Mitchell has no regrets about quitting Force
Former Western Force winger Drew Mitchell left for the Waratahs because he was concerned about the potential strength of the Perth-based Super 14 club this season.
The flyer, one of 14 players to leave the Force last year, came west in 2007 on the promise of big dollars from then Force sponsor, the Firepower company. He left when the business collapsed and wanted to ensure any new contract was rock solid.
He has no regrets about the move - but knows he is likely to cop a sledging when the Tahs clash with the Force in tomorrow's Australian Super 14 derby.
Mitchell, who scored four of the Tahs' 11 tries in their 73-12 romp over the Lions in Sydney last weekend, said: "There were a few things I took into account when I made the decision. After my previous contract I wanted facts rather than intent, I wanted to make sure things being offered were factual.
"When I was making my decision the focus of the club was on retention rather than luring, but a lot of the other guys were leaving.
"So many guys had left, not so many signed up. I wasn't going to forecast the future. I didn't know who I was going to be playing with.
"That weighed into it. Obviously I took footy into account but I also wanted to get closer to family and friends. I was isolated from those who were close to me."
Mitchell, who will be hoping for an early birthday present - he is 26 next Friday - expects an earbashing from the ME Bank Stadium crowd.
"I expect there will be a bit of niggle but I guess it will probably come from the crowd," he said.
He is also sporting a new shaven headed look.
"I've taken away the easy target, the long blond hair, but I think I might stay infield and not out on the wing," he joked.
Despite the move, Mitchell said he had kept an eye on the fortunes of his former club.
"They did recruit well, especially in the front row and in getting Andre (fly-half Pretorius). It's just unfortunate that they were hit by so many injuries," he said. "That amount of injuries would test any team. I hope they can bounce back."
Force head coach John Mitchell has shown faith in the starting side that was demolished by the Queensland Reds on Sunday.
He has made only three forced changes to the reserves.
Hooker Pek Cowan, who has shoulder and neck problems, is replaced by Ben Whittaker, prop Kieran Longbottom steps up to replace Matt Dunning, who has concussion, and teenager Luke Jones goes on to the bench for flanker Jono Jenkins, who broke an ankle just seconds into his Super rugby debut in Brisbane.
"You'd think some players are going to respond because they weren't happy with the last performance," Mitchell said.
"You don't go and throw a whole lot of things out the door or react emotionally. We've put accountability back on the same team. It's important to settle on selection and get some continuity within the same players."
Exciting young Queensland prop Laurie Weeks has become the second player, and the first Australian-based, to sign with the new Melbourne Rebels rugby franchise.
The signing of Weeks, who joins former England fly-half Danny Cipriani, was announced yesterday.
Friday
Blues v Brumbies at Auckland
Saturday
Bulls v Hurricanes at Pretoria
Crusaders v Lions; Christchurch
Highlanders v Sharks at Dunedin
Western Force v Waratahs at Perth
Stormers v Cheetahs at Cape Town
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