Graham in hunt to fill holes
Western Force coach Richard Graham is looking overseas to fill two crucial spots as part of his long- term planning.
Already in contention for 2013 are former Queensland scrum-half Nic Berry and young Stormers fly-half Demetri Catrakilis.
Berry is understood to be keen to return to Australia after a stint with London Wasps.
An Australian under-21 representative, Berry made his Super Rugby debut for the Reds in 2005 and joined top French club Racing Metro before moving to Wasps two years ago.
Current first choice No.9 Brett Sheehan is in his last season with the Force and Josh Holmes is on a short-term deal.
"Nic Berry is certainly someone we are looking at. He is Australian eligible which means we would not need to use one of our overseas player spots," Graham said.
He tried to bring Catrakilis to Perth after the resignation of Willie Ripia on the eve of this season but the South African side would not release him.
Catrakilis had a stint with Racing Metro in 2009 and joined the Stormers after an outstanding 2011 with the University of Cape Town when his 136 points helped them to the Varsity Cup. He went on to score 162 points for Western Province in the Currie Cup.
He is keen to leave the shadow of the Stormers' Springbok fly-half Peter Grant, himself a one-time Force target because of his family connections to Perth.
But the Force are likely to have competition for Catrakilis with Brian Smith, coach of London Irish, also interested.
Stormers coach Allister Coetzee said Catrakilis, 22, had a unique ability to exploit the space behind opposition.
"That awareness is not something that is easily coached. You have it or you don't," he said.
The Force have a bye this week and Graham has started planning for the next home game against the Stormers. And he is likely to spring a surprise by pairing huge Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga in the centres with Nick Cummins.
Nalaga was used occasionally at centre by French club Clermont, but is so big they also played him at No.8 and his size will be useful against the South Africans.
Props Salesi Ma'afu and Pek Cowan have had scans on their knees for medial ligament damage after the 23-18 loss to the Waratahs on Friday.
