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The Highlanders will be coming back from the Republic to face Western Force after a disappointing tour where they have been seen off by the Kings and the Bulls.
An on form and highly motivated Force will be lying in wait in Perth, although they will be disappointed with their loss over the Sharks on the weekend, they will be confident that they can get the better of the struggling Highlanders.
One could argue that the Force have been more than a stumbling block for the New Zealand teams as they beat the Crusaders with a massive defensive effort, lost by a solitary point to the Chiefs and by less than seven to the Hurricanes.
Ignoring the bye points, the Force are eight points clear of the last-placed Highlanders and in no danger of being overhauled.
But the Kings have two games in hand and are on the same points as the Force, the Rebels four points clear with one game in hand and the Stormers six points clear and two games in hand.
All are within striking distance and there is still a lot of pride and places to fight for.
11th sounds a heck of a lot better than ending 14th on the log and the Force will not be taking the Highlanders lightly.
I suspect this match will follow the same pattern as the Force’s battles with the other New Zealand franchises, high focus on defence by them versus multiphase attack by the Highlanders.
This does not suggest that the Force cannot put phases together, and as we have seen before this season, there really are no poor teams in Super Rugby.
For me a win is on the cards for the Force, the Highlanders are having their bogey season and although they have collected one win a few weeks ago, the results are still not favouring them.
Can the Force rebound from last week’s loss to the Sharks, or will the Highlanders steal a rare win on the road?
Find out from 7.40pm AEST as we cover the action with live scores and commentary.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.