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WE went into yesterday's game against the Hurricanes missing seven players who've been involved in national programs and that's difficult to overcome.
Some pundits said that missing those regulars means the end of the road for the Western Force in 2010.
Let me tell you, it's not all over. Not by a long shot.
We have some quality young players coming through in our squad, and injuries to Andre Pretorius, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Mark Bartholomeusz, Nick Cummins, Ryan Cross and yours truly gives them an opportunity to shine.
Mitch Inman and Ben McCalman made their run-on debuts yesterday after both had terrific pre-seasons.
The lads hail from the powerhouse Sydney University club and have played plenty of footy together.
I saw plenty of the new recruits during pre-season as I rehabilitated my ankle and you get to know what the guys are made of when grappling sessions and hard fitness training drags everyone to their weakest point.
It's at those times that you start to dig deep collectively, a trait that's needed on the field.
Historically, good players have been thrown in the deep end and have thrived.
The soon-to-retire George Smith was straight out of school when the Brumbies selected him and not much older when he started with the Wallabies and we've all watched his brilliant career.
Our own man-child, Poey (Pocock), made his debut the week after turning 18.
He's an incumbent Wallaby and our vice-captain and he's only 21.
As much as this time is a sink-or-swim moment for the young guys being thrown in at the deep end, it's a time for leaders to stand up.
We're fortunate to have Nathan Sharpe as our skipper because he always stands tall.
Since our initial pre-season began in 2005 we've had to fight for everything.
We've always worked hard and have never thrown in the towel.
We take the same attitude on to the field every time we play, regardless of personnel.
That's a testament to Sharpie and the other leaders in the team.
On our last visit to Wellington in 2008 we were undermanned, with eight players unavailable because of injury.
Sharpie stepped up and played brilliantly on a horrible night, while backs Dane Haylett-Petty, Josh Tatupu and James O'Connor manned up despite being in the run-on side for the first or second time.
We didn't win but the attitude was outstanding and we pushed them all the way.
It was no surprise that we won the next week, having taken so much from the previous game.
These games provide opportunities to some younger guys who mightn't otherwise have had a chance for some time.
There's a strong resolve in our young men and they'll work their backsides off to show their mettle, to prove that there's performance in them, not just potential.
http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/for...-1225832553545
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