The Western Force face the Melbourne Rebels in a clash that will make or break their finals aspirations. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog from 7:40pm (AEST).
The Force are coming off a confidence-building win against the Waratahs last week at home, cementing their place among the wildcard teams. An impressive run of form has seen the Force defeat the Waratahs, Reds, Chiefs, Highlanders and tonight’s opponents the Rebels, proving they can match it with the best in Super Rugby and are genuine title contenders.
But with the Crusaders finding some form they will want a win tonight to ensure they stay in control of their finals hunt.
Ben McCalman has been a revelation for the Force this year and he will be hoping to continue his great form when he comes up against Wallaby back rower Scott Higginbotham.
Nick Cummins was also impressive when he joined the exclusive club of Western Force players to score a hat trick in Super Rugby. In the words of the Honey Badger, he will be “keen for some meat” this week.
The Force won’t have it all their own way though. The Rebels were competitive against the Chiefs last week but, as was the case the week before against the Highlanders, it wasn’t enough to get the victory. They are now last in the Australian conference and stuck with the third-worst record in Super Rugby in 2014, ahead of only the Cheetahs and Stormers.
However the Rebels will gain some confidence from their return to AAMI Park, where they have won two of their three games played there this season. One of those two victories was over the Australian conference-leading Brumbies. The Rebels were competitive when they suffered their only loss at home, to the Crusaders in Round 5.
They may be without Scott Fuglistaller, who has been one of the Rebel’s best this season, as he is battling shoulder soreness. If he is unavailable, first-season flanker Sean McMahon will almost certainly be slotted in to start, alongside Colby Fainga’a and Scott Higginbotham.
Recent matches between the two sides have been close encounters, despite the blow-out earlier in the season where the Force won 32-7 at NIB stadium.
Prior to that match, the largest winning margin between the two sides was seven points, which was completed by the Rebels in the last two matches the sides played. Before those two matches, the Rebels won the prior two match-ups by just one point.
With that said this is a different Force side to previous years and I can see them adding to their two wins from their seven matches against the Rebels, especially as there is more at stake for them in this match.
Prediction
Being in good form and needing a win to continue their hunt for their first finals berth, I’m going to tip the Force to win a tight one away from home.
Force by 7.
PiratesRugby
Guest
No, Sydneysiders jump on anything that's a winner. Melbourne is extremely tribal.
PiratesRugby
Guest
No, I was talking about the Rebels victory over the Tahs at home at the end last year. Obviously.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Yes the ref made a couple of howlers. It evened out but still...
Magic Sponge
Guest
I did not say win it but make the semis. think the saders will win it.
eagleJack
Guest
Beat the Tahs again this year? What game were you watching in Rd 6? Surely you aren't actually counting a pre-season game. That's just embarrassing.
Daws
Guest
MS I admire your optimism but if Folau isn't around for a few more tahs games it will be obvious that you won't come close to winning it.
Daws
Guest
Well done rebels, you were the better team today. If we we're going to lose to anyone I'm glad it was you guys. As for the force, we played with the usual passionate defence but lacked accuracy in attack. The Rebs scrum was superb as well. Surely more rebels players and force players have to get a look in for the wallabies jersey this year. Also going to ask a typical losing team fan question - what did you guys think of the ref? I mean he missed a fairly obvious knock on after Woodward chip kicked and then called one on hodgeson when he picked it up cleanly? Also penalised colby faiinga and hodgeson for not getting to there feet fast enough when it seemed humanly impossible to get up any faster? Final comment - Aussie conference looking really good for the wallabies. I know the performance in super rugby doesn't reflect on the ABs ( they are always good regardless) but for Australia I'd rather have competition across the board, hopefully that brings in more depth to the international side of things.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Interesting take actually I thought Melbournians would jump on anything that's a winner but they do love their AFL that's for sure. Good to see the expats are still getting behind an 'adopted' team so to say. It's better than no one coming out to watch the Rebels that's for sure.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Don't know about that. AFL is pretty deep in Melbourne and I just don't see rugby winning over the locals even if the Rebels were super successful (like the Storm). Maybe a few more rugby people would join up (expats perhaps). I'd say a half or more of the a Rebels members are actually expats. They wear their a Rebels colours for every home game except when their original team plays here. Then out comes the Crusaders or Bulls jumper and they get really serious.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Don't you want that for every team PR?
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah I think Hawthorn and Geelong on Monday is one of the highlights of the AFL calendar. I like the fact that pretty much all of the Rebels members get out and support the side it's good for the game and shows that pretty much all the supporters are passionate about the team. There is plenty of talent there and no doubt it will click eventually.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I just want the a Rebels to win two games every season. Both of them against the Waratahs.
PiratesRugby
Guest
AFL will be massive over Easter and ANZAC day. Tonight was a typical Rebels crowd. We get a few more if the NZ teams are playing because all the kiwis come out of the woodwork. Can get over 12,500 then (actual not bs figures ARU puts out). I think the Rebels membership is about 7,500 and we tend to all front up for every home game. It's great to win but it's good enough just to have your own team to cheer for.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
A lot of people would be singing those praises and I think they would be Brumbies and Reds fans.
PiratesRugby
Guest
I'd love the Rebels to beat the Tahs again this year and put them out of the finals.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
You might be right Jez, I will give him the benefit of the doubt :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Bulls v Force next week will be interesting, Force at home are very very good!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thanks mate was a good game :)
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Thought there would've been more than what turned up, although there was only 20,000 odd at the A-league. Shows that a lot of people have either gone away or have not much interest in the sport over Easter.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Yeah it will be obviously tahs and brumbies in the semis with the reds getting the conference spoon