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The reigning Super Rugby champions, the Waratahs, travel to Perth to take on the Western Force hoping to build on last week’s gritty win over the Brumbies in Canberra. Join us here at 7:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
Following consecutive (and somewhat controversial) victories over fellow Aussie sides the Brumbies and the Rebels, the Waratahs have put themselves in control of the Australian conference, and given themselves a real chance of winning back-to-back championships.
But the Tahs can’t afford any slip ups and head to Perth to face a Force team who have become a bit of a bogey side for the boys from NSW.
In fact, the Force will be looking to make it three wins in a row against their more fancied opponents, having beaten the Tahs 28-16 in Perth last season, and 25-13 at the SFS in Round 1 this year.
The Tahs are (predictably) playing down their recent record, but the team coaches are clearly concerned.
Writing to Waratahs’ members during the week, assistant coach Daryl Gibson said, “It’s always difficult for us against the Force. I think they have found a formula against us that works well for them. The key for us is the amount of ball we turn over against the Force (it has really been a bit of an Achilles heel for us) and so a lot of our focus will go into making sure that we’re really secure in that area.”
They’ve Tahs are known for sticking to their running game-plan, but it has brought them unstuck against teams who defend well, who don’t commit numbers at the breakdown, and who can hit hard on the counter attack. It’s not only a formula favoured by the Force either – the Stomers played it to perfection when handing the Tahs a 32-18 flogging in Sydney earlier this season.
Meanwhile, it’s been another long season for the Force, and they sit forlornly in second-last place. But there is plenty for them to play for in this one, with the likes of Kyle Godwin, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson and Nick Cummins looking to impress watching Wallabies coach Michael Cheika.
And the Force probably don’t like the Waratahs (seems no-one in Aussie rugby does!) and would love nothing more than to put a dent in their season.
Prediction
The bookies have the Waratahs as heavy favourites and they’re usually right (there is, after all, a reason why they drive Mercedes and live in mansions), but I suspect this will be a lot closer than many predict, and the Force will be in the game for a long time.
But, having said that, the brutal hit-out against the Brumbies will have the Waratahs well and truly primed for this game, and they should do enough to win by 1-12.
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.