Limited Tahs chances lead Lance to Force fold
Western Force have signed NSW Waratahs utility back Jono Lance for next season and are talking with powerful Wallabies and Queensland Reds centre Ben Tapuai.
Lance, who joined the Waratahs from Queensland last year to bulk up their midfield and full-back stocks, was keen to build a future at 10 or 12 but has been behind players such as Bernard Foley, Kurtley Beale and Israel Folau.
Lance, 24, started at full-back for Queensland when they won the 2011 Super Rugby final and is a competent kicker.
His father, Dean Lance, was coach of the Perth Reds in the 1997 Super League season.
The Force first chased Tapuai, 26, in 2012 after he played for the Wallabies in the 2011 tour of Britain. He has made seven international appearances.
The club has made no secret of its search for a straight-running, tough-tackling midfielder and Tapuai can play inside and outside centre.
He has also played fly-half, has some experience at full-back and has a good passing game and a handy left boot.
There are indications from the Force’s last few games that they are looking at moving Luke Burton from centre to fly-half with Zack Holmes out of contract at the end of the season.
It is expected the club will finalise Wallabies No.8 Ben McCalman’s contract next week.
