Season in review: Western Force

Fri, Jun 19, 2015, 2:00 AM
AAP
by AAP

Highs

Two wins over the Waratahs were the clear highlight in what was otherwise a tough season for the Force. Remarkably, the boys from out West were the only team in 2015 to knock off the defending champions twice.

Lows

The Force will be eating their soup with a brand new piece of kitchenware, the wooden spoon to sit not-so proudly in Perth during the off-season. It started so brightly with a win over the Tahs in Sydney but then 10 straight defeats rooted the Force at the wrong end of the table.

MVP

Ben McCalman a rock at Number 8. A consistent performer leading the competition in runs (165), and was the team’s best in line breaks (5) and forced penalties (3). It will be hard to take his Wallaby jersey off him for the World Cup. Honourable mentions must go to captain Matt Hodgson, Tongan international Steve Mafi and fullback Dane Haylett-Petty.

What’s next?

Five players have been chosen for the Wallabies train-on squad for the Rugby Championship - Adam Coleman, Nick Cummins, Tetera Faulkner, Ben McCalman and Matt Hodgson. Steve Mafi will be hoping to make a World Cup appearance with Tonga, while the other Aussies will be duking it out in the Buildcorp NRC. The Force unfortunately say goodbye to stalwart Sam Wykes. The second rower has been with the club since 2008 and will be joining Nick Cummins at the Red Sparks in Japan for 2016.

Top points scorer: Luke Burton (47)

Top try scorer: Luke Morahan (5)

Most tackles/game: Matt Hodgson (15.7)

Most pilfers: Matt Hodgson (4)

Share
Bristol have thumped winless Newcastle. Photo: Getty Images
Bristol move into top four with record 13-try Newcastle win
The partnership between Cadbury and the Wallaroos extends until 2029.
Cadbury boosts long-term commitment to the Wallaroos
Crusaders defiant after dropping to Super Rugby last place
La Rochelle captain Will Skelton said his side "weren't good enough" after they were beaten 25-24 at Castres
'Not good enough': Skelton critical of La Rochelle after following Champions Cup flop with Top 14 loss