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Force need to add muscle: Mitchell
Saturday May 5 12:18, AAP
While the lexicon of Western Force coach John Mitchell can sometimes baffle, his message after his side bowed out of contention of this year's Super 14 race was simple - we need to be bigger, faster, stronger.
Still grasping to the slenderest of semi-final straws, the Auckland Blues' ruthless 33-6 demolition in Perth showed the Force how wide the gap still is between themselves and the competition elite.
And, having made the leap from 14th to 7th place in their second year, Mitchell says the task for those Force players not involved with the Wallabies was to add the muscle needed to compete with Super 14's Kiwi pacesetters.
"If you look back at the season, I think the log is a probably true reflection of where we have got to get to," Mitchell said.
"We have made grounds, but there were examples again tonight of where we have got to get to physically.
"Generating power in our lower bodies, there is a difference there.
"I think our method, our systems and structures are pretty well there. What it is going to come down to is making sure ... our basic skills don't break down under pressure.
"That comes through physical confidence, which brings mental confidence.
"So some guys will go on and wear the gold jumper ... the rest of us are going to be here working and going to get really big."
Needing a win themselves to guarantee a semi-final spot, the Blues intent was palpable around Subiaco from minute one, inducing a Force scrum collapse and never letting up.
In the tight and loose, the Blues smashed every Force body put in front of them, scoring four tries to nil - three of them to front rowers John Afoa, Tony Woodcock and Keven Mealamu.
Blues coach David Nucifora said focus on physically dominating the Force paid off.
"There was some pretty heavy tackling out there from both teams, there was pretty heavy D (defence) - and I think we got the better end of that deal," Nucifora said.
"Our ability to play some close gritty football (was pleasing), because we have not always been known for that. We showed quite a bit of patience and perseverance."
While Nucifora's future still remains uncertain, coming off contract as he does at the end of the season, Mitchell's is secure for four years after signing a new deal with the Force.
Just as he had when speaking about the premature retirement of Brendan Cannon last month, the former All Black coach was teary eyed when describing the loyalty he has for Australia's fourth franchise.
"It has been the first opportunity in my life with a player group that I really wanted to show loyalty," Mitchell said.
"Two years ago, a lot of people made a big decision in their life to come to this club, and I think loyalty to that group and to those individuals is really important.
"And my family has got stability - and the opportunities that exist in WA are outstanding."
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