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The new Super Rugby competition will more than live up to its name, that’s the opinion of Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham and Skipper Nathan Sharpe who were on hand at the official launch of the 2011 season which kicks off in just 10 days.
Perth rugby fans will not only get more matches than ever before, with eight blockbusters scheduled in WA, they will be able to enjoy increased action from across the world’s premier provincial competition and an expanded finals system.
“The expanded season is delivering what rugby fans across the country want, and I know our members and supporters will enjoy the increase in matches in Perth,” Graham said.
“Like I’m sure everyone else in the competition will do, we’ll go into every match with the expectation that we’re going to win but the important thing is that we perform consistently across the season.
“Our preparations are going well and we think it will be a wonderful new innovation for the code and we are looking forward to being a big part of it,” said Graham.
Entering his 14thcampaign of top level provincial rugby, Sharpe knows better than most the demands of playing against players from the three best test nations in the world week in and week out.
“The more opportunities that fans have to see world class players the more interest we can generate in rugby and that will be good for players and supporters alike,” Sharpe said.
Fast facts: Super Rugby 2011
· More local derbies than ever before with 20 Australian derbies scheduled for this year compared to 6 last year.
· A 33% increase in games this year from 94 to 125
· 14 more games on Australian soil – 26 to 40
· Three weeks of finals action instead of two – featuring the top six teams
The first round of matches will see two local derbies played in Australia, including the Emirates Western Force up against the Reds in Brisbane.
Friday 18 Feb – Rebels vs Waratahs, AAMI Park, Kick Off 19:40 AEDT
Saturday 19 Feb – Brumbies vs Chiefs, Canberra Stadium, Kick Off 19:40 AEDT
Sunday 20 Feb – Reds vs Emirates Western Force, Suncorp Stadium, Kick Off 18:40 AEDT
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