0
Burgs' 2013 Force XV Selection:
1 Pek Cowan
2 Nathan Charles
3 Salesi Ma'afu
4 Toby Lynn
5 Phoenix Battye
6 Richard Brown
7 Matt Hodgson
8 Ben McCalman
9 Alby Mathewson
10 Sias Ebersohn
11 Alfie Mafi
12 Chris Tuatara-Morrison
13 Will Tupuo
14 Nick Cummins
15 Sam Norton-Knight
16 Ben Whittaker
17 Kieran Longbottom
18 Sam Wykes
19 Chris Alcock
20 Brett Sheehan
21 Kyle Godwin
22 Junior Rasolea
Some of the method to the "madness":
Props
1 Pek Cowan
3 Salesi Ma'afu
17 Kieran Longbottom
Prop was actually a little tricky to select, mainly as I am not sure of the status of Salesi Manu, or the strength of the Coaching staff to select him over Ma'afu. I believe Cowan has earned his spot, but needs to make another step up this season, he seems to have plateaued a little in 2012. With Manu available Longbottom becomes a very handy Squad back up with Tetera Faulkner and Ruan Smith (if still on the books?).
Hooker
2 Nathan Charles
16 Ben Whittaker
Personally, my preferred option, unlike many of the (especially female) supporters is Whittaker to start with Charles to create havoc in the tiring last 35 minutes. However, I'm the first to concede in 2012 Whittaker was a little MIA at times and indeed, not even selected without public explanation for a couple of matches. I think, baring injury or planned rotation to rest Charles, that you can ink in 2 Charles and 16 Whittaker for all of 2013.
Locks
4 Toby Lynn
5 Phoenix Battye
18 Sam Wykes
It was actually in the Locks that I had the hardest time deciding on the starter to partner Lynn. I hope Lynn steps up as the senior Lock in the camp now as at times towards the end of season 2012 he looked like he didn't want to be around at all. I could mount arguments for Battye, Wykes and (if staying around) Atkins, however, I have gone for a development year here and in most XV decisions in investing Battye for the future. Wykes doesn't really do it for me as a positional player, though I recognise he probably deserves to be playing each week, so with Alcock on my bench I have given Wykes the job of cover for #4-6,8.
Backrow
6 Richard Brown
7 Matt Hodgson
8 Ben McCalman
19 Chris Alcock
I think all would recognise that the Backrow is our genuine strength, despite the departure of Pocock. Alcock brings a bit of late match agro to the mix, though in a wet match or against a big side I would probably lean towards 6 Cottrell (if still around) 18 McCaffrey 19 Brown.
Halves
9 Alby Mathewson
10 Sias Ebersohn
We have invested so they must perform. The Force has had a pretty lousey ROI with overseas players overall but we may have finally got it right with these guys. They will start the season anyway. Rumour has it that Flyhalf will be wearing the letter J this year...
Centres
12 Chris Tuatara-Morrison
13 Will Tupuo
A little like for the Locks, the end decision was investing in the future. We have both of these blokes through until 2014 so it is time to see what they can do individually and as a pair. Our other Centre options are known quantities and, to be fair, they aren't exceptional. With the creativity in the Halves then this leaves the option for a more direct, hard hitting Centre style, being put into space by especially Ebersohn. See Bench comments re other options.
Outside Backs
11 Alfie Mafi
14 Nick Cummins
15 Sam Norton-Knight
With a given that Norton-Knight will start and that Fullback is probably his best position, it is then a case of Mafi needing a jersey and Cummins not being seen as a Centre option (yet). I think the three of them complement each other quite well with, in jersey order, an elusive runner, a direct runner and a strategic kicker. Would expect to see Mafi drop back to Fullback as Norton-Knight goes forward to provide a Flyhalf fill in option during multi-phase ball and also when the Bench comes on.
Plan B
20 Brett Sheehan
21 Kyle Godwin
22 Junior Rasolea
Right, call this Plan B. I have creativity in 9-10 and direct running in 12-13. I would have Sheehan mentoring Godwin and Rasolea, training together night and day as the 10-12 future of the Force (ie 2015 onwards). They should be molded into a team within the team that is subbed on at 50 if things are getting away from us under Plan A. Too long we leave change until the only real option is furious panic to win. By 2015 Sheehan will be gone so we will slot either Turner or his replacement into #9 to complete the set in the next two seasons.
Overall I think this is the best balance to a Squad now in genuine start again (rebuild, call it what you will) mode.