Rugby: Force injury jinx hits coach

Richard Graham during a Western Force training session. Photo / Getty Images

The Western Force injury curse has even extended to coach Richard Graham as they prepare to face the free-running Blues in a Super rugby home match on Saturday.

Winless this season, the Force were dealt a major blow this week when star flanker David Pocock (knee) and centre Mitch Inman (elbow) were ruled out for up to six weeks with injuries from the 39-12 defeat to the Sharks.

Five-eighth Willie Ripia (foot), utility Mark Bartholomeusz (ankle) and halfback Justin Turner (knee) are also on the sidelines.

And skipper Nathan Sharpe revealed on Friday that even Graham had joined the list after a training mishap.

"I think our head coach tore his quad yesterday at training so I don't think he'll be taking the field this weekend," said Sharpe wryly.

"But in terms of injuries, all you can do is deal with the problem at hand and hope you don't get any more."

Pocock's absence paved the way for Ben McCalman to return to the back row, with the Wallabies flanker keen to impress in the No.8 jersey after spending the first two games of the season at lock.

"I prefer to be in the back row, whether it's six or eight or wherever it may be," McCalman said.

"But playing in the second row in the last few weeks I've still tried to play my normal game."

The Blues posted 41 points in last week's win over the Lions in Johannesburg and Sharpe said the Force would have to be on their game to stop the likes of speedy backs Joe Rokocoko, Jared Payne, Rene Ranger and Isaia Toeava.

"The Blues are renowned for their counter-attacking ability so we've worked hard on nullifying that," Sharpe said.

"At the same time they've got some pretty handy forwards that can really punch holes in you so we've got to be tight around the ruck as well.

"They're a team that have the ability to score points from anywhere on the field. You have to be really tight and make sure their ability to attack wide doesn't sting you."

But the Blues will also be on guard, with coach Pat Lam placing a heavy emphasis on halting the impact of five-eighth James O'Connor.

"He's an amazing player and it's important we don't give him too much room," Lam said.

"For a young guy he looks slight but he's strong in the tackle and gets those offloads away."

- AAP