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March 27, 2008
HIS team are looking increasingly comfortable in the upper reaches of Super 14, but Western Force coach John Mitchell says the label of Australia's best side does not sit well with him.
The Force find themselves inside the competition top four approaching the halfway mark of the season, with that achievement made more meritorious given their early schedule.
Four wins from five away games was more than anyone in Perth dared hope for - but gearing for a physical clash with the Stormers at Subiaco tomorrow (kick off 10pm AEDT) Mitchell said the comforts of home would not guarantee his side anything.
"It does not give us any rights, there are no pre-ordained rights to win at home, so we have got to take advantage of those away wins," Mitchell said.
"(The best in Australia label makes me) uncomfortable because people keep talking about it, it is only half way stages and we have achieved nothing yet.
"Last year we got our pants pulled down in the middle stages of the competition, so it is important we keep our focus on what we have got to improve on.
"That is one of the worrying things I have and the awareness I have to have as a coach in such a short competition."
Despite Mitchell's caution, the corresponding portion of last season actually brought the Force's first ever home win, followed by two more - a sequence which if replicated would take the WA side to the brink of a Super 14 final.
But overall the Force's home form could best be described as patchy, winning three, losing nine and drawing one over their three season history.
"We are asked the same question every time we play at home, and obviously we want to win here," said skipper Nathan Sharpe, who'll bring up his 100th Super rugby game against the Stormers.
"I have said quite often we have got the best crowd in Super rugby, but we need to look at the bigger picture. You have got to win your home games and that is a pressure we put on ourselves."
While the franchise waits on contract decisions from Cameron Shepherd and David Pocock, it received a boost today with centre Scott Daruda and prop Troy Takiari both signing on for a further two years.
Born in Auckland, Takiari was originally a member of the Brumbies Academy, signing with the Waratahs in 2006 before being lured to Perth to debut for the WA side last season.
Papua New Guinean-born Daruda, 22, is in his third season with the Force.
"We are really building something exciting, and that is something I am really looking forward to being a part of," Daruda said.
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus kept faith in the team which lost narrowly lost to the Blues last weekend, making just one change to his starting XV.
Andries Bekker will start at lock alongside Ross Skeate with Adriaan Fondse rested to the bench.
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to ..........." 
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Originally Posted by tdevil
