0
Force can go from zero to hero
By Peter Jenkins
February 02, 2007 NEW Zealand arrogance has been breathtaking and South Africa is plotting similar treachery, with key players from both countries to miss huge chunks of the Super 14.
And Australia's four franchises are poised to take advantage when the southern hemisphere provincial championship heads to the play-offs in May.
An unprecedented all-Australian decider is a realistic scenario, not some fantasy fuelled by jingoistic fervour and inflated expectations.
And the leading contender will come as a shock: Western Force.
Force, last in its debut season, will live up to its name and be the major improver.
The Perth side has recruited sensationally, luring headline acts in Matt Giteau, Ryan Cross and Drew Mitchell.
Giteau arrives from the Brumbies to play inside centre or five-eighth; Cross has been plucked from the NRL Sydney Roosters to play outside centre; and Mitchell joined from Queensland as a jet-shoed wing or full back.
Combine them with improving full back Cameron Shepherd, underrated centre-wing Scott Staniforth and a halfback in Matt Henjak who is determined to prove he is not washed up, and Force could have Australia's most lethal backline.
Last year, Force had a competitive pack, with the experience of second rower Nathan Sharpe, hooker Brendan Cannon and No.8 Scott Fava. Now they have the backs as well.
Force could do what the Brumbies did in 1997 - reach the finals just a year after forming.
New South Wales has finals hopes, but there are concerns over the second row, five eighth and inside centre.
Kurtley Beale is a future star at No.10, but he needs time to develop, and the Waratahs have suffered four significant losses since last season: Dan Vickerman (injury), Al Kanaar (injury), Mat Rogers (league) and Chris Whitaker (Ireland).
The Brumbies have long been the Australian benchmark side, winning the Super 12 title in 2001 and 2004.
The loss of Giteau will hurt them. Gene Fairbanks is steady but not on the same talent planet.
Five-eighth Stephen Larkham again shoulders enormous responsibility, along with outside centre and skipper Stirling Mortlock.
The recruitment of Stephen Hoiles at No.8 is also a potential winner. His creativity and running game suits the Brumbies.
Queensland, too, should improve after three years of desolation - 10th in 2004 and 2005, and 12th last season.
Coach Eddie Jones has a great young pack but has lost his most influential back Chris Latham to injury.
Reply With Quote
