The Wrap: Rebels young gun rockets out of Wallabies contention, and why Samipeni Finau's 'brutal' hit on Edmed was fair game
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…
Western Force showcased their trademark grit, but it was to no avail as the Chiefs secured a 35-27 bonus-point win in Friday night’s Super Rugby clash in Hamilton.
The Force were reduced to 14 men in the 29th minute when halfback Ian Prior was red carded for a dangerous tip tackle on Tim Nanai-Williams.
Nanai-Williams landed on his head and shoulder in the incident, but he was able to play on.
The Force had given a good account of themselves up until that point, winning the territory battle and being rewarded with a 15th-minute try to flanker Angus Cottrell.
After Prior was sent off, it was always going to be an uphill battle to get anything out of the match.
And a romp of epic proportions looked to be on the cards when the Chiefs extended the gap to 30-8 early in the second half.
But to the Force’s credit, they fought on valiantly to score three second-half tries, giving them a four-try bonus point.
Had Luke Burton nailed a sideline conversion in the 78th minute, the margin would have been just six points.
But his miss allowed the Chiefs to escape with victory.
The result was the Force’s ninth straight defeat – a sad way to mark the 100th Super Rugby appearance of prop Pek Cowan.
A loss to the Blues in Auckland next week would consign the Force to their worst losing run, eclipsing the nine straight losses in their inaugural year of 2006.
In contrast, the Chiefs sit on top of the table after improving their record to 8-2.
The Force made a bright start to the match, but the hot boot of Chiefs five-eighth Marty McKenzie ensured the home side kept the score ticking along early.
Prior’s brain implosion delivered a cruel blow to the Force, with a try to Hika Elliot shortly before halftime and a penalty try after the break putting the Chiefs in control.
The Force looked stunned and bereft of answers at that point.
But a 70m team try to Luke Morahan in the 56th minute sparked life into the Force, with skipper Matt Hodgson and reserve hooker Heath Tessmann also scoring to make matters interesting.
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.
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan says it’s “purely coincidental” that Semipeni Finau has put on a massive, late hit on a fourth fly-half in nine…
Thirty-three years after going down to Queensland in Brisbane, Warren Gatland’s Welsh side will complete their tour of Australia in July by once again…
The Brumbies have been given an early season reality check, as Stephen Larkham’s men were thumped by the Chiefs 46-12 at AAMI Park on…
The Chiefs face a worrying wait over the fitness of star No.10 Damian McKenzie, who was forced off early in the second half of…
As we finish up our list of the 50 players we think are set to make a splash in 2024, it’s important to recognise…