Roar Guru
The Brumbies will be looking to take back top spot in the Australian conference when they travel to Perth to take on the Force in a crucial Super Rugby derby at nib Stadium. Join The Roar from 9pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
The battle for the 2015 Australian Super Rugby conference has turned into a fascinating battle between the reigning champions, the Waratahs, and their little brother from down south, the Brumbies.
Heading into Round 17 the two teams are both on 42 competition points, with the conference, and home advantage in the finals, well and truly up for grabs.
This Friday, the Brumbies get the chance to pour pressure on the Waratahs when they travel to Perth to take on the Western Force, knowing that a win will take them above the ‘Tahs, who don’t play until late Saturday night.
The Force have been bitterly disappointing in season 2015, never more so than last week when they capitulated to the Reds at home in a loss that has them staring at the dreaded wooden spoon.
The Force had no match for the Reds’ aggression at the breakdown, their speed out wide, or the imperious performances of Quade Cooper and Will Genia, who were reunited for the first time since Good Friday.
The Force will have to improve markedly, and all over the field, if they are to upset the Brumbies and do their mates from NSW a favour.
In team news, the Brumbies will be missing Wallaby lock Sam Carter, who suffered a horrific knee injury last week in his team’s win over the Bulls. He is facing a long stint on the sidelines, and his spot tonight will be filled by Blake Enever in an otherwise unchanged Brumbies line-up.
Meanwhile, the Force will be buoyed by the news that rugged Number 8 Ben McCalman has committed to the club for another three years.
Key statistics
As usual, it’s difficult to see where the Western Force are going to score their points. Not only have the scored the fewest points in the competition this season (212), they have also scored the fewest tries per game and have the worst goal-kicking percentage.
Meanwhile, their opponents have conceded the fewest points this season. Ouch.
Prediction
As much as it would be nice to see the Force give their long-suffering fans something to cheer for, you’d be certifiable to consider tipping them here.
Brumbies 1-12