Match Result
The Brumbies continue their undefeated run, it wasn’t pretty in that second half but they set up the win with some clinical play in the first half. Got quite physical in the second half but the Force will get nothing for their effort, it was an improved effort and Mafi was a big player for the Force.
Cummins had virtually no opportunity in his return but got some meat, The Brumbies will need to improve again on that effort, they have some injury worries with Fardy and Coleman leaving the field with injuries. Kuridrani and Toomua were quiet while Tomani was superb in the first half.
For now they will join the Hurricanes as the two defeated side through four rounds.
It’s the Brumbies 27 defeating the Force 15.
Match Preview
The Force will be licking their wounds following a crushing defeat at home to the Hurricanes, it won’t get any easier as they make one of the most difficult road trips in Super Rugby to face the Brumbies. Join us for live commentary and scores from 7:20pm AEDT.
The Force were crunched by a side many think will reach their potential this year in the Hurricanes. The good news is the ‘Honey Badger’ Nick Cummins declared himself ready to return this weekend.
That could bring some improvement to the Force but one area they will need to work on is their defence. The Perth franchise currently ranks last in tackling accuracy with 82 per cent.
With a few injuries their scrum has been smashed with just 58 per cent success rate. No doubt this will be an area the Brumbies – with a Wallaby front row – will look to exploit. It’s not going to be a fun night for the Force if they can’t get their scrum right.
Look for Brumbies lock Sam Carter in the lineouts, who leads the league in most takes with 20. The Brumbies were clinical with their lineouts last week and Jarrad Butler was unfortunate not to have scored a double.
It’s hard to see where the Force can really get a hold on this game. Perhaps constricting the Brumbies’ possession, but even with barely any possession last week the Brumbies still found a way to win.
It could be a decent scoring affair with the first 12 matches between these sides yielding an aggregate score of 39 points. The last game between these sides, in July of last year, saw 72 points scored as the Brumbies dominated 47-25, and we saw in Round 1 what the Brumbies could do when they get in a groove at home.
However the Force have showed they can be unpredictable, beating the Waratahs in Round 1. That seems like a distant memory though two rounds later, and if the Force don’t pick their game up this season could slip before they know it.
Prediction
The Brumbies look to be way to strong here. I’m predicting a blowout.
Brumbies by 15.
Digby
Roar Guru
Sorry, yes, missed Cheetahs.
lao hu
Guest
what use would a poor defensive player going to sevens. it is a much harder game defensively at the elite level.
RobC
Roar Guru
The game was over by halftime. But the force fought back well. Got into the Brumbies redzone, and camped there. Too bad they dont have finishers. Brumbies: - scrum punished, when Rory was off - Nothing fancy but still delivers. Butler is rising to the occasion again - Maul deadly as ever. Their power rucks near the tryline delivers results Force: - 200% better. Not sure about Godwin.. Junior played well! - Good job M Foley, turning around set piece - Big dog again, powering the tem. Holmes just what the doctor ordered - But the backs need to run better attack likes. Foley get a specialistc backs coach.
Demak
Roar Rookie
As a Brumbies supporter living in WA and wanting the Force to do well my thoughts Godwin's defense is 1st class Morahan's defense is non existent and should not be picked again in any position ( decision decided over numerous games not only tonight) go back to 7's or touch rugby Pack gave away 48 kg but performed well Mafi under utelised and has great potential Zac Holmes is a better option at #10 Ben Mc is the most consistent player in the comp And for the Brumbies "...."Arnold is big but is soft and easily hurt ( no ticker) The Forces best 15 can challenge all in the comp but sadly the depth is very shallow
Michael
Guest
Cheetahs are also undefeated at this moment.
Jameswm
Guest
Don't really think the Force are that great. Didn't think the Brumbies were great either. Cowan was all over BenA in the scrims. McCalman was the Force's best. Forward. Never noticed how illegal Carter is. Came in the sidea lot.
MH01
Guest
Good game from Brumbies, but still concerned about their reserves. Very impressed with their defence. The force played well, they will only improve. A few more games and they will hopefully click.
Digby
Roar Guru
Stormers and Canes undefeated at this point. Brumbies lost to Chiefs.
AndyS
Guest
Agreed. Hammered away a lot, but nothing really offered. Wouldn't like to say what the scoreline might have been if the Brumbies had given that much attack to even the Lions.
Rob na Champassak
Roar Guru
Wow, that man for man defence from the Brumbies was outstanding. A few too many linebreaks conceded to give them an A for defence overall, but still encouraging to see. The Force weren't holding back, even if they were a little uncreative. Lots of errors in the form of dropped balls and the 50-50 scrums from last week continued, So definitely some room for improvement. Still, five points is five points. The Force needn't be too discouraged about their performance. The intensity was good, but maybe they need to be more inventive.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah need more pick and go's.
MJB
Guest
Gusty stuff from the Force despite the loss. Great to see the Badge back! Good enough today Brumbies, but that will need some work...
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time The Brumbies continue their undefeated run, it wasn't pretty in that second half but they set up the win with some clinical play in the first half. Got quite physical in the second half but the Force will get nothing for their effort, it was an improved effort and Mafi was a big player for the Force. Cummins had virtually no opportunity in his return but got some meat, The Brumbies will need to improve again on that effort, they have some injury worries with Fardy and Coleman leaving the field with injuries. Kuridrani and Toomua were quiet while Tomani was superb in the first half. For now they will join the Hurricanes as the two defeated side through four rounds. It's the Brumbies 27 defeating the Force 15. Brumbies 27 vs Force 15
Digby
Roar Guru
Cheers Brent, Force don't offer much with ball in hand I'm afraid.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time Full time gone, The Force want something out of this game, but they won't get anything as Toomua runs it into touch. Brumbies 27 vs Force 15
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'78 Force steal it from the Brumbies maul, Rasolea with a run, Godwin steps before he is tackled, stolen by JP Smith, it's been sloppy but now the Brumbies win the penalty. Brumbies 27 vs Force 15
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'76 Mann-Rea has his line out stolen and JP Smith with the run, Force waste one there, Toomua sends it over half way but a quick line out is taken and Dargaville steals it, but the Force counter ruck it back. Brumbies 27 vs Force 15
RobC
Roar Guru
terrible pass Godwin to Holmes. too high, opened Holmes ribs and body for Brumbies D Wasted
AndyS
Guest
Great defence, pouncing on the poor pass.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'75 16 phases and it ends with Speight, Toomua and White shoving Holmes into touch. Immense defence. Vaea now getting some treatment. Brumbies 27 vs Force 15