0
Drama in the west can be a positive
By Lote Tuqiri
February 15, 2009 12:00am
IT is never easy starting a season when there has been some controversy with your coach over the summer, so the Western Force situation is an interesting one.
John Mitchell found himself in a heated situation over the pre-season when the Force players staged a bit of a revolt.
In my experience, what went down in the west can either galvanise a team or tear you to pieces.
There is no middle ground.
For the Force's sake, I hope they kick on through it and have a big year. They certainly have enough talent to make the Super 14 finals.
If you look back at the Brumbies when they won the title in 2004, I'm sure everyone remembers how coach David Nucifora was basically off with senior players.
But they all put their differences aside and got through it to beat the Crusaders in the grand final, which is a good example of how a bit of a rift can make a team stronger.
If you look at rugby league, over the years there are plenty of examples of blokes who haven't seen eye to eye with the coach but have still put their differences aside for the good of the team.
This is what the Force will be hoping to do. They have some great players in Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell, but they are also off contract at the end of the season. So it might be the last chance they all get to win a competition together.
John Mitchell is still going to be the coach until the end of 2011, so the Force are locked in there.
But there could be movement among the players, so for them this season it will be about trying to seize the day.
The Brumbies' win on Friday night was outstanding and the leadership shown by Stirling Mortlock first class.
When the game was on the line, he really stood up and took control. That's what you expect from great players.
Even though he is no longer captain, Mortlock still knows how to rally the troops and he has a wealth of experience.
I remember wondering what new coach Andy Friend was thinking when he made Stephen Hoiles captain instead of Mortlock.
After the opening 20 minutes in Dunedin, he was probably starting to ask himself the same question. On the evidence submitted by the Brumbies, they are capable of nipping around the top four this season.
Their five-eighth Christian Lealiifano, who won the game against the Highlanders with a great drop goal right at the end, is a super talent. He is only young and raw, but provided he stays on track he is going to bring a pretty flash game to the table.
http://www.news.com.au:80/dailyteleg...017479,00.html
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by waratahjesus
Courtesy of quality South African commentry
"Remember lads, rugby is a team game; all 14 of you make sure you pass the ball to Giteau." 