Western Force head coach Simon Cron is aiming high in 2024 but says the team are on a journey ahead of their 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Hurricanes.
The Force take on the Hurricanes from 7pm at HBF Park, preceded by the Force women facing Japanese champions Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix in a pre-season trial game as part of a double-header.
The season opener comes after an exciting pre-season at the Force, with plenty of positivity around the club.
After narrowly missing the Super Rugby finals in Cron’s first season in charge, the head coach told reporters they’re aiming higher in 2024, but weren’t the finished product yet.
“I think our rugby brains are a lot better,” Cron said on Thursday after captain’s run. “What that means is we’ll make better decisions in big moments.
“It also means in terms of our strategy on field there’s a couple of key game managers there that have had more experience, even with the Cheetahs experience.
“Are we where we want to be completely? No, we’re on a journey to getting there. There’s definitely some boys out there who’ll have a lot more confidence tomorrow, than they did last year.”
Cron was reluctant to get drawn into talking long term about their ambitions for the season, but when asked about making the finals, he replied: "Bare minimum… For us, it's not about ladder, not about placings.
"It's about every game, going into it with the mentality that we've got to go out there and win it with a performance that we're proud of, so that’s what we’re focused on.
"For us, the pressure's internal. The pressure within our team is a lot greater than the pressure outside of it - (despite) betting odds, or whatever else people think."
Cron was also excited to be back at HBF Park where the side won five of six home games last year roared on by the Sea of Blue.
“Being at home is amazing for us,” he said. “We were here Round 1 last year. It’s great to be here and have the supporters coming to the first game.
“I think the key for us is all above performance. Even though we were five from six last year, I think we could’ve done better in some of those games.
“We maybe could’ve shut them out earlier or held the ball a bit longer. The focus isn’t just winning, but also how we win.”
The Force have named a 6-2 split among the reserves, which Cron explained offered them flexibility with their forwards.
“Looking at our backs, we’re relatively settled at the moment,” he said. “In the forwards, it gives us an opportunity to make some changes earlier if needed.”
As for the Hurricanes, Cron added: “They’ll run off the back fence. They’re hard physically. They’ll go hard at set-piece time, maul, scrum. They’re a big group. We have a good idea of what’s coming.”
Play starts at 7pm live on Stan Sport, with the Force-Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix trial game commencing at 4:30pm. Follow @WesternForce on social media for updates.
Western Force v Hurricanes
Friday 23 February, 7pm WST
HBF Park
Live on Stan Sport
Tickets via Ticketmaster
Team list
Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Thomas Franklin, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Harry Potter, Max Burey; Ben Funnell, Charlie Hancock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman
