Western Force can end their 2013 Super Rugby season on a high when they host the finals-bound Brumbies in Perth tonight. We’ll have live scores and commentary from 9.45pm AEST.
Following a three-weak hiatus for the international break, the Australian Conference re-commences their Super Rugby campaign with the final round of the regular season.
For the Brumbies, who lead the Australian Conference by five points, this weekend represents an opportunity to re-tune before the Super Rugby finals, which begin next weekend.
While they hold only a five-point break over the second-placed Reds, a substantially superior points differential will ensure they finish first.
But Jake White will still be reminding his side of the need to get four points, because if the Bulls or Crusaders slip up, the Brumbies can sneak into the top two on the Super Rugby ladder and earn a first-round bye in the finals.
Despite only concluding their three-Test series against the Lions last week, seven Wallabies have been named in the side by White, along with Scott Sio and Peter Kimlin.
After suffering concussion in the Wallabies’ loss last Saturday night, George Smith has been named to play via the replacements bench.
The Force have made a number of changes with Wallabies Ben McCalman, Hugh McMeniamin and Nick Cummins all returning, while James Hilterbrand makes his starting debut.
Thanks to the Force’s last-minute win against the Highlanders, the Force will finish last in the Australian Conference but they can avoid the wooden spoon on the overall log with a win tonight, which would move them clear of the Kings.
To do so, they’ll need to overcome a poor recent record against the Brumbies.
The Canberra-based outfit have won three of their pat four matches against the Force, with the other a 13-13 draw back in 2011, with the most recent meeting of the two sides producing a 41-7 win for the Brumbies.
Can the Force finish 2013 with a win, or will the Brumbies continue their march towards the finals? Find out as we cover the action from 9.45pm AEST.
felix
Guest
They have huge weaknesses which when exposed can be catastrophical to their cause,they dont contest the ruck too often but rather try squeeze the game with M.Steyn but he cant win it with just the boot in this day & age
The Stormers proved once again if you match the Bulls i the pack they are clueless on attack.
felix
Guest
Yes Biltong,evening I'm having a great time at Newlands,if only the refs were better . . . . .I dont see the bulls beating the saders next,your view on that potential fixture?
It is a brilliant game so far. Very physical, fast and hard rugby.
felix
Guest
Stormers really pushing the bulls,if the bulls come back they could win the championship.its like a finals for them haha. Go Stormers!.
jess
Guest
It's been raining quite a bit, and there was a particularly heavy downpour right before the game started. Makes ground soft and ridiculous.
wox
Guest
Australias conference has obviously struck a sour point in where they have not been able to dig themselves out. Thats a big u turn from a promising start, is the public puzzled as to what happend and when the magic may resurface. I know from a kiwi stand point winning against the lions and then losing to perth would be kinda sureal to say the least.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
I comment on my iphone, mate. It's not too quick. You could be a bit patient.
stu b
Guest
have to love the underdog.Appears our players have earned a well earned spell 17 aug l.o.l.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Well the Force are very much the deserved winners tonight. They played at a frenetic pace, and beat the Brumbies in every aspect of the match. Cummins, Hodgson, and McCalman were all very good, and Alby Mathewson pulled the strings with precision from the base of the ruck. A great finish to the season for a team on the rise! Hopefully they will build on this fkr a much improved season enxt year! For the Brumbies, it is hard to say if they played worse in the last round this year or last year. They were beaten at the ruck, they were beaten at the scrum, the pace of the Force's attacking raids left their defence for dead, and every time they tried to get into gear themselves, they cruelled their opportunities with stupid errors. The only Brumbies who looked up to it tonight were Mowen and Toomua. the rest had a night to forget. Outplayed and outwitted tonight. The Cheetahs won't exactly be fretting after that showing.
The Reds and brumbies didn't cover themselves in glory this evening, both coaches have a lot to do before next weekend.
Oh bru
Guest
oh man, if only quade had made that cockup. Mr consistent toomua hey?...
stu b
Guest
rob from brumby country where are you,have you been injured?maybe we need a commentator from wa.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
77' - Scrum Force on the attacking 40 after Robbie Coleman drops a pass cold. The Brumbies have committed seventeen handling errors to the Force's six. Sums up the night, really. The Brumbies scrum is penalised again. There's a shot to put the last nail in. Hayward has missed it to the left. And there is a scrum for the Force?!? Oh, for goodness sake, the Brumbies have been called back for a forward pass. They didn't tap the ball down before passing the ball up to the 22 for the dropout. Ridiculous! The Force boot it out, and this rather silly episode is over. FORCE WIN! Force 21 - Brumbies 15
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
Brumbies were woeful tonight.
Eddie
Guest
Nic White kicking game & leadership .... How important ?....
kombiutedriver
Guest
Well that last Brumbies mistake must really cap the night off.
dahl
Guest
Omg.wtf.
eagleJack
Guest
Comedy!
DMac
Guest
Bleurgh. This is another poor game.