Force chief steps aside

Updated October 12, 2012 21:17:02

Western Force chief executive Vern Reid has announced he will leave the club on the back of a disappointing 2012 Super Rugby season.

Reid held the position since 2009 and his departure follows a tumultuous year in which both captain David Pocock and coach Richard Graham left the struggling franchise.

The Force finished last in the Australian conference and 14th overall on the Super Rugby ladder in 2012 and will be coached by Michael Foley next season.

Reid will continue in the role until a new chief executive has been appointed.

Tags: rugby-union, sport, super-rugby, perth-6000

First posted October 12, 2012 21:17:02

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Force announce coaching staff

Updated October 08, 2012 13:42:58

Western Force have added to their staff to work under head coach Michael Foley in 2013.

The Force have appointed former Bath coach Steve Meehan as backs/attack coach, while former Queensland Reds consultant Phillip Fowler will join the franchise as a strategist.

Chris Webb, who worked with Foley at the Waratahs, has also been named as the Force's high performance general manager.

The trio will work alongside Foley and forwards coach Nick Stiles.

Meehan graduated from the Brisbane club coaching ranks to take a position on the staff of French Top 14 side Stade Francais from 2002 to 2005.

He was Bath's head coach in the English premiership from 2006 to 2011 and during his tenure the club won the 2007/2008 European Challenge Cup.

The New Zealand-born Fowler was one of Ewen McKenzie's confidants when the Reds won the 2011 Super Rugby title.

Fowler, a qualified psychologist, also worked as a strategist during four World Cups with the Wallabies (1991, 2003), the All Blacks (1995) and the Springboks (2007).

"We've engaged some of the best in the business to join us for 2013," Foley said in a statement.

"We've drawn a line in the sand for this season and, given we'll run out a new-look side, it was essential that we assembled a coaching staff that would not only provide insight into the game but will assist to develop our players and the group as a whole."

The Force are expected to make further appointments in the coming weeks.

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, perth-6000

First posted October 08, 2012 13:40:28

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Force make changes to face Blues

Updated July 05, 2012 16:54:17

Western Force will use a makeshift back row when they tackle the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night.

Captain David Pocock (groin) and Matt Hodgson (ankle) were both ruled out earlier this week through injury, meaning Angus Cottrell and and Lachlan McCaffery have been elevated to the starting XV.

Cottrell has been named to replace Pocock at openside flanker and McCaffery has been included at number eight, with former Wallabies back rower Richard Brown to play at blindside flanker.

Pocock's absence will see former captain Nathan Sharpe lead the Force, while in the backs Winston Stanley and Brett Sheehan have been named to start.

Western Force squad:

Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Will Tupou, Winston Stanley, Napolioni Nalaga, Ben Seymour, Brett Sheehan, Lachlan McCaffery, Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Toby Lynn, Salesi Manu, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan

Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Ruan Smith, Ollie Atkins, Anare Koliavu, Josh Holmes, Kyle Godwin, Patrick Dellit

Blues squad:

Charles Piutau, Lachie Munro, Francis Saili, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Michael Hobbs, Piri Weepu, Luke Braid, Daniel Braid, Steven Luatua, Andrew Van der Heijden, Liaki Moli, Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu (captain), Tony Woodcock

Reserves: Tom McCartney, Angus Ta'avao, Chris Lowrey, Peter Saili, Alby Mathewson, Orene Ai'i, Hadleigh Parkes

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted July 05, 2012 16:10:53

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Force secure Alcock

Updated August 22, 2012 14:26:38

Western Force have continued preparing for life without former captain David Pocock, signing underrated openside flanker Chris Alcock from New South Wales.

Pocock announced last month he was leaving the Force to join the Brumbies, who in turn have lost promising number seven Michael Hooper to the Waratahs.

Hooper's move to Sydney meant Alcock was unlikely to start for the Waratahs in 2013 and he instead decided to join his former coach Michael Foley in Perth.

Alcock has signed a two-year deal.

"I've got a great relationship with Foles and he's been very helpful in developing me throughout my professional career, so I was very pleased to have the opportunity to continue working with him at the Force," Alcock said in a statement.

"It's a great opportunity for me at the Force. It's going to be a fairly new team with a number of guys leaving, and it's a great opportunity to be part of something new."

The 24-year-old Alcock, who is renowned for his ability to play hard on the ball at the breakdown, made his Super Rugby debut for the Waratahs in 2010.

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000

First posted August 22, 2012 11:24:36

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Force closing in on new coach

Updated July 03, 2012 12:37:34

Western Force are set to decide on their new Super Rugby coach within the next week and will not sign any new players until the appointment is made.

Heineken Cup-winning coach and former Randwick stalwart, Michael Cheika, who recently left his post at French club Stade Francais, is in line to replace the departed Richard Graham.

Others rumoured to be in the mix include former Force assistant John Mulvihill, former Wallabies and Wales assistant Scott Johnson and ex-Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan.

Force chief executive Vern Reid says the panel in charge of selecting the new coach is halfway through the interview process and plans to make a final decision within the next week.

The Force will then wait until the contract had been signed off before formally unveiling their new man to the public.

"We're trying to get this done as quickly as we can, but we also know we have to make the right decision," Reid said.

"Most of those who we've interviewed already have coaching contracts, so it would be unfair to identify them in this process."

Reid says the Force's recruiters have lined up several players to potentially join the club for next season, but any final decision will be left up to the new coach.

"There's a number of players we are negotiating the financial details with, subject to the appointment of the coach and his recommendation either for or against," he said.

Out-of-contract contract David Pocock has been kept closely in the loop about the coaching situation.

Reid says although the star Wallabies openside flanker will not have a formal say on the final decision, his opinion will be expressed through player representative Scott Staniforth, who is part of the selection panel.

"They (Pocock and Nathan Sharpe) are not involved in speaking with the candidates, but they're aware and they're supportive of who we've interviewed," Reid said.

"We've been in very earnest discussions with David for a long time.

"We're aware of his immediate aims and we're very astutely trying to accommodate his wishes. We're certainly doing everything we possibly can to keep him in Perth."

Pocock (groin) and fellow flanker Matt Hodgson (ankle) are set to miss Saturday's match with the Blues in Auckland, leaving the struggling Force bereft of options in the back row following on from Ben McCalman's season-ending shoulder injury.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000

First posted July 03, 2012 12:00:25

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Pocock quits Force

Updated July 28, 2012 21:37:58

David Pocock looks poised to sign with the Brumbies after Western Force conceded that their inspirational captain is leaving the Super Rugby club.

The 24-year-old has spent seven seasons with the Force after making his debut in 2006, the same year the franchise became Australia's fourth team in the expanded Super Rugby competition.

The club has never reached the play-offs and the 2012 campaign was one of their worst, finishing second-last on the overall table with just three wins from 16 matches.

The lack of finals action has reportedly prompted Pocock, who skippered the Wallabies in Tests against Scotland and Wales this year, to find a more competitive team.

Speculation has been rife that Pocock will on Monday commit to the Brumbies, especially since their outstanding young flanker Michael Hooper is switching to the Waratahs.

The Force gave credence to the rumour when they released a statement on Saturday night, saying they had failed to convince Pocock to remain in Perth.

"It is with considerable regret that RugbyWA has learnt of David Pocock's decision to leave the Western Force at the conclusion of the 2012 Super Rugby season," the statement read.

"For the past six months, RugbyWA has done everything within its power to retain his services as a leading player within the Western Force.

"David's concerns were principally around the club's inability to recruit high-profile players with this challenge highlighted by the recent opportunity presented to (Wallabies and Reds half-back) Will Genia, which ultimately was unsuccessful in bringing him to WA.

"While we are disappointed with his decision, we wish David well.

"David will always have a special place at the Western Force and should the opportunity arise down the track for him to return, we would welcome him back with open arms."

Pocock's departure is a massive blow to Force fans, who have had to deal with the retirement of veteran lock Nathan Sharpe this season, the loss of star Wallabies utility James O'Connor to the Rebels last season, and coach Richard Graham signing with the Reds mid-2012.

Pocock played 69 Super Rugby matches with the Force and replaced Sharpe as captain this season.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000

First posted July 28, 2012 21:37:58

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Blues thrash depleted Force

Updated July 07, 2012 20:37:26

The Blues unleashed a three-try burst in the second half to beat an injury-ravaged Western Force 32-9 at Eden Park on Saturday and boost their hopes of avoiding Super Rugby's wooden spoon.

Flanker Steven Luatua scored a try in the first half and Charles Piutau, Ma'a Nonu and Luke Braid all crossed in quick succession in the second to secure the Blues their third win in the penultimate round of a dismal season.

The Blues' bonus-point victory from scoring four tries lifted them a point above Perth-based Force into third from the bottom of the standings.

Johannesburg-based Lions sit bottom of the southern hemisphere's provincial championship, seven points behind the Force with two matches to play.

The Blues took a 13-9 lead at the end of an uninspiring first half littered with handling errors and befitting of the teams' lowly standing.

Captain Keven Mealamu attributed the Blues' high error count to rustiness after not having played for five weeks.

"It's been a while since the boys have been out there together so it was good to see them stick in there and really get things clicking in the second half," he said.

"One of the positives to take out of this is we have some young guys coming through and they really stepped up.

"So we've got to take those little things out of what has been a trying season."

The hosts had the edge in territory and Ma'a Nonu raised a brief burst of enthusiasm from the sparse crowd by driving toward the line in the 28th minute but was denied a try by video review.

Luatua burrowed over the line near the right-hand corner moments later, however, to put the Blues up 8-6 against the Force, who lacked captain David Pocock and veteran lock Nathan Sharpe due to injury.

Blues full-back Piutau broke open the game 15 minutes after the break, touching down at the right corner again after taking a long pass from Nonu.

Nonu helped himself to his 100th first-class try minutes later, cantering 10 metres to the line, with an offload from substitute Peter Saili cutting the Force defence to ribbons.

Number eight Braid joined the party with a fourth try 10 minutes from the whistle.

Force fly half Ben Seymour slotted three penalties in the first half to score all of his side's points as the visitors were kept scoreless for the last 45 minutes and slumped to their 12th loss of the season.

Blues: 32 (S Luatua, C Piutau, M Nonu, L Braid tries; L Munro 3/4 conversions, 2/3 penalty goals)

Force: 9 (B Seymour 3/3 penalty goals)

Reuters/AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, new-zealand, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted July 07, 2012 19:32:02

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Force sign All Black half back Mathewson

Updated August 28, 2012 19:08:49

Super Rugby strugglers Western Force have signed New Zealand half back Alby Mathewson as its marquee player for the 2013 season as they work to rebuild their team.

Mathewson spent the past three seasons at the Auckland Blues, making his international debut in the All Blacks' 20-10 win over Australia in Christchurch in 2010. He has so far won four international caps.

"This is an excellent opportunity for me and one I'm really looking forward to," said the 26-year-old.

"The Force are entering a really exciting period with a new coach coming in, and it's a great chance to be part of building something special and for this playing group to leave a significant legacy at the club."

Earlier this month, Michael Foley was appointed Force's head coach, just days after he quit the New South Wales Waratahs.

The Perth-based Force managed just three wins this year, and were dealt a huge blow this month when captain David Pocock defected to the Brumbies.

"As we prepare to relaunch the side, we've focused on recruiting some of the best up-and-coming talent," said Foley.

"Having Alby join us in a key position like scrum-half will not only add to our performance next season, but also ensure we're able to develop our young talent to its fullest potential."

AFP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted August 28, 2012 19:08:49

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Force confirm Foley as Super Rugby coach

Updated August 01, 2012 14:42:44

The Western Force have confirmed the appointment of Michael Foley as head coach for the next three Super Rugby seasons.

Foley quit his post at the NSW Waratahs on Tuesday, and will replace Richard Graham as head coach of the Force.

The appointment ends a drawn-out saga for the Force, who parted ways with Graham in mid-April after it was revealed the former Wallabies assistant had signed a deal to coach the Queensland Reds from next season.

The Force managed just three wins this year, and were dealt a huge blow last week when captain David Pocock defected to the Brumbies.

Foley spent three years as an assistant at the Waratahs before taking on the head role in 2012, where he managed to guide the side to just four wins from 16 games.

The 45-year-old, who represented the Wallabies in two World Cups, said he was excited to link up with the Force.

"This is an important period for the club and, while we're not looking to start from scratch, we're looking to relaunch the team," Foley said.

"There's no doubt the club has had a few setbacks in recent times but there are many people at the club, both on and off the field, that are very determined to see the Force successful.

"While my expectations are realistic, I'm very excited about this challenge.

"The coaching staff will be looking to promote an exciting brand of rugby that captures the imagination of our fans and wins games as well."

Although forwards coach Nick Stiles will remain at the Force, the franchise has begun the search for a new backs coach to replace Phil Blake.

AAP

Tags: rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted August 01, 2012 14:42:44

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Force enjoy rare win

Updated May 27, 2012 00:10:55

Western Force provided their long-suffering fans with something to smile about after beating the Lions 17-11 in Perth.

The home side recorded just their third win of the season, scoring two tries to one in what was a dour clash between two of the three bottom teams on the overall standings.

Captain David Pocock and winger Napolioni Nalaga scored the Force's tries, both of which were converted by Ben Seymour, who also added a penalty goal.

On a six-match losing streak, the Force got an early scare when they found themselves down 8-0 against a side with just seven wins from 71 previous matches outside their home country.

But from there on the Force dominated possession and probably should have produced more points in notching their third win of the season, but they did not have the finishing class to capitalise.

Pocock, who bullocked his way over for the first of his side's two tries, says the Force benefited from playing with more width after half-time, after going in at the break 8-3 down.

"Very happy with the win," he said.

"They were very tough for the whole game, we had to spread the ball a bit and get them running."

Lions skipper Joshua Strauss says his team again failed to maintain its form for the entire match.

"Our discipline let us down in the second half, losing a man again near the end," he said.

"It is (a lack of) concentration and it has been like that all season."

The hosts, who have been in talks with former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan over the vacant head coaching post, were up against their former mentor in John Mitchell.

Mitchell would have been pleased with his side's best defensive effort of the season as they led at the break on the back of a Michael Killian try in the fourth minute.

But the Force controlled the ball early in the second half and the Lions' defensive wall finally broke in the 58th minute, as Pocock piled over for a try.

Ben Seymour's conversion gave the home team a 10-8 lead, which was increased in the 71st minute when the Force capitalised on the Lions being a man down with Derick Minnie in the sin-bin and added a second try.

Nalaga, who had been an imposing figure for the Force all night, easily scored next to the posts and Seymour's conversion extended their lead to 17-8, all but ending the Lions' hopes.

The Lions added a penalty goal after the full-time siren to clinch a bonus point.

Force: 17 (D Pocock, N Nalaga tries; B Seymour 2 cons, pen)

Lions: 11 (M Killian try; E Jantjies pen, R Combrinck pen)

ABC/AFP

Tags: rugby-union, super-rugby, sport, perth-6000

First posted May 26, 2012 23:32:07

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Leicester slams talk of coach's Force move

Updated May 30, 2012 20:12:48

English Premiership club Leicester has rubbished reports claiming Australian head coach Matt O'Connor could quit to take charge of Western Force.

O'Connor is believed to be high on the Perth-based franchise's wanted list as it looks for a new coach after sacking Richard Graham in April.

But the Tigers insist O'Connor, who has previously worked with the Brumbies and Australia A, will not be allowed to return to his homeland.

Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill wants O'Connor to extend his stay at Welford Road beyond the end of his current deal next year.

"Matt has not applied for the job and he has no intention of taking it," Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury.

"In fact, I have already started discussing the possibility of him extending his contract and staying here for longer."

O'Connor, who joined Leicester in 2008, has formed a close relationship with Cockerill that has reaped rewards on the pitch.

He was in charge of a Leicester attack that ran in 70 tries in 22 regular-season games as the Tigers reached the Premiership final before losing to Harlequins.

AFP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, england, united-kingdom, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted May 30, 2012 20:12:48

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Beale's boot sinks Force late

Updated May 20, 2012 19:34:05

Kurtley Beale kicked the game-winning penalty from the sideline as Melbourne Rebels beat Western Force 32-31 in their Super Rugby clash in Perth on Sunday.

Beale's latest controlled performance at number 10 continued to give Australia coach Robbie Deans a selection headache.

Beale, who has principally played at full-back for the Wallabies, slotted into the pivotal role at fly half after Danny Cipriani was released from his contract last month.

The Rebels backline responded, operating with more direction and purpose since the 23-year-old Beale took the number 10 jersey with his deft passing, linebreaking ability and tactical kicking keeping them going forward.

With Queensland's Quade Cooper only returning on Saturday from a serious knee injury and Rebels utility James O'Connor recovering from a lacerated liver, Beale's form is putting pressure on Deans to pick him in the position for their Tests against Scotland and Wales next month.

On Sunday, Beale again proved to be the fulcrum of the Rebels' attack as they scored four tries in the first half, two to lock Cadeyrn Neville, and continued their momentum from their 28-19 upset win over the Canterbury Crusaders last week.

The win has lifted the Rebels one competition point above the Waratahs into third place in the Australian Super Rugby conference.

The Force, who had lost their previous five games, also played their part in providing a spectacle of high-tempo running rugby in extremely warm conditions, with first half tries to Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga and number eight Ben McCalman.

The visitors went in at half-time with a 26-15 lead that was reduced shortly after the break when Force replacement winger Alfie Maafi jinked his way through some porous defence.

Force scrum half Brett Sheehan then slotted a penalty from about halfway to bring the score to 26-25, though Beale extended the gap again with his first penalty as the standard of the match degenerated through poor handling and decision making.

Force fly half Ben Seymour then added two further penalties to give the Force a 31-29 lead with six minutes remaining before Beale struck his second penalty with three minutes left to seal the win.

"It was a really good performance in that first half," Rebels captain Gareth Delve said in a pitchside interview.

"We looked really good in attack but in the second half we really disappointed. They came back at us and it was pretty tense in the end."

Melbourne Rebels: 32 (C Neville 2, G Delve, C Vuna tries; K Beale 3/4 conversions, 2/2 penalty goals)

Western Force: 31 (N Nalaga, B McCalman, A Mafi tries; B Seymour 1/1 conversions, 2/2 penalty goals, D Harvey 1/2 conversions, 1/2 penalty goals, B Sheehan 1/1 penalty goals)

Reuters

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000, wa, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted May 20, 2012 18:28:22

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Sharks devour Force in seven-try romp

Updated May 13, 2012 06:29:23

The Sharks scored seven tries as they romped to a 53-11 victory over an outclassed Western Force in the Super 15 on Sunday morning (AEST).

The bonus-point triumph win after building a 20-6 half-time lead before a modest Kings Park crowd lifted the Durban side into the top six on the southern hemisphere provincial championship standings for the first time this season.

The Sharks' five-point haul raised their total to 36 from 11 matches and they climbed above New Zealand rivals Otago Highlanders (35) and Wellington Hurricanes (34) in the race for play-off places.

Apart from the Australian, New Zealand and South African conference winners, who qualify automatically, the teams finishing fourth, fifth and sixth advance to the knockout phase of the annual competition.

It was the second biggest Super 15 victory margin this year, bettered only by the Bulls' 61-8 demolition of defending champions Queensland Reds at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria two months ago.

Left wing Lwazi Mvovo (two), lock Steven Sykes, outside centre Paul Jordaan, full-back Louis Ludik, replacement hooker Craig Burden and flank Jacques Botes scored tries for two-time runners-up Sharks.

Fly-half Patrick Lambie kicked two conversions and two penalties before retiring injured at half-time after colliding with Force outside centre Nick Cummins on the half-hour mark.

Former France Test fly-half and scrum-half Frederic Michalak replaced the young Sharks star and landed four conversions from five attempts in perfect late autumn conditions in the Indian Ocean city.

Fly-half David Harvey slotted two penalties for the Perth-based Force, who were suffering their ninth loss in 11 outings and lie third from bottom of the table, and right wing Samu Wara claimed a last-minute try.

Narrow losers to the Cheetahs last weekend in their other South African tour match, Force took a sixth-minute lead over the Sharks through a Harvey penalty.

Lambie levelled with a similar score before Sykes barged over under the posts for a converted try and Harvey slotted another penalty on 30 minutes to leave only four points between the teams.

A brilliant break by still-groggy Lambie set up Jordaan for his first Super 15 try and the conversion plus a penalty on the stroke of half-time left the home team 14 points ahead by the break.

Sharks scored their third try less than a minute into the second half with Ludik cutting in to dot down for a try initiated by a break from eighthman and captain Keegan Daniel.

Mvovo, a shock exclusion from the 2011 Springbok Rugby World Cup squad, snatched two intercept tries with his speed giving pursuers no chance before Burden and Botes also went over and Bismarck du Plessis had a try ruled out.

Force were made to sweat before Wara was awarded his consolation try with referee Mark Lawrence referring the score to the television match official amid suspicion that the Australian had a foot in touch before scoring.

Sharks: 53 - (L Mvovo 2, S Sykes, P Jordaan, L Ludik, C Burden, J Botes tries; Frederic Michalak 4, P Lambie 2 cons; P Lambie 2 pens)
Force: 11 - (S Wara try; D Harvey 2 pens)

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, south-africa, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted May 13, 2012 06:29:23

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Strauss inspires Cheetahs to Force win

Updated May 06, 2012 09:16:27

Central Cheetahs edged Western Force 17-13 in an error-strewn Super 15 contest at Free State Stadium on Sunday (AEST).

Cheetahs captain Adriaan Strauss, the outstanding player in the match, scored what proved the winning try when he crossed the Force line in the 54th minute.

The Cheetahs, trailing 9-13, had opted not to kick at the posts three times in quick succession, having been awarded penalties in the Force 22-metre area.

The home team stretched the lead to 17-13 when fly-half Sias Ebersohn landed his third penalty goal and a crucial moment came with 18 minutes to go when the Force were awarded a penalty in front of the Cheetahs' posts.

They opted for a scrum, then conceded a penalty that enabled Cheetahs to kick their way out of danger.

It was one of 16 penalties conceded by Force against only eight by Cheetahs and the Australians several times showed their frustration in a niggly, bad-tempered encounter.

Cheetahs dominated possession during the first half, but were fortunate to lead 9-6 at half-time.

Shortly before the break, Force wing Samu Wara crossed for what appeared to be a try, but assistant referee Stefan Breytenbach notified referee Stuart Berry of foul play in the build-up.

Instead of awarding a try, Berry penalised Force prop Salesi Ma'afu for tackling an opponent around the neck.

But it took Force only six minutes of the second half to score the first try when a clearance kick by Cheetahs full-back Hennie Daniller was charged down by centre Winston Stanley, who picked up for a simple try.

Cheetahs hit back almost immediately and always looked the more likely side to score although Force pressed hard in the closing minutes.

"It was a hard-fought game," said Force captain and Wallaby flank David Pocock.

"The Cheetahs defence was too good. We were disappointed we turned over the ball on their line right at the end."

Strauss said it was a physical encounter. "They were good at the breakdowns. Every time we got momentum they stopped us," he said.

Cheetahs might have won more easily if Ebersohn, starting at fly-half in place of injured teenage star Johan Goosen, had been in better goal-kicking form as he landed only three of seven attempts.

Cheetahs 17: Try: A Strauss. Pens: S Ebersohn 3, T de Bruyn.

Force 13: Try: W Stanley. Cons: D Harvey. Pens: Harvey 2

AFP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, south-africa

First posted May 06, 2012 06:31:03

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Force confident of keeping Pocock

Updated April 30, 2012 18:51:54

Western Force skipper David Pocock still appears likely to re-sign with the Super Rugby franchise despite Will Genia's shock backflip to stay at the Queensland Reds.

Genia agreed to terms on a lucrative deal with the Force last Thursday but performed an about-face on Monday when he re-signed with the Reds for a further three seasons.

Pocock played a key role in initially convincing Genia to join him at the Force, and was set to re-sign himself in what would have been a massive double coup for the Perth-based franchise.

Genia's change of heart threw into question whether Pocock would reconsider his own position, but the Force remain confident the 24-year-old skipper will stay.

Force chief executive Vern Reid said the club expected to reveal some big-name signings within the next fortnight, and had met Pocock twice since Saturday night to update him on the recruiting drive.

"We're now in the process of enacting other offers and following up offers we've got out to players from Australia and other parts of the world," Reid said on Monday.

"There are a couple of other signings which are very close to being done.

"I think the Force fans are looking for some good news, but all I can do is assure them we're absolutely on the case and we certainly won't be resting until we've got a first-class roster for 2013.

"(Pocock) wants to put this speculation on his future aside and wants to make sure the team performs at its height.

"We'll keep working with him and see if we can secure his future as soon as possible."

Reid described Genia's decision to stay in Queensland as "disappointing and frustrating".

It is understood Force officials were privately fuming at the Reds' decision to send out a release on Saturday night announcing Genia would be linking up with the Force.

"It was a really unusual thing to do, to release information like that, when I'm sure they were aware that nothing had been signed," Reid said.

"The net result appears that it may well have been a successful ploy.

"We would have liked him to have made the decision that he said he had made and join us in Perth.

"Clearly when it came down to signing, something turned his head."

The Force, who sit last in the Australian conference with just two wins from nine games, take on the Cheetahs in South Africa on Saturday.

AAP

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First posted April 30, 2012 18:51:54

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Force eye big names after Genia

Updated April 29, 2012 13:42:42

After lining up Wallabies half-back Will Genia for next season, the Western Force have set their sights on recruiting more big names to rebuild the struggling Super Rugby team.

Languishing in last place in the Australian conference, the Force pulled off the rugby coup of the year by luring Genia from the champion Queensland Reds, with the 24-year-old set to put pen to paper once his Australian Rugby Union contract is sorted.

Genia is rumoured to have turned down an offer in the vicinity of $400,000 at the Reds in order to take up a deal worth upwards of $500,000 at the Force, despite the club denying the deal was done.

"All I can say is that we have spoken to Will Genia's manager and other players' managers about recruitment in the past couple of weeks," RugbyWA chief executive officer Vern Reid said.

"Nothing has been finalised, I'm certainly not in a position where I'm going to make any announcements about Will or any other player.

"It's mystifying (the statement by the Reds) simply because no details have been finalised."

The Perth-based franchise has also been in close talks with their captain and Wallabies star flanker David Pocock, who is almost certain to re-sign with the Force.

And, in a further major boost, veteran Wallabies lock and former Force skipper Nathan Sharpe is expected to consider reversing his decision to retire at season's end.

Genia's arrival plus the expected retention of Pocock could help attract a host of other high-calibre players to the Force.

Luring a world-class five-eighth is high on the Force's agenda, but more game-breaking players in the backline are also badly needed.

"We're speaking to a number of players and are clearly looking to strengthen our inside backs," Reid added.

And of course, a new coach to replace the departed Richard Graham is also in the works.

The Force are yet to make the finals since their inception in 2006, and are desperate to build a squad capable of reaching the business end of the season.

Interim Force coach Phil Blake confirmed the club was already in talks with top-line players from around the world.

"I know the club's been very proactive throughout Australia and offshore in regards to acquiring certain players that we feel will benefit the club moving forward," Blake said.

"That will never change.

"We are on the front foot.

"We're speaking to numerous players in various positions to make sure this club reunites and gets stronger moving forward.

"So everyone else be warned that we are looking."

Pocock was saying little about his own contract situation, but Force chief executive Vern Reid said he was "increasingly confident" the 40-Test veteran would stay.

"You could call it poor form the way information's leaked and all the rest but, at the end of the day, that's how it works," Pocock said of the rumours he was about to re-sign.

The Force's finals hopes for 2012 were all but dashed on Saturday night in a 17-3 loss to the high-flying Stormers.

The Force take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next Saturday, before facing the Sharks in Durban a week later.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, perth-6000

First posted April 29, 2012 12:53:56

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Tahs unchanged for Force fight

Updated April 11, 2012 16:25:34

Benn Robinson will lead an unchanged Waratahs side for the third match running as New South Wales travel to Perth for Friday's crucial Super Rugby clash with the Western Force.

"It took a number of weeks to get this 22 together," coach Michael Foley said.

"In our performance against the Sharks, we showed what we are capable of.

"There were some good signs against the Chiefs but there were areas to adjust too and we've worked hard on those over the past two weeks."

Coming off a bye and with a 2-4 record from their first six matches, a win on Friday is crucial to the Waratahs' hopes of moving up the Australian conference table as the second half of the season beckons.

With 17 points from seven rounds, the Waratahs sit equal second with the Queensland Reds and two points adrift of the Brumbies.

Only a bonus point and a bye separate them from the bottom-placed Force.

"Derby games are always intense affairs and there's a lot at stake over the next month," said Foley of the Australian conference.

The team will be hoping for an away win to nullify the loss inflicted on them when the sides last met four weeks ago in Sydney, a match Foley describes as the team's worst performance.

"We are very determined to push forward with a much better performance this week," he said.

"The harder we work to get in position and the more we offer, the better we play as a team."

Waratahs:

Bernard Foley, Tom Kingston, Rob Horne, Tom Carter, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Berrick Barnes (vice capt), Brendan McKibbin, Wycliff Palu, Chris Alcock, Dave Dennis, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm, Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson (capt). Res: John Ulugia, Paddy Ryan, Sitaleki Timani, Lopeti Timani, Jono Jenkins, Sarel Pretorius, Daniel Halangahu

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, nsw, australia, wa

First posted April 11, 2012 13:35:09

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Force star to miss six weeks

Updated April 05, 2012 18:38:41

The Western Force are pinning their hopes on Ben Seymour to flourish in the key playmaker's role after James Stannard was ruled out for the next six weeks with an ankle injury.

Stannard had a pin inserted into his ankle on Thursday after suffering the injury early in last week's 45-19 win over the Queensland Reds.

Five-eighth Seymour was solid after replacing Stannard at the 15-minute mark, and will be handed his first Super Rugby start in Friday night's clash with the Chiefs in Perth.

The inclusion of 21-year-old Seymour was the only change to the Force's starting line-up, with former Brumbies and Waratahs half-back Josh Holmes named on the bench after signing for the rest of the season.

Utility back Patrick Dellit has recovered from a leg injury and will join Holmes on the pine, but Cameron Shepherd (leg) and Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga (ankle) miss out yet again.

Western Force coach Richard Graham was pleased with Seymour's performance against the Reds, and believed he gained invaluable confidence from the hit-out.

"Benny kicks the ball really well and he's quick, so he's able to challenge the line," Graham said on Thursday.

"And if you watched last week, his ability to shift the ball in attack will continue to give us some width in our game."

The Chiefs have won four of their five games this season, and Graham is all too aware of the attacking threat posed by All Blacks centre Sonny Bill Williams.

Williams' magical off-loads in the tackle have become a feature of his game.

But Graham has been working hard on plans to nullify Williams.

"You get a sniper from the stands to bring him down early," Graham joked.

"He's an incredibly good athlete and we've obviously got some plans for how we want to stop it.

"To stop the off-load, there's a couple of ways to do it; you either make a dominant tackle or you look to wrap up the ball.

"The players have been training throughout the season because, in every team, there's an individual who presents that."

The Chiefs, riding a four-game winning streak, welcome back hooker Mahonri Schwalger and winger Lelia Masaga to their starting line-up.

Western Force: David Harvey, Samu Wara, Nick Cummins, Winston Stanley, Alfie Mafi, Ben Seymour, Brett Sheehan, Matt Hodgson, David Pocock (capt), Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'afu, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan. Res: Elvis Taione, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Ben McCalman, Josh Homes, Rory Sidey, Patrick Dellit.

Chiefs: Robbie Robinson, Lelia Masaga, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams, Tim Nanai-Williams, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Kane Thompson, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke (capt), Ben Tameifuna, Mahonri Schwalger, Arizona Taumalolo. Res: Hika Elliot, Josh Hohneck, Michael Fitzgerald, Sam Cane, Augustine Pulu, Andrew Horrell, Jackson Willison.

AAP

Tags: sport, rugby-union, super-rugby, australia, wa, perth-6000

First posted April 05, 2012 14:45:44

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Force stun lacklustre Waratahs

Updated March 17, 2012 22:51:08

Western Force posted their first win of the season and consigned the New South Wales Waratahs to their worst start to a Super Rugby campaign in 15 years.

Debutant full-back Dave Harvey enjoyed a dream start to his Super Rugby career as the Force squeezed out a spirited 21-20 victory in the Australian conference derby at Sydney Football Stadium.

Harvey, the 29-year-old nephew of Australian cricket great Neil Harvey, contributed 16 points from a try, conversion and three penalty goals.

And the two-times Ken Catchpole Medallist as Sydney club rugby's best and fairest player produced his starring role in front of family and friends just days after signing a four-week contract for the injury-depleted Force.

The Gordon playmaker was not the only debutant to enjoy a memorable night out, with winger Samu Wara crossing for the match-winning try in the 64th minute.

"Very proud of the team and the way we gutsed it out," Force captain and openside flanker David Pocock said in a pitchside interview.

"It's been a tough time as a group but we know where we are going and we have hung pretty tough and we have got our first win."

While the Force will be rejoicing after finally breaking their duck, the Waratahs' frustrations continue.

After suffering similarly narrow defeats against the high-flying Highlanders and titleholders the Queensland Reds, the Tahs have won just one from four, matching the franchise's poor start in 1997.

"We let ourselves down and that is what is going to happen in Super Rugby if you don't turn up on your game," Daniel Halangahu said after the Waratahs' second loss in four matches.

The Waratahs looked to be back in business when five-eighth and captain Halangahu put his side four points in front with successive penalty goals in the 57th and 62nd minutes.

But Wara had the final say when he accepted a nice pass from hooker Nathan Charles and stepped inside Halangahu to dive over in the right corner two minutes later.

Despite proving somewhat of a fortress over the years, the Force's against-the-odds win continues the Perth side's impressive record in Sydney.

They have won two and drawn another of their four away clashes with the Waratahs.

The Waratahs had started well enough, with winger Adam Ashley-Cooper tagging on to a rolling maul and being rewarded for his initiative with the opening try after just five minutes.

Halangahu converted for a 7-0 lead.

Harvey notched his first points in Super Rugby with an easy 10th-minute penalty goal to reduce the deficit to four.

He then benefited from an inside off-load from fly half James Stannard to cross and convert to give the Force a surprise 10-7 lead.

New South Wales regained the advantage just before the break with a fortuitous try to winger Tom Kingston.

Tahs scrum-half Sarel Pretorius appeared to knock the ball out of the hands of his Force opposite Brett Sheehan, but New Zealand referee Jonathon White ruled play on.

Pretorius toed the ball ahead and Kingston, with all the time in the world, calmly regathered and dived over in the corner.

Halangahu's conversion had the Waratahs four points in front before Harvey's second penalty in the 40th minute made it a one-point ball game at half-time.

Ashley-Cooper had a try denied early in the second half when centre Rob Horne was penalised for obstruction before Harvey put the Force briefly ahead again with a penalty in the 53rd minute.

The Tahs briefly regained the lead, only for Wara to crash the party late.

Force: 21 (D Harvey, S Wara tries; Harvey conversion, 3 penalty goals)

Waratahs: 20 (A Ashley-Cooper, T Kingston tries; D Halangahu 2 conversions, 2 penalty goals)

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted March 17, 2012 21:37:17

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Tahs hold off spirited Force

Updated April 13, 2012 23:24:59

New South Wales survived a frenetic second-half comeback from Western Force to post a 23-18 Super Rugby triumph in Perth on Friday night.

The Waratahs appeared set to run away with the match after tries either side of half-time to winger Tom Kingston and flanker Dave Dennis gave the visitors a 17-3 lead.

But a brilliant 20-minute period for the Force, in which the home side piled on 15 unanswered points, put the match in the balance.

The Waratahs were clearly rattled but the reliable boot of Berrick Barnes got them over the line, the fly half's penalties in the 64th and 74th minutes securing victory in front of 12,838 fans.

The Waratahs' third win of the season moved them to top of the Australian conference on 21 points, but the Brumbies have the chance to leapfrog them when they take on the Rebels on Saturday night.

The Reds' points tally will increase to 21 once they get the automatic four points for their bye this week.

The Force, with just two wins from eight matches, remain last in the Australian conference on 13 points ahead of next week's bye.

Both sides were willing to throw the ball around in the opening half, but the Waratahs created the better opportunities.

The Waratahs went ahead through an early Brendan McKibbin penalty and they were celebrating the first try of the match in the 26th minute when Kingston burned off Force flanker Matt Hodgson to touch down in the corner.

Force fly half David Harvey's 31st-minute penalty brought the margin back to 10-3, but the home side were on the back foot for the remainder of the half.

The unrelenting pressure eventually took its toll, with Force prop Salesi Ma'afu sin-binned in the 38th minute for repeated infringements.

The Force's defence was on the job in the first half, but fell asleep two minutes after the break.

Dennis could not believe his luck as he sliced his way through to the tryline after collecting a short line-out and things were looking bleak for the Force at 17-3 down.

But just 20 minutes later Force half-back Brett Sheehan started the fight-back when he poked through a number of arms and legs to touch down in the 50th minute.

And when Waratahs full-back Bernard Foley was yellow carded in the 58th minute, the visitors looked vulnerable.

The Force turned down the easy three points on offer and were duly rewarded, with a series of quick passes allowing full-back Alfie Mafi to stroll over.

A penalty to Harvey gave the Force the lead for the first time in the match, but Barnes was ice cool when it counted, nailing two crucial penalties to seal victory.

New South Wales: 23 (D Dennis, T Kingston tries; B McKibbin 2 cons, pen; B Barnes 2 pens)

Western Force: 18 (A Mafi, B Sheehan tries; D Harvey con, 2 pens)

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000

First posted April 13, 2012 23:00:33

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