Roar Guru
The Chiefs will have more then their hands full when they play a hot Western Force side coming off back-to-back victories over in Perth tonight from 10pm AEDT. Join us on The Roar for live updates, commentary and banter.
Body clocks and mental fatigue on the part of the Chiefs could well play into the hands of the Force.
Tonight’s clash is only the eighth time the teams will meet since the Force entered the Super Rugby Competition in 2008. Ironically they also won their only game of their debut season against the Chiefs that year.
Ever since then it has been all one way traffic; domination from the Chiefs. Still, the Force have always proven to be highly competitive.
Right at this moment they are riding great form coming off back-to-back wins against good teams. They will be very confident they can handle the defending champions. The Force showed they are up for a physical challenge in the way they handled the Highlanders, and surely that same game plan gives them in with a great chance against the side from the Waikato.
As was proven by the Waratahs, until last weekend were undefeated, nothing is assured. Teams like the Force and the Lions are picking up the pace this season and no longer seem content being part of the pack.
The Chiefs received good news from their medical ward this week. For the first time since playing briefly in the pre-season game against the Blues, flanker Sam Cane will make his return for this game.
As with any player coming back from injury he’s going to be tentative, edgy and excited to get some match fitness. No amount of training can ever replicate a 80-minute hitout.
A worry for the Force is the Chiefs are starting to hit top form. The manner in which they dealt with blow after blow from the Stomers is only a hint of their true potential.
Even the Stormers, are one of the better defensive teams in the comp, couldn’t contain the home team piling on the points.
Expect the Chiefs to play a similar style to their last game, and watch the Force try to hang with them.