Graham going back to future with Force
Western Force coach Richard Graham is not only bringing new faces to his 2012 Super squad but a new shape, adding strength to the back line.
His 30-man squad for next season will have at least nine new players and a 50-50 split between forwards and backs.
Graham wants more depth in the back line because several times last season he was down to the barest minimum.
Twice he only had nine fit players and on four occasions just 10 available for the back line and reserves bench.
"If you look historically at Super Rugby, the outside backs tend to get most collision injuries or muscle injuries," Graham said.
"At times last year we actually didn't have any spare fit backs available.
"It puts you in a position where there is no competition at training for positions. It was almost a case of last man standing got the nod."
He still has three back-line positions vacant but it is understood a contract has been offered to one outside back.
The club's international marquee signing will fill another back-line spot, but Graham is giving nothing away.
"I could bring in an inside back or a back three player as the marquee. I just want to bring in the best I can find," he said.
Two players will be battling for each of the starting scrum-half and fly-half spots and 11 players for the centres and outside backs jumpers.
Graham is still considering his options for a fourth second- rower and also whether Tevita Metuisela will be re-signed.
The finished product will have four props, two hookers, four second-rowers and five back-rowers.
"If you look at our forwards at the moment, (Sam) Wykes and (Ben) McCalman give us enough versatility in back row and second row cover," Graham said.
The Force Super squad has a $4.4 million salary cap but five more players will be contracted to an extended rookie squad.
2012 SQUAD
Props: Pek Cowan, Kieran Longbottom, Salesi Ma'afu, Tetera Faulkner
Hookers: Nathan Charles, Ben Whittaker
Second-rowers: Nathan Sharpe, Sam Wykes, Toby Lynn. (One spot open)
Back-rowers: David Pocock, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman. (One spot open)
Scrum-halves: * Brett Sheehan, Justin Turner.
Fly-halves: Willie Ripia, James Stannard.
Backs: Nick Cummins, Pat Dellit, Gene Fairbanks, Alfie Mafi, Cameron Shepherd, Rory Sidey, Winston Stanley, Jordan Rapana. (Three spots open. One signing imminent. Another will be the marquee signing.)
