We are heading into a busy time in our calendar with two games in four days, firstly the British & Irish Lions then a quick turn around for the Waratahs. Every year the squad depth is tested through form and injuries throughout a gruelling Super Rugby season but this is taking it to extremes.
The games will utilise and test the whole squad with some players required to back up and play in both matches. Weary bodies will be pushed to their limits, however no player will lack motivation to play the Lions and pride to perform in another Australian Derby. The boys will front up ready to play.
It will be a unique time where every player who has been training will be rewarded with game time. I hope they can all grab the chance with both hands and make the most of the opportunity. It is always significant when new players pull on that blue jersey for the first time and earn their first Force cap. Whether it is against the Lions or the Waratahs, the moment is a career highlight for any player.
It will be great for regular squad players like Rory Walton, Angus Cottrell, Brett Sheehan and Mike Snowden to get extra minutes on the field and players like Lachlan McCaffrey, Phoenix Battye, Salesi Manu and Ed Stubbs the game time to further push for regular selection with strong performances in these outings.
As squad members it is always tough to be watching in the stands during the season when every player wants to play and contribute. Unfortunately only 22 players can be selected each week and competition for positions is ongoing all season.
This will be a great opportunity to showcase their talents against two strong opponents in the Lions and the Waratahs. With only three games remaining in the season there are few opportunities for players to press a claim to one of the few remaining positions available on the 2014 roster.
For a fortunate few it is the final opportunity to push for Test selection to face the British and Irish Lions in a Gold jersey. Games against the Lions are a rare opportunity and the Force are fortunate to be the first Super franchise to face them this tour. They are a prestigious team and renowned as the most difficult side to play in world rugby.
To captain the Emirates Western Force taking on the Lions is a huge honour and something I will never forget. This season the Force have at times been giant killers, it would be a huge achievement if we could add the title of Lion tamers.
Victory against the Highlanders wasn’t pretty but it was great to secure a win in a close encounter. In a game that could have gone either way, it was exhilarating to see Jayden Hayward kick the match winning penalty. It might not have been our greatest game in attack but something that cannot be questioned is the work completed in defence.
It is often said that a good team is built on defence. I believe that we have laid strong foundations in that area that will put us in good stead for the future. This year our team has shown that it is willing to work for each other and back what we have put in place.
When a team boasting significant All Blacks talent such as Ma’a Nonu and Hosea Gear is unable to cross our line for a try we have reason to be proud. Considering that we were a man down for ten minutes, I could not have asked for more from every player on the night.
It was fitting to win when defence dominated and to be marking Ben McCalman’s 50th cap for the Emirates Western Force. This personal milestone has come at a time when Ben is finding top form and is definitely pushing for a Test recall.
