and has the ability to get behind the gain line.
"I know what he brings as a winger but I think he has qualities as an inside centre."
Graham was not concerned that injuries had restricted Mafi's time in Super rugby.
"They were injuries that came because of the nature of the way he plays," Graham said.
"It was important for us to know he was genuine and he has demonstrated that he's very motivated.
"He's come to us in outstanding condition physically and I believe he'll have a great impact."
Mafi, a former South Sydney Rabbitohs rugby league junior, has signed a one year deal with a second year option and has no concerns about a positional switch.
"I played all my junior rugby and rugby league in the centres," he said.
"When I went to the 'Tahs they said I was too skinny to play in the centre and they put me on the wing.
"I'm certainly hoping to get a run at inside centre and get involved in the game.
"I like the physical side of the game, it's all a bit of fun.
"It shouldn't be too hard to pick it up again but maybe I'll need a few lessons on my kicking game."
Meanwhile the Force are still waiting to finalise a deal with former Hurricanes winger David Smith to replace Scott Staniforth who was forced to retire after a third serious neck injury.
Smith, who has represented New Zealand at the IRB Sevens, would initially be a one-year signing as the club's overseas marquee player.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...s-for-recruit/
David Smith deal could be interesting. Def rate him higher then Anesi.
Interesting. I'd have said Mafi was too light weight for 12 but maybe Graham wants to keep the pace quick and have Pocock/Brown/Hodgson/McCalman run the legs off the opposition. I'd wager that JO'C is going to be looked at as a 15/back-up 10 for the season then.
Smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast.
15 Cameron Shepherd
14 David Smith
13 Mitch Inman
12 James O'Connor
11 Nick Cummins
10 Willie Ripia
09 James Stannard/Brett Sheehan Depends on Conditions and opponents.
Liking the look of this backline!
The pack aint bad either, still a concerning hole in the locks but we have adequate options there I suppose
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Or 15 Cameron Shepherd
14 James O'Connor
13 Mitch Inman
12 Alfi Mafi
11 Nick Cummins
10 Willie Ripia
9 any one of four possibles, as haji said depending on conditions and opponents.
This is how Dick is saying they'll line up in the press. It could all be smoke n mirrors, I can't see the improvement myself, but I guess it saves us a marquee and it's not like rabbit is a bad winger!
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