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After last week’s disappointing one-point loss to competition front-runners the Chiefs, Western Force return to nib Stadium tonight to meet the Sharks. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 9.40pm AEST.
Michael Foley’s side were certainly not disgraced in Waikato last Friday night, outscoring the defending Super Rugby champions by two tries to one.
Unfortunately it wasn’t enough, and the Force end up falling short by a point, largely due to the deadly range of Chiefs kicker Aaron Cruden.
It came only a week after the Force played out an 11-all draw against the Reds, and extended their losing streak to four matches.
Any hope that Foley had of his side making the finals had evaporated long ago, but with tonight being the first of five consecutive home matches at nib Stadium the Force have the opportunity to end their season on a positive note.
They’ll be boosted here by the inclusion of scrum-half Alby Mathewson, after the New Zealander had started in each of the Force’s first 11 matches.
The Sharks come into this game with plenty of problems of their own, having lost their five matches to be languishing near the foot of the Super Rugby table after beginning the season 5-1.
Springboks prop Jannie du Plessis comes in for Wiehahn Herbst in the front row, and seasoned campaigner Willem Alberts also comes in for tonight’s game.
Neither side come into this one with particularly inspiring form, but the Force have been there or thereabouts in the past few weeks and that should be enough for them to get a win in front of their home fans.
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.