SPIRIT RETAINS SQUAD FOR GRAND FINAL SHOWDOWN

[westies man]

I'll say it again, I hope the Force are keeping the last contract spot open for Brent Murphy. He put himself about again

[James]

I'm afraid they aren't. There are already 4 and a half locks in our squad. Steenkamp, Coleman, Wykes, Walton and the half is Mafi.

[Cowboy]

How about we count Wykes as half a lock and make that four locks?

Unkind, I know.

[WFDom]

Wykes deserves his spot. He was a standout last year & played a big part in our success.

Fair enough he had a couple of lean years before that but he's come good. Big test this year for him

[Cowboy]

He is an adequate super rugby player, which lets face it, is a massive achievement. I just can't shake the feeling that he has never quite got the best out of his athletic ability which we see occasional flashes of.

I was disappointed in his game yesterday, he didn't manage to lead from the front the way that he did the previous week. So just having a vent, not calling for his head.

[James]

Wykes should always have been a 6. But then who would we have in the second row in his place? The downsides of Wykes are countered by the amount of tackling, work off the ball, and use of the ball when he is carrying. Although he doesn't bend the line, you rarely see him drop the ball or turn it over in contact.

[Cowboy]

But then who would we have in the second row in his place?

There is a guy who will probably be running around for Wales next weekend by the name of Jake Ball that we had a shot at getting to play for us. Could have been handy, and was probably worth moving Battye on for. I blame Richard Graham for this and several other things as well.

Sam has improved his ball security in recent times. It would be nice if he could bend the line though.

[James]

I can't argue with you there. Richard Graham really dropped the Ball there........ Sorry. I'll see myself out.

Seriously though, it is very frustrating- Wykes' style of play works quite well in Super Rugby but I don't think he would make it as an international lock. A guy like Jake Ball is less suited to the athleticism of Super Rugby but would be a better fit at test level. He's also still pretty young so he has plenty of room for development.

[Invictus]

Brisbane City have a very, very capable set of front rowers. Not the first time that they have comprehensively out scrummed opponents with super rugby/test experience.

Not a good look for the Force for next year.