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
Brawlsinmauls
Guest
I don't even think I would include Badge, only player for me would be McCalman.
RobC
Roar Guru
thanks Will, v good call as usual
RobC
Roar Guru
I think Hodgo was referring to their last game vs Brumbies at home, which the Force lost in round 2, which indeed catapulted them: - five wins in a row against, Rebs Landers Chiefs Reds Tahs - Then four more against Bulls Cheetahs Lions Reds I think though, most of those teams have really lifted their game since, whilst the Force lacks the firepower.
Lano
Roar Guru
Classic Will. Comment of the Season.
Magic Sponge
Guest
I want a refund. No Force player deserves to make the wallaby squad. Maybe the honey badger. The rest are woeful.
Squirrel
Roar Rookie
I was there asked for a discount. Pay $50 to support the spooners . Worst rugby in history. Chances of supporting next year . O
MH01
Guest
If the Tahs get a Bonus point win, the Brumbies will not be very happy having to face the crusaders next week :)
Jarvi
Guest
The Brumbies do what they need to do to win. It's been that way since Jake White took over a dysfunctional group of players, with very few Wallabies, and reached the final in his second year. If they can get the job done with a game based on territory and set piece they'll do it. If they think they need to play a more expansive game and utilise Speight, Kurindrani etc, they'll do that. It might not be pretty at times, but it often works. I'm not a Brumbies supporter but I respect their approach
Alex L
Roar Rookie
I believe he's hoping the catapult is aimed into the ocean so he can try and swim away in embarrassment.
Adsa
Guest
I love nostalgia Combsey, here's hoping next week.
Johnno
Guest
Tahs not happy, Brumbies very happy
MJB
Guest
I sit here week after week wishing they would try to run the freaking ball. I'm secretly rooting for the Canes this season because they are so much more exciting.
Combesy
Guest
Just quietly I'll be praying for something like this to happen again http://youtu.be/Lr5X7uaG00A Just to get the slightest bit of success out of our miserable season
Harry Jones
Expert
Congrats to the Brumbies. They have a ticket to the big dance.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Alright everyone, I will leave it there for the night. I want to close by again sending my thoughts and prayers to the families of Jerry and Alana Collins. Jerry was a good man and a great player, and he will be missed. RIP.
Combesy
Guest
It was greasy conditions. Forcing errors through kicks was the smart thing to do. Fortunately most professional teams are smart enough to play winning rugby and not 'attractive' rugby.
Charles Plowdog
Guest
How do the Brumbies expect to get close in the competition when they have no attack bar the rolling maul? And why oh why when they're 3 tries up after about 30 minutes do they revert to a kicking game from the back? Is Jesse Mogg told to do those pathetic Gary Owens or is he just afraid to run the ball? To have a coach who was a great runner with the ball and not do it themselves, there is something wrong.
Charles Plowdog
Guest
How do the Brumbies expect to get close in the competition when they have no attack bar the rolling maul? And why oh why when they're 3 tries up after about 30 minutes do they revert to a kicking game from the back? Is Jesse Mogg told to do those pathetic Gary Owens or is he just afraid to run the ball? To have a coach who was a great runner with the ball and not do it themselves, there is something wrong.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
It would be a brilliant afternoon of rugby if it all works out. Hopefully we are all square on Monday morning, and then next week the Waratahs will run out against the Reds for the 300th time, at a packed SFS, knowing exactly what they need to do to win the conference.
Combesy
Guest
Gee puts a bit of heat on the waratah's vs reds and crusaders vs brumbies next weekend.