Clarkie's Profiles - Western Force prediction

[jargan83]

As the 2013 Super Rugby season edges ever closer, Fox Sports rugby commentator Greg Clark takes a look at the team he believes will finish fifth in the Australian conference.

Clarkie's overview: There have been some big changes in the West and not before time. The Force has been in Super Rugby for seven seasons and under-achieved every year. This season they start another rebuilding phase with Michael Foley as coach. I trust he learned some valuable lessons from his unsuccessful stint with the 'Tahs and he has a new assistant Steve Meehan, as well as some fresh faces working behind the scenes.

But I’m worried that they don’t have enough fire power. They didn’t cope with the loss of James O’Connor last year and two Wallabies captains David Pocock and Nathan Sharpe won’t be there this season. Captain Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman, Salesi Ma’afu, Pek Cowan and Richard Brown are experienced and will need to stay healthy, and I hope Hugh McMeniman can slot back into Super Rugby without any problems after his stint in Japan.

I think Alby Mathewson is a good buy from the Blues and his battle with Brett Sheehan for the No.9 jersey will be interesting. Sam Norton-Knight is returning from a stint overseas, Sias Ebersohn has been signed from the Cheetahs, but no one apart from the honey badger, Nick Cummins, stands out as a genuine game breaker. Despite good support from their loyal fans, I think it might take another season for them to be in a position to challenge for a spot in the play-offs.

Read more: http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/su...#ixzz2JtDoyCIy

[Happy]

it might take another season for them to be in a position to challenge for a spot in the play-offs.

I agree, and I'm not disappointed by that prediction either

[.X.]

Im with you Happy

[Marty_Mcfly]

i agree with the sentiment that we will re-build this year, followed by success next year, but i can't help feeling more optimistic about our finishing position in the Aussie conference.

[shasta]

That's what all the "experts" said about the Brumbies last season. I'm finding it hard to resist the $21 about them topping the conference. They likely won't but that's still big overs imo.
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[UNCLE BOOG]

That's what all the "experts" said about the Brumbies last season. I'm finding it hard to resist the $21 about them topping the conference. They likely won't but that's still big overs imo.
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dont wanna post some TAB odds for the force?
cant access betting sites at work. interested to see what theyre paying, to make top 8, top Aussie conference, and such...

[shasta]

Time you got a smartphone Unc.
Force are $15 to make top 6. Behind the Cheetahs @ $13 & The Rabble @ $6 (unbelievable - wish I could get the diff -$7 - about them finishing in front of The Rabble)
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[PeterM]

I think the force will be the surprise packet of this years super 15 competition I predict a slow start to the season but once we get the game plan down pat and the combinations working EWF to come home with a wet sail and make the finals

[Ham105]

I think the Force will finish above the Rebels this year.

[GIGS20]

no one apart from the honey badger, Nick Cummins, stands out as a genuine game breaker.

obviously watched NO EWF rugby last year. Alfi Mafi looked even more dangerous than HB!

I think we're in with a chance of topping the Rebels this year, but will struggle to be third in the conference.

Would be delighted to see some finals footy though!

[KalaFan]

I think the force will be the surprise packet of this years super 15 competition I predict a slow start to the season but once we get the game plan down pat and the combinations working EWF to come home with a wet sail and make the finals

The game plan of Michael Foley....that worked well for NSW last year

[sittingbison]

The game plan of Michael Foley....that worked well for NSW last year

bla bla bla except its not Foley, its Meehan and Fowler.

[shasta]

bla bla bla except its not Foley, its Meehan and Fowler.

That's the key. Hopefully the Tongan rush defence is up to their usual so we can see how the are wanting to operate. At least while the starting team is out there.
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[zimeric]

Gigs he obviously hasnt seen the highlights of the Brumbies match either, that backline move from deep in our 22 when Mafi nearly scored shows there is more than one game breaker in this team.

[sittingbison]

Ill say, end to end counter attack, not seen under braindead dick thats for sure. Thats gotta be the influence of Meehan and Fowler. Its at 5:00 on the tape