Sharpe tips Force to start with bang
Western Force foundation captain Nathan Sharpe says his former side has an ideal chance to crack its first-game hoodoo against defending champions the Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday.
The Force have lost all their nine opening Super season matches, including last year's 43-21 defeat to the Waratahs, also at Allianz Stadium.
Sharpe, who retired in 2012 after 92 appearances in seven seasons for the Force, 78 as captain, said the side would be quietly excited and confident going into the new season.
"I think the Force are in a good spot for Sunday because, as in most first encounters, guys haven't played much rugby and are still trying to find their feet," Sharpe said.
"From all accounts the Force have had a good pre-season and that will put them in good stead.
"The Waratahs scored a lot of points last year and you don't know whether that's going to click straight away.
"It's a good opportunity for the Force to get a good start to the season."
Sharpe said the side would cope with the increased expectation after missing out on a first finals appearance last year by just two points.
He also sees a silver lining to their tough start. Five of their first seven games are on the road, including two in South Africa.
"They have a big task ahead but they have built a really strong, powerful culture," Sharpe said.
"Their defence was outstanding last year. That's one of the first things you need to get right when you are putting your season together because that stems from the attitude and work ethic you've built.
"Attack is an area they need to become more effective in, that's the area where they need to improve.
"If you look at the way they play, the Force will never get out-muscled by a team, but they have got to have the ability to score more points consistently. That would have been a big area of review for (coach Michael) Foley in the off-season, but the beauty of that is they have got the right attitude and that is the hardest thing to change if it is not right.
"The kind of start they have creates opportunities in itself.
"The team will still be fresh when they go on the road.
"They travelled well last year which shows they seem to enjoy that element of the competition.
"Foles, Hodgo (captain Matt Hodgson) and Wyksey (stand-in captain Sam Wykes) will have the guys in a good head space for sure.
"What the table looks like after five weeks doesn't really matter anyway.
"It's what it looks like towards the end and rounds 12 and 13."
"From all accounts the Force have had a good pre-season and that will put them in good stead." " Western Force foundation captain *Nathan Sharpe *
