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AAP, The West Australian
February 10, 2011, 8:51 am
A fresh breeze has swept over the Western Force since Richard Graham took over as coach from John Mitchell, and with it a renewed sense of optimism the Perth-based franchise can finally reach the finals after five barren seasons.
There is no doubting the coaching pedigree of Mitchell, who enjoyed remarkable success at the All Blacks - besides NZ’s 2003 World Cup flop - before building an exciting brand of rugby at the Force.
But the New Zealander was also a control freak, leading to tension at all levels within the Force.
Graham is a different entity altogether - friendly, relaxed and determined.
The players have already formed a good rapport with him, fondly nicknaming him Woody due to his uncanny resemblance to the lead cowboy character from the Toy Story movies.
But while Graham is quick to share a joke with his playing group, he also has the utmost respect from his charges.
Although Mitchell’s early departure to the Johannesburg-based Lions has thrust Graham into the Force head role one year earlier than expected, the former Wallabies assistant coach says he has had plenty of time to shape the group.
“You’ve got enough time to change a number of habits and put in place the way you want to play the game, so I’m comfortable with where we’re at,” Graham says.
“We’ve planned well and physically the boys are in mint condition.”
Graham said that while many of his philosophies were similar to that of Mitchell, he would place a greater emphasis on the club’s forward-line strengths.
“We will play an attacking style of rugby but the thing about the game is you have to earn the right to go wide, and for us that’s our forwards giving us a good platform,” Graham says.
With the likes of David Pocock, Richard Brown, Ben McCalman and Matt Hodgson fighting it out for spots in the back row, Graham admits he’s spoilt for choice.
And with current and former Wallabies Nathan Sharpe, Pek Cowan and Matt Dunning in the tight five, Graham likes what he sees in the forward pack.
Not that the backs lack any class, with Wallabies star James O’Connor headlining a fleet-footed contingent also containing winger Nick Cummins, utility Cameron Shepherd and former Hurricanes winger David Smith.
Graham has high hopes for his group despite last season’s 13th-placed finish, when the squad was beset by injuries.
“Our goal is to certainly make the top half of the table and if you do that you give yourself a chance,” Graham says.
WESTERN FORCE
Last season’s finish: 13th (4W/9L)
Best finish: Seventh in 2007
Coach: Richard Graham
Home ground: nib Stadium, Perth
Squad: Nathan Sharpe (capt), Tim Fairbrother, Pek Cowan, Matt Dunning, Kieran Longbottom, Paul Alo-Emile, Ben Whittaker, Nathan Charles, Ben McCalman, Tom Hockings, Sam Wykes, Phoenix Battye, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown, Jono Jenkins, Tevita Metuisela, Brett Sheehan, Justin Turner, James Stannard, Mark Swanepoel, Willie Ripia, Mark Bartholomeusz, Mitch Inman, Gene Fairbanks, Rory Sidey, Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, David Smith, Alfie Mafi, James O’Connor, Pat Dellit.
Gains: Pat Dellit (Eastern Suburbs, Sydney), Gene Fairbanks (Honda, Japan), Alfie Mafi (Brumbies), Tevita Metuisela (Manly), Willie Ripia (Hurricanes), Rory Sidey (Waratahs), James Stannard (Australian Sevens), David Smith (Hurricanes).
Losses: Ryan Cross (Waratahs), Andre Pretorius, Luke Jones, Dane Haylett-Petty, David Hill, Chris O’Young, Josh Tatupu, Scott Staniforth, Haig Sare, Sam Harris, Nic Henderson, Richard Stanford.
Key man: David Pocock. Pocock was undoubtedly the best player for the Wallabies last year and even rivalled Richie McCaw as the world’s top No.7. Without him the Force are only half the side and can kiss goodbye any finals dreams.
One to watch: James O’Connor. Although still only 20, O’Connor’s talents are well known but what will be interesting is to see where Richard Graham best utilises the precocious Wallabies utility back who can play five-eighth, inside centre, wing or fullback.
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