The Chiefs will have more then their hands full when they play a hot Western Force side coming off back-to-back victories over in Perth tonight from 10pm AEDT. Join us on The Roar for live updates, commentary and banter.
Body clocks and mental fatigue on the part of the Chiefs could well play into the hands of the Force.
Tonight’s clash is only the eighth time the teams will meet since the Force entered the Super Rugby Competition in 2008. Ironically they also won their only game of their debut season against the Chiefs that year.
Ever since then it has been all one way traffic; domination from the Chiefs. Still, the Force have always proven to be highly competitive.
Right at this moment they are riding great form coming off back-to-back wins against good teams. They will be very confident they can handle the defending champions. The Force showed they are up for a physical challenge in the way they handled the Highlanders, and surely that same game plan gives them in with a great chance against the side from the Waikato.
As was proven by the Waratahs, until last weekend were undefeated, nothing is assured. Teams like the Force and the Lions are picking up the pace this season and no longer seem content being part of the pack.
The Chiefs received good news from their medical ward this week. For the first time since playing briefly in the pre-season game against the Blues, flanker Sam Cane will make his return for this game.
As with any player coming back from injury he’s going to be tentative, edgy and excited to get some match fitness. No amount of training can ever replicate a 80-minute hitout.
A worry for the Force is the Chiefs are starting to hit top form. The manner in which they dealt with blow after blow from the Stomers is only a hint of their true potential.
Even the Stormers, are one of the better defensive teams in the comp, couldn’t contain the home team piling on the points.
Expect the Chiefs to play a similar style to their last game, and watch the Force try to hang with them.
Buzzard
Guest
Boz, I ain't an Aussie rugby fan, I'm an All Blacks fan. So you are the knob along with Tane Mahuta. TM.....after 6 or 7 super rugby wins you lose count. FFS what's missing 1 S rugby titlke after 18 years??? I'm not anti kiwi for crying out loud. Why should I have to agree with you?
Tane Mahuta
Guest
You are an anti Kiwi Australian liar and you were caught out. I could tell you wernt Kiwi and know you claim that Catabs think the Chiefs are the ememy and that the Saders have won 6 titles. Youre a liar and an anti kiwi tr0ll posing as a Kiwi.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Well youd be very wrong Wallaby tragic. Id like to know how you came to this conlcusion. Perhaps it was me saying that Im happy for the Force? Anyway please explain.
Boz
Guest
Buzzard, I am an Aussie rugby fan too and love seeing Aussie teams win, but there is no need to be a knob about it.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
He was the lone star for the Chiefs. The guy just goes hard for 80 minutes.
mikeylives
Guest
Rettalick is sooo good. That guy peels of metres with ease.
In Brief
Guest
You mean the one they were penalised for giving the Chiefs one last chance to attack after the hooter?
Buzzard
Guest
Anti Kiwi??? Honestly why would I be anti kiwi when I am one. I just get annoyed with my fellow kiwis who blow things out of proportion. An Aussie mention something positive about his Super rugby team or a player and next thing he's jumped on by kiwis and it turns into an us against them. Everyone has a right to say what they want. Just because I'm a kiwi it doesn't mean I have to support kiwi teams. Ive lived in Brissy since 92, so super rugby wasn't around then. I moved from Chch but became a Broncos & Reds fan. Still love the red n black's, the Saders & Warriors. Geez some people are narrow minded, just because I didn't get upset at the Chiefs losing I get jumped on.
Buzzard
Guest
I will join you in that laugh Wallaby Tragic...hahahahahahaha....
WallabyTragic
Guest
Haha Tane, you are clearly one of those kiwis that live in Aus yet their only joy in life celebrating Australian failures, especially in rugby. So for tonight hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.
Daws
Guest
Write the Force off at your own peril. A lot of humble pie about to be eaten (myself included).
Common Sense
Guest
If we judged the fly halves by the games they have won is year then Barrett is 1 from 5.
Crazy Horse
Guest
Be a lot of us very quiet for a couple of days DJW.
Common Sense
Guest
The chiefs set piece is absolutely dreadful, coming up against the bulls is looking like a nightmare. Too be honest I think the majority of the negativity is inward. The New Zealand super rugby teams have been extremely poor so far this year. They have outstanding players across the board yet their form is terrible. Whether its the crusaders with crap backline play or the chiefs and blues suffering from crap forward and set piece play or the hurricanes and highlanders with just crap play in general. Something will have to give regarding 3 out of the 5 teams soon or franchise boards will be looking for new coaching teams. Only the chiefs look genuinely competitive out of the Nz conference and they just lost to the force... The rebels and the highlanders were never going to feature at the business end of the season so this loss is worrying. Sorry about my ramblings. I realise I sound like the sky is caving in... :( I'll go to sleep now :)
James
Guest
wow
Tane Mahuta
Guest
They didnt deserve to score a try Felix. I can pretty safely say that the Chiefs suck€d tonight. Rettalick was pretty good, very good.
Tane Mahuta
Guest
Must have been. Hey, maybe I was kidding when we were down by 6, ya think?
felix
Guest
I thought now was the time for the force but wouldnt bet on it,Chiefs no tries really :-/
Common Sense
Guest
This is nothing, you should check out the bledisloe two thread from last year...
DJW
Guest
Was at the game and have no voice left. What a win, Go Force!!! It was the way we won, smashed them at the breakdown, brutal defence. Deserved the win. Great atmosphere at the game with loads of chiefs fans there.