Graham positions himself behind Force, not Wallabies
Western Force coach Richard Graham will use his Australian stars wherever they best fit into his plan for next year's Super rugby season, regardless of what position they play for the Wallabies.
The former Wallabies assistant coach has made it quite clear his focus is solely on the Force.
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"I'm very supportive of Australian rugby and their cause, but my priority is to make sure the Western Force is successful," Graham said. "I will do what's best for us as an organisation."
Back line star James O'Connor, who has been in sensational form on a wing for the Wallabies, played full-back, fly-half and on the end of the Force back line last Super rugby season and could fill any of those jumpers next year.
Bruising forward Ben McCalman, who ousted teammate Richard Brown from the Wallaby No.8 spot on the northern hemisphere tour, spent time in the Force's second row last season.
Graham will have to juggle a back row that also includes ARU Player of the Year and IRB Player of the Year nominee David Pocock and Force Player of the Year Matt Hodgson.
Graham was on the phone to Wallabies coach Robbie Deans within hours of him arriving back in Australia. He said Deans stressed he would not try to influence his decision making.
"He (Deans) made it very clear that it will be my decision," Graham said.
"At the end of the day it's really important we understand the team comes first and I will do what's best for our team.
"That's a clear point I want to make. I will do what's best for the team.
"Even if changing one player's position is not the best thing for the team, then we won't do it."
Graham has kept his plans for O'Connor close to his chest since Force training started a month ago.
He said he could use him as a back-up playmaker, a position the Force have not filled for next year, but at the same time said: "You'd have to say he's doing something right on the wing."
