The Western Force will be looking for their first win in a month when they host the Stormers in Perth tonight. We’ll have live score updates from the kick-off at 7.35pm AEST.
Following the departure of Richard Graham the Force didn’t managed to win last week, yet they certainly were not disgraced.
An eight-point loss to competition frontrunners the Chiefs and a five-point loss to Australian rivals the Waratahs have been credible, and they come into tonight fresh off the bye, with no injuries out of their encounter a fortnight ago.
Along with the Bulls, tonight’s opponents the Stormers lead the brigade of fierce, tough South African teams that can not only dominate at home, but can now flex their muscle when they travel east.
They routinely dismantled the Reds at Suncorp Stadium last week and will be confident of registering another victory tonight.
But they’ve been racked by the losses of Duane Vermeulen, Gio Aplon and Nick Koster although they do get Andries Bekker back.
This win could cement the Stormers’ finals chances before returning home to a favourable draw in South Africa, and coach Allister Coetzee will want to ensure his side return with another four points.
This should follow the script of recent performances for both sides. It will be a grind, but the Stormers should get the chocolates tonight.
Can the Force spring an upset at home? Find out from 7.35pm AEST as we cover live scores throughout and if you’re watching, give us your thoughts in the space below.
Blue Blood
Guest
Gitz had a bad taste in his mouth after the firepower issue and wanted to go home before going OS. Diggers hated the coach and was motivated to go home too The Brand got dumped by us because of a terrible attitude problem that escalated to what has given him his new title for life Drew was a loss, he also went home. And also didn't find amazing form until he went home. Sita was average at the Force but found his form at the Tahs with a bit more maturity. I'm not celebrating on Pocock or Genia until both players publicly say they are coming. The media say a lot of stuff that is premature. Lots of hope but I think it would be hard to get big signatures without a head coach.
Blue Blood
Guest
Well constructed argument in reply. Thanks for your insight. I was at the game and the crowd was incensed by what we were seeing. My statements were true even if the force had poor skill execution a d would not have won regardless, as I said originally. Not sure about the Genia and Pocock rumours. Still just rumours at the moment. I think Genia is the best in Australia but he has been unimpressive this year in general, it would be just the Force's luck to get a great player at the start of his decline.
Ben S
Roar Guru
'I think probably they gave Pocock a lot of power after the departure of Graham and he has persuaded Genia onboard' I don't follow? I imagine most rugby transfers involve chats and debates with their fellow professionals.
Russell Small
Guest
Force lose Graham and gain Genia - sounds like a fair trade?
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
Could be win-win for the Force: if they get Cheika they get a better coach, they get Genia AND they keep Pocock. I think probably they gave Pocock a lot of power after the departure of Graham and he has persuaded Genia onboard, Genia may have been wondering what would happen at the Reds without Mckenzie, Pocock may have demanded some impressive recruiting from the Force in order to stay, and perhaps there is already a coach decided that hasn't been made public yet.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Don't agree. The force are a joke. End of.
Blue Blood
Guest
The red tonight was a biased disgrace. How did he not go upstairs for Habana's try. He was 40m away. So how did he see the grounding? So instead of using the video ref to check he naturally game the try on blind faith. He also allowed another 3 knock ons at least. And allowed the Stormers to lay all over the breakdown all game which slowed down the ball for Force. The ref didn't look like he would ever use a card or even cared. I understand that there aren't enough NZ top refs to stop a SA ref from adjudicating a top SA team. But surely they must get read the riot act to act without bias. This was do blatant it must be reported. I'm not even saying that the Force were good enough to win regardless, but they had no chance with they ref.. I want an even contest. Very disappointing.
King of the Gorgonites
Roar Guru
Pathetic.
Red Block
Guest
Maybe your right Stu. But would Richard Graham be a better coach than no coach at all. Pat Lam will be free next year, maybe they could try him. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Justin
Guest
You would think logically that it would be from now on? But hey sometimes in AUS rugby there isnt much of that... http://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/super-rugby/australian-rugby-union-changing-contracting-protocols-players-must-now-settle-franchise-deal-first/story-e6frf4qu-1226319396436 No clarification on when it all starts though.
stu
Guest
RB;is it the money or does this say it all about next years coach richard graham.Genia had him at the wallabies and didnt fancy another stint.Certainly not a drawcard he was sold as by reds board member and player agent chris white. Or is it as one cynic said genia wasnt playing well and thought he should have been captain. Whatever it was surely mckenzie and ceo carmichael need censoring for this debacle of last years champion side.ALL THE UPHEAVAL FOR WHAT?mckenzies wants to be wallaby coach.?terrific management .
nomis
Guest
Hmm. I was under the impression it had changed as well (that players would work out SR first). But now that I think about it, the article that I read might have said it was going to change in the near future - so maybe it hasn't changed yet. But I could be wrong.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Cannon retired Johnno
Justin
Guest
FosSports says Genia cant sign with Force until his ARU contract is sorted. I thought that had changed and now the S15 contract is signed first and then the ARU do the top up? Anyone confim this? Doesnt change anything as he will go either way but just wanted clarification. I wouldnt want to be Graham, my bet is QC is next!
Lippy
Guest
Is that the motivation killer right there.
Dane Eldridge
Expert
Sharpey was animated at halftime. Looks like the water bottles are laced with caffeine.
p.Tah
Guest
:) It's a different situation. A coach does the recruiting for the next season, a player doesn't (to the same extent). Graham had a major conflict of interest.
Johnno
Guest
At last some justice for the force. They have lost over the years -Canno -Matt Giteau -digby Ioane -JOC -Drew Mitchell -And i think Timani senior too
Red Block
Guest
Get used to losing Will. 30 000 Reds members will never forget or forgive. Hope the money is worth it when you win less than 5 games next year. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Why does the ARU allow players to change teams so freely and why does it happen mid-season? Ridiculous.