Force's Ripia ready for lead rugby role

Ripia's first season at the Force was cruelled by injury, with a lengthy foot complaint and Fake Girard Perregaux Watches subsequent calf issues severely limiting his impact during seven underwhelming appearances in 2011. In his absence, Wallabies star James O'Connor flourished in the No.10 role, while scrumhalf James Stannard also impressed as the key playmaker when handed the job for the final few rounds of the season. But Graham is confident Ripia will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012, saying a four-month strength and conditioning program followed by a stint in club rugby had left the 26-year-old former Hurricane in prime shape to showcase his true potential. "He's overcome his foot and calf injuries and he's on a very strict program to make sure it's not something we'll have to deal with again," Graham said. "We planned a lot of what we wanted to do around Willie last year. "At 26 Replica Edox Paypal Watch and with 37 games under his belt, he's experienced but still young enough to be a long-term prospect of the organisation. He's a player you can build something around. "Using Willie as our permanent 10 has the potential to give us something a little more settled. "But having said that, James Stannard's performances at the end of last season means there's no guaranteed place for Willie in the side. They have to earn it." With O'Connor now at the Melbourne Rebels, Graham said it was important for recruits such as marquee winger Napolioni Nalaga and former NRL rising star Jordan Rapana to fill the void. Force's Ripia ready for lead rugby role Ripia's first season at the Force was cruelled by injury, with a lengthy foot complaint and subsequent calf issues severely limiting his impact during seven underwhelming appearances in 2011. In his absence, Wallabies star James O'Connor flourished in the No.10 role, while scrumhalf James Stannard also impressed as the key playmaker when handed the job for the final few rounds of the season. But Graham is confident Ripia will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012, saying a four-month strength and conditioning program followed by a stint in club rugby had left the 26-year-old former Hurricane in prime shape to showcase his true potential. "He's overcome his foot and calf injuries and he's on a very strict program to make sure it's not something we'll have to deal with again," Graham said. "We planned a lot of what we wanted to do around Willie last year. "At 26 and with 37 games under his belt, he's experienced but still Tag Heuer Fake Replica young enough to be a long-term prospect of the organisation. He's a player you can build something around. "Using Willie as our permanent 10 has the potential to give us something a little more settled. "But having said that, James Stannard's performances at the end of last season means there's no guaranteed place for Willie in the side. They have to earn it." With O'Connor now at the Melbourne Rebels, Graham said it was important for recruits such as marquee winger Napolioni Nalaga and former NRL rising star Jordan Rapana to fill the void.