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Force coach pulling for Perth bubble
Western Force coach Tim Sampson sees no reason why, if Super Rugby AU is forced to go back into a COVID bubble again in the coming season, the competition could not be based in Perth.
The competition is scheduled to begin with a clash of traditional rivals NSW and Queensland at Suncorp Stadium on February 19 and at present the season is set to follow the standard home-and-away format.
But the disruptions caused to Christmas arrangements across the country demonstrated how precarious any apparent COVID “truce” might be, and Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan admitted on Tuesday his organisation was drawing up tentative plans to play Super Rugby AU in a bubble again, if necessary.
He indicated that the intended format would be much the same as last year, when the Melbourne Rebels and the Force were forced to be on the road from July to September. Sampson, however, believes RA has options.
“Maybe the bubble should be over here (in Perth),” said the Force coach.
He does not believe that the game needs to be played in the heartland states.
“If it goes into a hub-style, bubble-style competition again, then we are probably back to having reduced numbers in stadiums anyway,” Sampson said. “So I don’t think it would have any impact on the rugby heartlands because crowds would be restricted anyway.”
He is realistic enough to know that playing the competition on the east coast is more economical. If Super Rugby AU was to move to Western Australia, RA would need to find accommodation for four teams – the Waratahs, Reds, Brumbies and Rebels – whereas a repeat of last year’s arrangements would mean possibly only the Force would be inconvenienced.
“We have been through it once, so we would know what to expect this time, which is a bonus,” Sampson conceded.
“But it doesn’t make things any easier in certain ways. Being away from families was really tough. If it happens, it happens. But I hope not.”
Last season, the Force were hastily drafted into the competition and by the end of a gruelling season had been exposed both for their lack of depth and their fitness levels. But Sampson and his coaching staff addressed both problems during the short off-season and believe they have shored up both areas.
If he is able to get the best out of his new glamour international recruits, there is no reason why the Force could not be contending for its first piece of silverware this season.
The fitness problem has been largely addressed, thanks to the recruitment of former Waratahs head of performance, Anthony Cutrupi, so the issue now hinges on how seamlessly Sampson is able to weld his four Pumas recruits, Ireland’s British and Irish Lions fullback Rob Kearney and glamour Brumbies recruits Tevita Kuridrani and Toni Pulu into the existing Force structure.
The Pumas – halves Tomas Cubelli and Domingo Miotti – flanker Tomas Lezana and prop Santiago Medrano – have emerged from quarantine and look like settling well into beachside life in Perth.
“It was a tough year, 2020,” Cubelli, who spent two seasons with the Brumbies, told The Australian. “2021 will be as well. But we are really pleased to be playing for a side as powerful as the Force.”
Cubelli finds himself in a three-way tussle with Force captain Ian Prior and Waratahs recruit Michael McDonald for the halfback spot. Sampson has put a hold on his captaincy announcement to see how the battle for the number nine jersey resolves itself.
Kearney might turning 35 in March, but Sampson has nothing but praise for how he has fitted into his new side.
“He is outstanding. To have such a knowledgeable person in the number 15 jersey, sitting back and driving the team around, there is quality there.”
Kuridrani might not have had the 2020 season he wanted but Sampson believes he should have been voted man of the match in the Brumbies’ grand final win over the Reds.
“Quality players step up in big game and he proved that. We want to be a part of Tevita getting back to where he was and that’s playing for the Wallabies.
“I think there are some very talented players there (in the Australian side) in Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami but Tevita is playing good footy and has an older head on his shoulders. I certainly hope we see him back in the Wallabies jersey this year.”
WAYNE SMITH