Western Force coach Michael Foley was critical of his team’s attitude after their Super Rugby finals hopes took a knock with a 24-8 loss to the struggling Stormers in Cape Town.
Looking for a franchise record eighth win of the season, the Perth-based side struggled to get a foothold in the game until the final quarter, by which time they were 24-3 down.
The loss, combined with the Waratahs win over the Lions, pushed the Force down to seventh on the overall ladder and relegated them to third in the Australian conference.
The Stormers, who started the game early Sunday (AEST) at the bottom of the ladder, scored three tries to one.
They had over 70 per cent of possession and territory in the first half, as the Force struggled to retain the ball.
The Stormers took control on the scoreboard with 14 unanswered points either side of halftime while Force lock Adam Coleman was in the sin-bin for collapsing a maul.
The Force improved in the final quarter when captain and flanker Matt Hodgson crossed for a try while the Stormers were down to 13 men, with outside backs Cheslin Kolbe and Jaco Taute in the bin.
However, the visitors lacked the polish to convert any of several other late scoring opportunities.
“I think tonight we were off from the start, and then when the opportunities came our way, we weren’t able to be accurate enough to take them,” Foley told AAP.
“I thought the issue tonight was we were slightly off in attitude and they weren’t.
“They were right up for it and that was pretty much the difference in the game.
“The bad thing about it was that it cost us the game, the good thing about it is that it’s something we can address.”
The visitors made several try-saving tackles before Stormers five-eighth Peter Grant kicked a 17th minute penalty to open the scoring.
Grant, playing his 100th Super game then converted a 20th minute try to centre Juan de Jongh.
South African born five-eighth Sias Ebersohn kicked a penalty to open the Force’s account, but the Stormers ruthlessly capitalised on their numerical advantage.
They were awarded a penalty try just before the break, after splintering the seven-man Force scrum two minutes after Coleman was binned.
Up 17-3 at halftime, they swelled their lead to 21 before Coleman returned, as Grant converted after lock Ruan Botha scored his first Super try.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
Yes, he's WA talent.
Magic Sponge
Guest
The 6 is set , the Force will beat the Reds and Lions but will get a credible top 10 finish. Big game will be against blues at home. If you win that may be interesting. Im just happy my prediction of a No Amigo in the 15 for 2014 has come true. You beauty.
kunming tiger
Guest
Is Luke Burton a local?
Afrokiwi
Guest
So there is no chance the "struggling Stormers" might be getting better then??
Hertryk
Guest
The line out also needs some tweeking.. Bring in Sir Nathan for some lineout advice I say ..IMVHO..and what about the stupid strips on Saturday night?? It's wonder anyone during the pace of the game could really distinguish who was who!! I found it confusing watching on the TV...
Crazy Horse
Guest
Seven of the lst nine won probably has something to do with why Foley keeps his job. One more win and the Fore have their best season ever. Three out of five and a resultant finals berth is certainly achievable. Especially when you realise that the Brumbies still have a bye ahead of them. There is nothing wrong with the Force's fitness. It is attack they need more work on.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
It just shows that a great bunch of blokes can form a team and get up and beat some of the best teams around. And find it very hard to keep doing so week in and week out over and over again. The Force are a great team of castoffs and outcasts from 3 different countries. They do well but play above themselves when they succeed. No-one can maintain that lift forever. Reality bites as the season matures.
sixo_clock
Roar Guru
How does he keep the job? This team put itself into shape, must have anyway, nothing about Foley's coaching past indicate he gets the dynamics that the Force players are showing. The Force had to endure near enough to 20 minutes of goal line defence before the de Jongh try, an energy burden that was hard to overcome. Their attitude is first rate and sometimes the bounce of the ball just doesn't go your way. There were many positives from that game and that is all any coach needs ever to concentrate on. This team needs just a fitness coach and various skills coaches, a head coach or at least a negative one is not required. GO the Mighty Force!!
Crazy Horse
Guest
The Force seemed flat, very much like the last Rebels game. In the first half particularly their defence was good but attack virtually non existent. What is becoming obvious is that they have no set plans on how to exploit the various scenarios yellow/red cards present. On Saturday the Stormers had two of their back three in the bin. The obvious tactic was to spin it wide and attack down the wings. So di they give it to the Badge? Nope. They kept attacking through the forwards! Still one from two in South Africa is acceptable. Now home for the Lions. They need at least two, probably three more wins to be finals contenders from: Lions (home) Crusaders (away) Blues (Home) Reds (Home) Brumbies (Away). Young Luke Burton seemed to do well on debut. A good 85th birthday present for his home club The University of Western Australia.