Where will the Force Finish in 2009?

[Darren]

Easy poll - where do you think we'll finish on the ladder?

[James]

Teams almost definitely on the up:

Stormers- will play with more confidence after a very strong last season, Erasmus will do a pretty solid job of patching up the problems they faced last year.

Hurricanes- Have lost Masoe and Collins but the Hurricanes have a very solid team and will be tough to beat.

Force- Very few new caps compared to the 8 or so last year. Top quality backline that hopefully should see good quality ball from an ever developing Brown/Pocock combo. Still in need of a top class TH but we'll see what the two import players will do.

Reds- Still aren't brilliant depth-wise but if they can keep the key players uninjured (Barnes/Horwill/Braid/McMeniman etc) can make a reasonable claim for a top 4 position.

Teams almost definitely on the downer:

Waratahs- Need I say more? Well I will. You don't lose players like Elsom/Lyons/Vickerman and not feel it. A new coach and a lot of the hard edge missing from the pack will see the Waratahs drop down to 6th methinks.

Blues- The Blues have lost Nick Evans, Isa Nacewa, Luke Braid and Troy Flavell from a team that already underperformed. Expect worse.

Chiefs- The Chiefs have lost a fair few key members of their pack from the last couple of years and like the Blues are scatty performers. Expect the odd brilliant game but don't expect it often.

My prediction is:
1. Hurricanes
2. Crusaders
3. Stormers
4. Force
5. Sharks
6. Reds
7. Bulls
8. Waratahs
9. Highlanders
10. Brumbies
11. Chiefs
12. Blues
13. Lions
14. Cheetahs

[robyn <3]

Ho hum. Mine has the at the top, purely because I could never put them anywhere else

Force
Sharks
Hurricanes
Stormers
Crusaders
Reds
Brumbies
Blues
Bulls
Chiefs
Highlanders
Lions
Cheetahs















...

Tahs (I don't say that because I dislike them, even though that DOES play a part in my selection , I say that because I don't think this one will be their season. Sorry to the tah people.. Just don't see it happening this time)

[force addict]

i think that if the Force dont make it to the finals (they will, but if not) then atleast top 4 or top 5
2009 !! shall be a great season

[mudskipper]

Brumbies (With Giteau)
Blues
Sharks
Crusaders
Brumbies (Without Giteau)
Bulls
Force
Hurricanes
Stormers
Chiefs
Highlanders
Lions
Reds
Cheetahs

Sorry you asked...

[mudskipper]

The Blues have picked up Ali Williams and Jimmy Gopperth...And have plenty of other great players, Kaino, Afoa, Woodcock, Mealamu, Boric, Rokocoko, Toeava, and Tuitavake...they're going to have a good pack but will miss Braid and are in need a good halfback...

[slomo]

it wont make me popular , but i think we'll finsh 6th.....

[Burgs]

I think anywhere from 3rd to 8th is a realistic stab in the dark Slomo.
There are so many variables in a season it is virtually impossible except for the excellent and truly shit teams to tip with confidence.

[laura]

I'd love to say #1 but I'll be happy if they just improve on this year's standing...I reckon they'll make the finals but probably come in at 4th place with 1st or 2nd the following year

[slomo]

I think anywhere from 3rd to 8th is a realistic stab in the dark Slomo.
There are so many variables in a season it is virtually impossible except for the excellent and truly shit teams to tip with confidence.

spot on burgs, theres not a lot between teams second to eighth.......

[James]

The Blues have picked up Ali Williams and Jimmy Gopperth...And have plenty of other great players, Kaino, Afoa, Woodcock, Mealamu, Boric, Rokocoko, Toeava, and Tuitavake...they're going to have a good pack but will miss Braid and are in need a good halfback...

Look their front row is pretty damn good (it got schooled by the Tahs last year though) but they have nothing by way of a halves pairing. Gopperth is a pretty B grade fly-half as far as I'm concerned and only has one or two good games per season. The only good thing about him is he supports the Force (Go-Perth, boo!). The Blues problem is a culture thing and I don't see that changing any time soon.

[AndyS]

spot on burgs, theres not a lot between teams second to eighth.......

Which is one of the best things about the S14.

For mine, depends on the scrum. If the Force has in fact acquired Trevor Woodman as a coach and Sharpe, Brown and Pocock bring some good stuff back from the Wallabies, some spine in the scrum would make the Force a top 4 team. If not, mid-table again (and, I suspect, a great deal of criticism).

[jargan83]

(and, I suspect, a great deal of criticism)

Rightfully so if you ask me. The excuse that we are a new team and still learning will only last so long and I think is dead already heading into the 2009 season

[mudskipper]

James you might be right about the blues i did think Isa Nacewa was still there and would go to fly...I agree about Gopperth nothing special the Hurricanes are luckto see him go. I think the Canes have ahot young fly but not I'm sure of his name...

[gustafsl]

Rightfully so if you ask me. The excuse that we are a new team and still learning will only last so long and I think is dead already heading into the 2009 season

That's OK. We can just borrow an excuse or two from the Reds.