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The Western Force travel to NSW to face the Waratahs for their first match of the 2015 Super Rugby season. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 4:05pm (AEDT).
The Force and Waratahs run out for their first game of the season both off the back of their most successful Super Rugby seasons in 2014.
The Waratahs maiden title is more impressive than the Force’s nine wins, however both teams will have a point to prove in this fixture.
In the first match up last year the Waratahs handed the Force a resounding lesson in all aspects of the game and the ultimately slow start to the season may have ultimately cost the Force the dream first finals appearance.
The return fixture in Perth saw a marked change in fortunes. The talismanic Honey Badger scored a triple to create a blue print for beating the ‘Tahs (namely have someone score a hat-trick) which was not emulated again as the Waratahs went on to beat the Crusaders in the final.
There is much of interest to look for with both teams in this match. The Waratahs most notable change is the loss of Kane Douglas. Although there are some able replacements and permutations, Douglas was instrumental in partnering the inexperienced set piece of Will Skelton to maintain a strong platform in this area.
Otherwise of great interest will be what the reigning champions can do to refresh their game. If you aren’t moving forward then you are going backwards and there is no doubt that opposition coaches would have analysed, analysed and analysed again as the benchmark of 2014.
The Force on the other hand have had a few more important outs. Kieren Longbottom was a huge loss however Fawlkner may continue his quick rise to the starting team and beyond. Jayden Haywood, although injured towards the end of 2014, will also be missed as the Force try to get some rhythm to utilise the hard work often done by their solid pack.
Matt Hodgson and Nic Cummins coming in late will also not assist in a quick start to the season. For the faithful, there is hope due to the strong team mentality of the entire squad that Foley has developed. Stability of leadership is driving a better culture and this was obvious in their better 2014.
For me, and it pains me to say it (tip with your head, not your heart!) the Waratahs will be too strong at home and I expect to win reasonably comfortably after a close first 60. Let’s see which way the ball bounces!
A big question early in the season will always regard the referee. Steve Walsh, in my opinion, is a good referee for this game and hopefully the flow will allow the best team to take control.
Can Foley step up from his spring tour form? Will Kurtley Beale find the balance with Foley that he did in the latter half of the season or overplay his hand as sometimes he did? Will Rob Horne take his chance towards World Cup glory? Will Skelton fulfil some of the potential and live up to the hype?
Join me on The Roar from 4.05pm AEDT for the live blog, I look forward to starting the 2015 Super Rugby season with a roar!
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.