Western Force

Hill to rescue the Force

Friday, March 05 New Emirates Western Force playmaker David Hill has quickly settled into his new surrounds and is itching to get back into Super Rugby.

The experienced flyhalf has joined the Emirates Western Force as their marquee player for the remainder of the season after graciously being granted a loan by Japanese side Toshiba. Hill replaces the injured Andre Pretorius and will be available for selection when the Force tackles the Reds in Queensland on Sunday week.

The 31 year old has played in Japan for the past two seasons, winning Player of the Year honours in 2009, while he previously played 58 Super Rugby games for the Chiefs and a further 60 matches for Waikato, including a championship in the 2006 Air New Zealand Cup.

“It has been a hectic couple of weeks but I’m really happy to be here and getting to know the boys on the training field,” Hill said before training on Friday morning.

“It’s a great organization here in WA, very friendly and welcoming. The off-field things have been terrific and now it is all about getting the on-field things right and fitting into the team structures as quickly as possible.”

Aiding in his speedy introduction to the Emirates Western Force will be his solid relationship with Coach John Mitchell who gave Hill his first start in Super Rugby while also guiding him at national level.

“It is good to have David’s experience within the group,” Mitchell said.

“It is quite challenging to come into the squad in this situation but he is very experienced and level headed. I guess it is a blessing to be in the bye week where we’ll have five sessions before we take on the Reds and he can really integrate into the football programme.

“I look at him now and see a very experienced rugby player. When I first came across David it was 10 seasons ago and he has played a lot of football in that time and gone through a lot of life.

“He is a super bloke and will drive the team well. He knows what he is doing and knows what he wants,” Mitchell said.

The flyhalf role has come under the microscope at the Force after Pretorius was ruled out for the season on the eve of the campaign and then fellow number 10 Mark Bartholomeusz was unavailable for the opening two matches through injury.

Young star James O’Connor filled the five-eighth position against the Chiefs last weekend while Bartholomeusz also returned to action however Hill’s arrival gives coaching staff additional options in the vital playmaker role.

“There is no pressure on David. He is giving to us, as a team, direction,” Mitchell said.

“It was unfortunate what happened to Andre and if you look at all top sides in this game they come with quality fly-halves. We’ve done very well to acquire David’s services during this difficult period.

“Before David’s arrival James has had the opportunity to further his career and gain experience in that position and that is going to hold him in good stead.

“Now to have an experienced footballer to direct the ship in attack and out of the back fifty is going to give the side a lot confidence and direction.”

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