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Nick Taylor The West Australian
April 7, 2014, 7:46 am
Western Force will look overseas to fill the holes left by long-term injuries to key forwards Hugh McMeniman and Chris Alcock.
They cannot afford another injury and coach Michael Foley needs at least one forward urgently.
Second-rower Sam Wykes, who played part of the landmark 32-29 win over Queensland with a damaged hip and ribs, should be fit to play the Waratahs at nib Stadium on Saturday night but centre Junior Rasolea is out after breaking his right arm.
The win put the club firmly into finals contention for the first time since foundation.
If the Force beat the Waratahs at nib Stadium on Saturday night and the Reds beat the Brumbies in Brisbane, the Force could go top of the Australian table.
The record fourth consecutive victory came when full-back Jayden Hayward crossed for a try with a minute left and Reds fly-half Quade Cooper missed an after-the-siren drop goal.
It was reward for a patient, efficient and tough game with two of their tries - by Ben McCalman and Hayward - coming after 16 phases. Former Reds winger Luke Morahan scored the third, fly-half Sias Ebersohn added 15 points and Hayward converted his own try.
But Foley did not believe his side played their best rugby and said they had to step up for the Waratahs.
"I thought we showed a lot of character. I didn't think we played our best footy," he said.
"There were a few elements of our game that were a bit rusty.
"We didn't get it all right but we fought to get the result.
"There are two or three things that we need to do better."
Force will use the like-for-like recruitment rule to fill the gaps left by McMeniman and Alcock.
"We'll look to strengthen our depth," Foley said. "There are not an enormous number of possibilities inside Australia but there are possibilities just outside our shores that might be available.
"We've got a good solid list of names.
"We're just looking through that information to make the best decision. There's nothing firm yet."
Meanwhile, Foley will monitor Justin Turner when he plays his first game for local club Associates on Saturday after third- choice scrum-half Ryan Louwrens ruptured a cruciate ligament in his left knee at training.
Turner, who missed the start of the season with a broken finger, made 10 appearances for the Force in four injury-hit years and began training with the Force again in pre-season.
"If he's ready he will be the third No.9," Foley said.
i wonder were the backup would come from would love to be able to sign a crazy argi but i doubt we could with the marquee situation.
“Everyone knows whether it’s rugby, politics or whatever, front-rowers should rule the world, so to have a hooker at the helm makes sense,” Nathan Charles Western Force & Wallabies Hooker.
"Just outside our shores" doesn't sound like Argentina - or South Africa for that matter.
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Don't mention the quokkas!
May the FORCE be with you!
“Everyone knows whether it’s rugby, politics or whatever, front-rowers should rule the world, so to have a hooker at the helm makes sense,” Nathan Charles Western Force & Wallabies Hooker.
Brownie is recovering from an injury - he came back to Perth for surgery!
Laugh and the world laughs with you.......
......cry and you'll weaken your beer
Get George Smith, now that would be ultimate.
One thing that i don't think has been mentioned, was that 2 of the three tries was from a back! last few games, the forward have gotten over the line and finally the backs have put some numbers on the scoreboard.
No decisions on back row replacements at this stage, not as desperate as say Brumbies for now and fingers crossed it does not change too soon.
Brumbies have signed Tom McVerry (ex Reds) from Japan as cover.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
im interested to see who they replace Junior with i think Marcel did a good job but i see him more a winger than 13 maybe time to give Cummins a shot there or being DHP in.
“Everyone knows whether it’s rugby, politics or whatever, front-rowers should rule the world, so to have a hooker at the helm makes sense,” Nathan Charles Western Force & Wallabies Hooker.
Marcel had some decent moves on him, didn't he?
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?