New Western Force skipper Michael Wells has declared his desire to lead the team to this season's Super Rugby Pacific title, saying aiming for anything less would be aiming for mediocrity.
The youth-laden Force are being widely tipped to finish near the bottom of the ladder, with some betting markets even rating them a 100-1 chance of winning the title.
The Force's hopes of bucking the odds were dealt a big blow this week when it was revealed star lock Izack Rodda would be sidelined for at least the first part of the season after re-injuring his right foot.
But the dire external predictions haven't doused the belief of Wells, who has high hopes for the Force in their first season under new coach Simon Cron.
"We're not just pushing for finals, we're pushing to win the competition," Wells said.
"If you're just here to participate, you shouldn't bother.
"We're not here just to make up the numbers ... we're here to win comps.
"Yes, it's a lofty goal. But without lofty expectations and lofty goals, what are we?
"We (would be) challenging mediocrity (if we weren't aiming high). The expectation is to start winning games, and it starts in round one."
That round-one encounter will see Wells confront his former Melbourne Rebels mates in a highly anticipated clash at HBF Park on Saturday night.
Wells captained the Rebels last season and he has now been entrusted with guiding an inexperienced Force outfit bristling with young talent.
The 29-year-old still has many good mates at the Rebels, but those friendships will be put to one side on Saturday night.
"Whatever friendliness happened, as soon as you cross the line, it's gone," he said.
"Some of my best mates - I have no harm in trying to tackle them and put my shoulder straight through them. It's what's expected of me here.
"I've been talking to Richard Hardwick consistently, I was a groomsman at his wedding.
"I talk with them (my ex-teammates) consistently.
"A lot of the chat isn't about rugby. Not a lot of it is about, 'I'm coming to smash you this week, I'll be looking for you there'.
"But they know first phase around the corner where I'll be. They're well aware that my left and right shoulder are available for them if they need it."
