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Tall order for rookie McCalman
NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian April 23, 2010, 7:24 am
WA News / Ian Munro © Enlarge photo
If any good came out of the Western Force's early-season injury crisis, it was the emergence of some of their younger and inexperienced players.
One who has certainly enhanced his reputation is big forward Ben McCalman, a Super rugby rookie who suddenly found himself in the starting back row after injuries to Wallabies Richard Brown and David Pocock in the first round against the Brumbies.
McCalman has shown versatility in the last two games, coming off the bench and into the second row, which is where he will start for the first time tonight against the Crusaders.
Force coach John Mitchell sees a big future for the former Sydney University forward who signed a two-season contract with the Force this year.
"He's been huge. He's been a huge success for us this season … he got enormous minutes in his first year of Super 14," Mitchell said.
"He has coped mentally and physically really well, and has progressed his line-out work. We are more than confident that he can handle the second row and actually bring some huge advantages where the game needs to be physical.
"He's physical and his agility and carry are critical factors."
With just nine Super 14 appear- ances, McCalman gets his first start in the No.4 jumper against two of the best in the business, the Crusaders' Chris Jack and Brad Thorn, who have more than 150 Super games and 100 Test caps between them.
But that won't worry the 22-year-old, who will have the experience of 79 Tests and 128 Super games bound in next to him in the shape of his captain Nathan Sharpe.
"I'll be packing down with Sharpie who's got the most experience in the game in the second row. He's been around a long time so I'm looking forward to it," McCalman said.
While loose forward is his preferred role, McCalman has played in the second row for Sydney University and felt comfortable there in the 40 minutes or so he played in the last two games. Being 106kg and 192cm does has some advantages.
McCalman had been a recruiting target of the Force for two years before he finally moved west. He has been more than happy with the experience.
"There's always going to be injuries and you have to be ready for the opportunity when it comes," he said.
"Unfortunately for the team there were a few early injuries. I got my chance and I just wanted to take my opportunity. Moving into a new level was a big step but I'm confident."
Sharpe said the clash with the Crusaders would be a "grafting" game.
"The Crusaders are a clinical side. We're going to have to match them for work rate. Everyone's going to have to account for their man," he said.
"They're always the benchmark team. They've got a very good squad.
"Obviously the finals were out of our hands a few weeks ago. We just want to win for each other now.
"The guys are very excited about this game."
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