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The dreaded wooden spoon goes on the line when the Reds cross the Nullarbor to take on the Force in a mouth-watering Super Rugby derby at nib Stadium in Perth. Join us here from 7:40pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
The wooden spoon. The generally accepted symbol of sporting ignominy. The prize no team wants to win. The lowest of the low.
And, more than likely, the fate facing the loser of this game.
The Reds travel to Perth off the back of a couple of Jekyll and Hyde performances. They could not have been more impressive in beating the Melbourne Rebels two weeks ago, at one point scoring six unanswered tries in easily their best performance this season. But last week against the Sharks they were back to their toothless best in a game their fans – and James O’Connor – will want to forget.
Meanwhile, this game represents a unique opportunity for the Western Force to win a game against someone other than the NSW Waratahs. Because, strangely enough, the Force have only recorded two wins this season, and they’ve both been against the reigning Super Rugby champions.
They come into this game off the back of a disappointing loss to the Highlanders. It was another game in which they displayed all their customary grit and determination, but never looked like winning. It’s a sad indictment on the Force’s attack that they rank first for average time in possession this season (at 17 mins 27s) but last for clean breaks made, averaging just 5.1 per game.
As with all Aussie derbies, Wallabies coach Michael Cheika will be watching closely, with a host of potential Rugby World Cup starters on show. But none will be watched more closely than the returning Quade Cooper, who takes a brief break from recording his every movement on Instagram to play fly half for the Queensland Reds for the first time since Good Friday.
Prediction
Both teams have been disappointing this season (the Force in particular will be distraught at not building on a good year in 2014), as their position on the ladder would indicate.
They are ranked last and second last in points scored, goals scored, goal kicking success and, of course, on the ladder itself.
So, in a game both will be desperate to win, you have to think home advantage could be enough to see the boys from the west over the line.
Force 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.