The Western Force have vowed to make things personal against the Queensland Reds as both teams attempt to avoid the Super Rugby wooden spoon.
The last-placed Force (15 points) have just three games remaining to climb off the foot of the table, while the Reds (17) are also in danger of finishing last.
The two strugglers meet in Perth on Saturday night, with the Force in no mood for any niceties.
The Perth-based franchise were beaten 18-6 by the Reds earlier this season, and prop Pek Cowan says the team are eager to turn the tables on Saturday night.
“You don’t normally like to lose a derby game, so for us there’s definitely a bit of revenge,” Cowan said.
“We’re making it very personal. We’re going to make sure we do the job.
“We’re playing to win.
“We’re playing all Australian teams (in the last three rounds), and there’s no better way to take out a bit of frustrating than to play against guys that you know quite well.”
The Force were left to rue a series of early missed opportunities in last week’s 23-3 loss to the Highlanders.
Queensland are also aiming to bounce back after losing 21-14 to the Sharks in Brisbane.
Cowan said he’s expecting a bruising encounter against the Reds.
“It’s going to be a physical battle, and one we have to make sure we’re up for,” Cowan said.
They back their pack. They play to their strengths. Their team is making really good gains off the forward pack.
“Their scrum’s good, their mauling is great, and they like to play a tight game. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
The Force take on the Brumbies (home) and Rebels (Melbourne) in the last two rounds, while the Reds finish off their season against the Chiefs (home) and Waratahs (Sydney).
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
This is days old so may be unseen. Nobody - I was adjacent to family area in the far corner of the pitch, I couldn't have been further away. I've been around the block, I've shouted comments at the ref but the joke for this crowd was to include the word in as loud a chant as possible. It's the usual formula of safety in numbers and "don't worry, I don't know those kids who are looking at us". I don't keep my kids in a bubble, but the guys knew what they were doing and that's the dumb thing. Anyway, maybe it's just a "Highlanders in Perth" thing.
Magic Sponge
Guest
Ill be there , cu guys at the Brass Monkey at 4pm. Lano, cu there . Go the Force, keep with the complex up and unders strategy. In fact I would just run straight through them. Force by plenty
Nobody
Guest
I appreciate your concerns over exposing your daughter to the language. But they created non-alcoholic areas in stadiums for a reason. If people don't want their kids subjected to language than purchase tickets in this area away from the 'rowdy' fans
MARTO
Guest
St.George Queensland Reds side to play Western Force in Perth 1. James Slipper (C) 2. James Hanson 3. Greg Holmes 4. Rob Simmons (VC) 5. James Horwill 6. Adam Thomson 7. Liam Gill 8. Jake Schatz 9. Will Genia 10. Quade Cooper 11. Lachie Turner 12. Samu Kerevi 13. Karmichael Hunt 14. Chris Feauai-Sautia 15. James O’Connor Extended bench (one to be omitted) Andrew Ready Pettowa Paraka Sam Talakai Ed O’Donoghue Beau Robinson Nick Frisby Jake McIntyre Ben Tapuai Jamie-Jerry Taulagi
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Well, I'm taking my daughters for first time (under 10). I hope there isn't 200 supporters chanting "You ****ed up" as the Highlanders did last week which was absolutely disgusting stuff, complete idiots.
Die hard
Roar Rookie
Ah, the dance of the desperates comes around again. Why is it two aussie teams always at the dance. Bill said we would have three in the finals!
K.F.T.D.
Roar Rookie
As a Reds supporter I hope we win it. so it can be used on everyone involved, nothing like the old wooden spoon on bare legs to get results!