Round 17 is make or break for many teams in the run to the Super Rugby finals, and after the Hurricanes victory over the Chiefs, all eyes are set on the Western Force.
The Force will square off against the Blues this Saturday evening at the ‘Force Field’ – NIB Stadium.
With a bonus-point try, the West Australian side could jump as high as fourth on the Super Rugby ladder, and second in the Australian conference.
The Force’s points difference is definitely working against them, and if they were to make the finals they would have to rely on their win-loss record and points alone, sitting at -12 points due to their two big early season losses and their recent loss against the Crusaders.
However, the Force look strong and they will be looking for seven home wins in a row. With the return of many reinforcements, and a heavily bolstered back row, this may not be as difficult a task as people perceive.
Historically, a team needs 10 wins to cement a place in the Super Rugby Finals, and with only two more wins to get there, the little team that could has the chance to become the little team that did.
Jerry
Guest
They've still got a game in hand over the Canes & Brumbies. There's every chance it could come to that final match v the Brumbies for who gets the finals spot.
kipper
Guest
"Are the Force finals bound " NO
Two Eyed Cyclop
Roar Guru
With the benefit of hindsight, NO. Having said that I hope the powers that be have drug tested the whole of the blues team, their performance was phenomenal.
Digby
Roar Guru
Sorted!! Big night ahead and a test to finish with. You beauty!! :D
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Counting down, beer's cold, family in Nz, pizza on quick dial
Digby
Roar Guru
Yes brother!! GO CANES!!!
warrenexpatinnz
Roar Guru
Although disappointed I haven't been home to see a home game the late kick offs with time zone difference in NZ means I'm guaranteed full and unlimited big screen TV access, no phone calls and my girls are all in bed so no "he looks nice, wow his legs are big" and my pet hate, "so which one are the Warriors?" Go boys, play hard and well.
Luke Worthington
Roar Rookie
It should be dry, it looks like it is going to be sunny but cold all day today.
Luke Worthington
Roar Rookie
Yeah, I think they may only win by one or two tries. Around 10 points.
Highlander
Guest
Really looking forward to see charile piatau back tonight
Hertryk
Guest
Pride can have such a dominant effect to a team's psyche!
Hertryk
Guest
See you there! However I take 'humbrance ' to our team being referred to as "little" :) Bring it home boys! :)
Luke Worthington
Roar Rookie
I think the Force will be happy to take the chocolates at any position on the ladder
Luke Worthington
Roar Rookie
Two more wins! :)
Luke Worthington
Roar Rookie
Yeah mate, it will be pretty sad if he doesn't play, but just remember the amount of reinforcements we have. Our back row is arguably one of the best in Australia and we have been heavily bolstered in the backs with the return of Rasolea, Matthewson etc. Of all things we have learnt this Super Rugby season from the force, its definitely that rugby union is a team sport.
PeterK
Guest
If dry blues will win IMO.
Magic Sponge
Guest
force in brumbies out
Bunratty
Guest
The home-ground/crowd advantage should help them win in a very close game. However, a BP win may be against them. Good luck, Force.
El Gamba
Roar Guru
Or the alternative a massive win by the Hurricanes Brett? Go canes hey Digger!!
Brett McKay
Expert
Probably can't get higher than fifth now, with the Highlanders winning and jumping the third overnight. There's more than a hundred +/- points between the Crusaders and Force, so it would need to be a REALLY BIG win over the Blues to jump to fourth...