Force turn to former Brumbies for 2009

[Swee_82]

Dave Hughes, the West.

Former Brumbies Peter Playford and Richard Stanford will arrive in Perth tomorrow for talks with the Western Force which, if successful, will result in their immediate signing for the coming Super 14 rugby union season.

The Force start pre-season training next Monday and the club has allocated kit for the pair in the expectation a deal will be done.

http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ntentID=100732

[Thequeerone]

Surprised didn't think we needed a new lock !

[TommyM]

Peter Playford is a great acquisition. Played absolutely brilliantly for Melbourne here in the ARC (RIP...) and is a real stand-out for Sydney University

[James]

Surprised didn't think we needed a new lock !

With Fava gone, we could move Wykes to 6 and play Hockings, Sharpe, Stanford and O'Connor as our 4 locks. I'd prefer to see Wykes at blindside because hes a little less heavy but a fair bit more skilled. Two really good acquisitions I think. I must admit I'm surprised Stanford was released I would probably rate him over Ben Hand and Sitaleki Timani (who are both new recruits to the Brumbies I think).

Playford is great too, very versatile. I watched him in the NPC when I was in NZ and he scored a lot of tries for a team that got thumped so often.

[lara93]

i like peter playford

[TOCC]

there both bench players at best

[brokendown gunfighter]

you are right TOCC

every side is only as good as their bench though

[TOCC]

i completely agree, its all about depth especially in the S14 since its so cutthroat.

[robyn <3]

With Fava gone, we could move Wykes to 6 and play Hockings, Sharpe, Stanford and O'Connor as our 4 locks. I'd prefer to see Wykes at blindside because hes a little less heavy but a fair bit more skilled. Two really good acquisitions I think. I must admit I'm surprised Stanford was released I would probably rate him over Ben Hand and Sitaleki Timani (who are both new recruits to the Brumbies I think).

Playford is great too, very versatile. I watched him in the NPC when I was in NZ and he scored a lot of tries for a team that got thumped so often.

i think horua would have preferance over wykes for blindside flanker, he was fantastic until his injury ended 08. is o'connor injury fixed yet? it was a massive thing that went wrong (ive forgotten what it was) but will he be back for next season?

im really looking forward to hockings this season. if the guy improves as fast as he did last season i reckon he is a gold jumper definete! i dont really know stanford but would he be in a starting spot before hockings?

[NTT]

Pat O'Connor had 2 (i think off the top of my head) knee reconstructions. Hopefully he can show a bit next season. Robyn, the way Hockings was going, he'll be starting alongside Sharpe no worries. Stanford will take Timani's position in the squad.

[Thequeerone]

O'Conor had a fantastic time on the English Tour by all accounts

[Burgs]

Both are handy players, Stanford is also a #8.
I'll be pleased to hear they have signed, both great long term prospects.
We are doing what Queensland failed to do, developing the next generation while still being competitive.

[James]

there both bench players at best

Handy bench players though. Both able to play a few positions. Better than noone too or for us at least its better not having to promote 18-20 year old rookies for a change.

i think horua would have preferance over wykes for blindside flanker, he was fantastic until his injury ended 08.

True but you always need more than one.

[TommyM]

there both bench players at best

I wouldn't say that of Playford. He's pretty electric. Could push for a start on the wing depending what happens further in...

[Burgs]

I agree Tommy, I think he and Hage will be competing for the role that Hage has had for the last three seasons.