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NATHAN SHARPE, The West Australian
April 20, 2011, 6:23 am
The news of Kurtley Beale's move to Melbourne shocked everyone except those in the room when he signed the contract.
The interruption caused with players signing contracts mid-season is something I believe needs to change because of the inevitable distraction to all parties. As well as players manage it, it still takes the focus off the team and that can be of no benefit.
The problem, however, is the timing of seasons around the globe. Super Rugby coaches like to have the main body of their squad for the following year sorted out before the end of the current one.
A problem here is the influence of overseas clubs. Their season starts roughly towards the end of the Super Rugby year, making it prime time to pick up a few Australian scalps.
Local coaches want players of the calibre of Ben McCalman, who signed with us last week, on their books ASAP.
At the time of writing, James O'Connor hasn't made a decision as to where he will be next year.
I know all the boys at the club would love to have him stay. However, this is James' decision, as he is the only one who knows all the pieces to the puzzle.
The re-signing of Matt Hodgson, who has been a star for us, is huge news and I know everyone is excited about having the old fella around longer.
We reminded each other before the game on Sunday afternoon against the Brumbies that we play rugby for one reason more than any. A reason that had brought us to that same room - we all love the game.
It is different for each player, but finding that moment of pure enjoyment was something we as a team hadn't savoured for a few weeks.
We have shown glimpses, but the defence and hunger that the Western Force showed let me know the boys were enjoying their work for 80 minutes. The top two inches of your body are always the most important in sport and we had the better of the Brumbies in that area.
Sometimes you will be outskilled but never should you be outwilled. We got it right on Sunday.
The next block of home games is important for the Force and an away win on the weekend was a great tonic for us.
It allows us to approach Saturday's game against the Bulls with real motivation to claim one of the biggest scalps in the competition. This will be our toughest match-up this year.
Traditionally South African teams have played a strong field position game with reliable set pieces and big men to get them going forward. It is no surprise that the Bulls are the best in the business at this style of game.
For Sam Wykes, Tom Hockings and myself, this weekend represents the sternest line-out challenge of the year against Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Danie Rossouw and Pierre Spies.
That expectation makes me look forward to this game the most in terms of an aerial contest.
The Western Force know what is coming this weekend. Get out there and get us up.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ves-rock-boat/
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Originally Posted by Burgs
