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Western Force head into the unknown as they build towards the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific competition
Nick Taylor
The West Australian
Western Force are heading into the unknown as they prepare for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific tournament.
A squad of 30 players left for Queensland on Friday, hoping they will only be away for about a month - but knowing it could be much longer unless WA softens its border restrictions.
They play their first, and possibly only, trial against the Reds on Saturday and will stay on the east coast for the opening rounds of the tournament that kicks off in two weeks.
They have been forced to swap home and away fixtures with the Brumbies and Waratahs but are hoping to keep their round three home match against the Reds.
Coach Tim Sampson said the side would “embrace” being in camp away from home.
“The feeling is just to embrace it,” said Sampson, as he looks to lead the side one step further than the historic first finals appearance last year.
“Yes, it will be a challenge but we’re a group that will enjoy those challenges. We thrive in that environment.
“We are not thinking about when we could be home. We have not planned for not coming back.”
The side may go into the competition a little underdone with only one hit-out against another Super side, an internal trial and a match with the WA Gold representative side.
They will try and organise another pre-season game and even mid-season matches against the Reds and Fijian Drua for players not in starting sides.
An earlier trial against Drua was cancelled to allow players to spend more time with their families but Sampson is confident of a good showing against at Ballymore against last year’s Australian Super Rugby champions.
“It’s our main trial so we’re expecting a pretty polished performance,” Sampson said.
“We need to be on point leading into round one. We want players to put their hands up to cement positions, and that’s everyone.
“It’s their last chance.”
Despite lack of trials Sampson was pleased with pre-season.
“Its been good. It’s all pointing nicely,” he said. “It’s been a long build up.
“The guys just want to get out and into the competition phase now.”