Western Force will be looking to back up last weekend’s snatch-and-grab win over the Reds when they host the Cheetahs at nib Stadium tonight. We’ll have live scores from 9.45pm AEDT.
The Force will be in a confident mood after their beating of favorites the Reds, who simply did not have enough in the tank to combat an energetic and desperate Force.
The Western Australian didn’t have the easiest of starts to the Super Rugby season, having started their campaign against the Rebels in week one.
They then travelled all the way to South Africa to face the Bulls and debutants the Kings, only to come back and face the Reds last week.
I doubt anyone gave the Force any chance of upsetting the Reds.
The Cheetahs on the other hand, had a similar start to the tournament with a home loss to the Sharks.
They then immediately left for the antipodes and recieved an absolute thrashing at the hands of the Chiefs, and would have been excused for capitulating for the rest of their tour.
The Highlanders were in for a shock as the Cheetahs, notorious for having a leaky defense, stood up to the South Islanders and double-teamed every potential ball carrier with a physicality the Stormers are known for.
Counter attacks were their preferred way of scoring and Sarel Pretorius the catalyst.
A Waratah team with new coach and new intentions this past weekend left the stadium disappointed as a tiring Cheetah team hung on for dear life to secure their second win on the tour.
Both teams are perennial under achievers, both teams are regular bottom feeders, and yet both teams have the ability to cause major upsets.
It shows there is potential, perhaps the biggest challenge for these two teams, are financial, a lack of superstars in each team proves that.
However, both teams play positive rugby, the Force proved it this past weekend when they beat the Reds, and the Cheetahs is often touted by neutral supporters as their favorite “other” team.
What can we expect this weekend?
Sias Ebersohn seems to enjoy his stint with the Force, he had a good start against the Bulls and controlled play well and his performance against the Reds will just add to that confidence.
Alby Mathewson is directing play well, and with Mafi the try scoring machine the Force has some danger out wide.
I expect the breakdown to be the key feature of this game, whoever rules there will gain the necessary momentum to win.
The Cheetahs are on their last leg of their tour but I expect them to front up defensively and again score off counter attacks. Sarel Pretorius and Johan Goosen has been in good form, but they are yet to show their worth with set-phase ball
The back row of the Cheetahs has been their mainstay this tour, it will be interesting to see how they will fair against McCalman, Alcock et al.
Their last encounter in Bloemfontein ended in a narrow win 17-13 to the Cheetahs, both teams have travelled considerably.
Will fatigue be the catalyst for one of these teams, will the Force be renewed by their win over the reds, or will the Cheetahs end their tour with yet another win?
Rockin Rod
Guest
Alcock was outstanding, yet again
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Well considering your definition there cannot be any weak conferences as there hasn't been return games yet...
Marley
Guest
NZ the weak conference hahaha mate time to pass that spliff along
atlas
Guest
what's your definition of a weak conference? mine would be one where the top three teams can count on 4-try bonus-point wins without giving away a bonus point in both their home/away matches against the bottom two teams
Marley
Guest
The Force beat the Reds though Jiggles and you did make a rather inane comment above which can be seen as quite derogatory to both teams. It is as has already been pointed out to you that on first glance it looks as though you are talking about the Force, hell I've looked at your comment a few times now and still looks like a poor attempt to have a go at the Force. Sure the Force lost tonight is it really a surprise? That's what makes their win last week over the Reds more remarkable. It's a little sad that they could not bring that same intensity, however I thought it was very much the more entertaining of the two matches played in Australia tonight.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Very diplomatic ;) I rated the Bulls first few rounds but then they got bullied by the crusaders and bullied by the reds tonight. The reds aren't the most physical pack going around so that has to be a negative, if you discount the tour factor. They've got a good draw from now and it's still early days. I still rate the Stormers despite being pumped by their own conference so far. They've got a classy team and it showed against the Cheifs.
Hahaha, now you are asking me who is going to fail of the big teams. I don't know yet, but the cheetahs must have belief no, before the season started I would have said Sharks and Stormers will be top, I am not so sure about the two, Bulls are to easily forced back into their shell by physical teams, the Sharks are missing their talisman, Bismarck and Alberts. The Stormers , I just don;t know. I foresee a poor super XV for us.
Wii
Guest
Your in fairy land pal. What does the Force losing to the Bulls have to do with your argument. Actually what was your point aside from belittling the two teams on this thread. Nowhere did you determine you were talking about thevBulls beating thevForce until after the fact. A pretty poor attempt to cover your tracks Jiggles
sittingbison
Guest
For three or four minutes before the last two penalties the Cheetahs were blown and the Force backs played with verve. Lost their way after those two penakty minutes at 75m
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Who's your top two then? Bulls are done with their tour and have done ok, sharks and Stormers are yet to depart but have been good in certain games. To be honest I don't think we have a 'weak' conference this year, and if I did have to nominate one I'd say NZ (cue blow up from across the Tasman).
sittingbison
Guest
The Cheetahs just have to start winning at home.. ..as do the Force
Shungmao
Guest
Stupid force taking the penalty kick, It was obvious a try would be still on its way, players we stuffed. Poor options, drop goal crazy...shall I go on
We might see a difference in the SA conference this year, the Cheetahs are now finished with their tour, back home the other SA Franchises aren't exactly lighting up a storm, I predict the Cheetahs will end third in the SA conference this year.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
Very well. Just confused what the Reds or Bulls have to do with this game. Foley has that pack and the defence drilled rather well. As always with the force it's attack which is killing them.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Are you well?
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Western Farce. Opening of the new stand and all. Unbelievarballs.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
That's rather handy. If they can work out their issues with the other Saffa teams they'd do ok.
Jiggles
Roar Guru
The force beat the Bulls? No it was the other way around back in round 3! You're a very confused young man...
Sure there were lots of mistakes, but both these teams have plenty of heart, they simply don't give in and I like that about them. some of the bigger name teams could learn a bit from the Force and Cheetahs. For those that didn't know, the Cheetahs have now collected 23 log points in the last two seasons on the road. That is five wins out of eight.
sittingbison
Guest
Congrats to Cheetahs for fighting it put for a win, dont begrudhe tbem at all. Absolutkely frakking ridiculous that what.. .10 phases and a botched try reverts to a penalty followed by a a BS penalty. Sorry giys, its frakking ridiculous and ahainst the whole pendulum of the game. Have no idea what ot looks like on TV, live the Force blew 9 penalty points but were also robbed with 5 mins to go. Until that moment the Force played with zest