Roar Guru
The Western Force are looking to bounce back from their flogging at the hands of the Waratahs last week when they host the Bulls in Perth. Join The Roar for live coverage from 9:05pm (AEDT).
The Force’s humbling by the Tahs in Perth last weekend – in which the NSW side ran in a record score against their cross-country rivals – was the Western Australian team’s sixth loss in a row.
With no joy since they beat the Queensland Reds in Round 2, the players must be in danger of forgetting the team song.
Last weekend, the Force looked ponderous and slow, and they will be looking to drag the Bulls into a dog fight here if they want to have any hope at all.
For their part, the Bulls are in form and playing good, entertaining rugby.
The South African side should be confident heading into this fixture – they have won four of their last six games against the Force, and have never lost to them by more than six points. On a four-match winning streak, a fifth win here would be the Bulls’ longest streak since 2013.
After the Force’s disappointing defeat last week, coach Michael Foley has swung the axe, making seven changes to the match-day squad, with Harry Scoble, Ian Prior, Luke Morahan and Ammon Matuauto are the players to come into the starting line-up.
Prediction
It will be closer than many people think, but it is hard to tip the Force off last week’s performance.
Bulls 1-12.