Where do you think the "Perth Spirit" will finish in the years ARC?

[Darren]

Not sure of the point of this poll - there are a lot of unknowns out there with the new teams entering the fray, but have a vote anyway - where will spirit finish?

[chook]

Who's in the team?

[James]

I'd find it hard to believe that Melbourne will show up big.. and with the NSW and Queensland teams divided up I only really see Perth and the ACT as being strong contenders. But thats just me.

[jazza93]

i think there will be 2/3 dominant teams and the spirt will be just behind them for the first season

[Burgs]

The Force dominated Spirit and the Brumbies dominated Vikings will be the two leading contenders and, on the strength of more senior Brumbies being in the World Cup Squad, I reckon the Spirit should take it out.
With the Tahs being split three ways and the Reds in half you would have to think that they will struggle a little against a virtual Super 14 strength Spirit as shown below.

Depending on Wallaby selections and off season rehab etc, a possible Spirit combination would be:

1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. David Pusey
6. Richard Brown
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Scott Fava

9. Matt Henjak
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Haig Sare
12. Lachlan MacKay
13. Junior Pelesasa
14. Garth Ziegler/Dan Bailey
15. Drew Mitchell

16. Luke Holmes
17. A.J. Whalley
18. Pat O'Connor
19. Luke Doherty
20. Jon McGrath
21. Scott Daruda
22. James Stannard

[travelling_gerry]

handy side...

[jazza93]

yea with that side they should take it out didnt realise it would be that good

[Burgs]

The only other provision is if any of our players have elected to play for the Melbourne Rebels.
We have adequate cover in the tight five but would be relying on local players if any of the back row or backs chose to start in Melbourne.
Force Squad members not listed above are:
Pek Cowan, Michael Dan, Tom Hockings & Angus Scott.
I'm assuming the rest are going to make the Wallaby 30 or will leave in the next couple of weeks.

[felixnelson]

i really dont think u will neccesarilly get the force players if they dont make the wallabies... it think u will find that alot of them may go and play at 'home'. i know digby is most prob going to play for melb, maybe afew of the other boys will follow?
i think quite afew will get signed to sydeny teams..

[Burgs]

So far, the only press from RugbyWA I have seen is that very few will be able to go elsewhere, they want to use it to develop the "bottom half" of the Squad with the proposed Perth Gold Tours to bring on the local lads.
Have assumed Digby has/will have already departed, every minute must be tearing his poor little restless heart out.....sorry

[Mtbeaver]

Ah, sorry the who?

[Burgs]

Sorry Beaver, you'll need to expand.
There's too much above to work out what you are being stumped or sarcastic about...

[Mtbeaver]

I hadn't read the above replies.

I just honestly have no idea who the Perth Spirit is. (or what?!)

[Burgs]

The Perth Spirit are Western Australia's team in the new Australian Rugby Championships.
They aren't part of the "Force" label due to contractual agreements to do with the Super 14.
You can read more here: http://www.rugby.com.au/fixtures_res...iew,50381.html

[Mtbeaver]

Oh ok. So i really do know who they are. They've just changed there name. I think.