Western Force coach Dave Wessels says he is proud of his players after they cast aside the uncertainty of their future to post a 46-41 win over the Kings in a 12-try thriller at nib Stadium on Sunday.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Force 46
Kings 41
A struggling Force side will host the Kings this afternoon in a battle between two sides at the wrong end of the standings. Join The Roar for all the live scores, highlights and action from 4:05pm (AEST).
These two sides share just two wins from 10 games between them this year, winning one and losing four each in what has been a rough campaign for them.
The Force are fresh off a 24-15 defeat at the hands of the Bulls last week, their third defeat on the trot with a bye being their own saving grace over the last month.
The Kings have had a bye last week on their way over to Australia, but let in over 40 points in their last game against the Lions in Round 5.
Both sides are quickly slipping away from the finals equation as we head towards the midway point of the season.
Interestingly, these two sides have only played once ever and that was four years ago, when the Kings beat the Force 22-10 back in 2013.
Team News
The Force have been quiet in their changes this week, making just the one alteration to the starting lineup.
An injured Ryan Louwrens has been replaced by Michael Ruru at halfback. There was a notable addition to the bench though.
Skipper Ben McCalman makes his return to the side, playing his first game of the season.
For the Kings, coach Deon Davids has made three changes to the starting 15.
Waylon Murray has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, being replaced at inside centre by Luzuko Vulindlu. Joining him in the centres will be Berton Klaasen at outside.
Winger Makazole Mapimpi has overcome a thigh strain to take his place on the wing ahead of Alshaun Bock who moves back to the bench.
Michael Willemse is the final change and the only in the forwards, coming in at hooker.
Prediction
This is going to be a tough one and a crucial win for either side in their quest to stay in the hunt for finals. The Force have home ground advantage but have rarely looked like a winning side this year.
The Kings could get a big win away from home here but it could go either way. High-scoring I think.
Kings to win by 11
andrewM
Guest
Was she watching the game too?
Rebellion
Guest
If these two teams were countries they would be Syria and Iraq.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
You two are both champs. Thanks a lot, guys.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Cheers Digger. Your boys held on against mine this week and continue to look like defending that title
Daniel Jeffrey
Editor
For all you fans wondering about what the future holds for the Western Force, SANZAAR have made announcement on the future of Super Rugby (although nothing about the Perth-based club) which you can check out here: http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/04/09/sanzaar-confirm-changes-to-super-rugby-format/
Digby
Roar Guru
Great blogging, cheers Connor.
Connor Bennett
Editor
» Click here to read the full match report Some pretty entertaining games this weekend, from this high-scoring affair, to the Sunwolves dream win over the Bulls and the Highlanders thriller yesterday afternoon. SANZAAR will be making their announcement about the future of the competition at 6pm in under 10 minutes. The Roar will of course have all the live coverage of the announcement and the fallout.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Cheers guys, it's barely work when you get to watch this much rugby!! It was a bit of a drag in the first half but bloody hell this one turned out to be a thriller.
Connor Bennett
Editor
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME What a game that turned out to be!! The first half was nothing to write home about, but the second half was an explosion of action and insane attacking rugby. Nine tries in the second 40 turned a 15-7 halftime scoreline into a 46-41 try-scoring marathon. The Kings scored two in the first 2 minutes after the break and it was open season from there, with both sides trading five-pointers in a flurry of scoring. Six tries each had them on equal footing, but a poor goal kicking display from the Kings hurt them in the end, missing a bevvy of penalty shots and conversions that hurt them in the end. Force - 46 Kings - 41
Chas
Guest
If these two get the chop they can start their own comp
Harry
Guest
Astonishing and entertaining stuff. Well played to all.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Yeah, credit where it's due, this is awesome stuff.
Connor Bennett
Editor
79' The Force win the turnover inside the Kings half and they are just winding the clock down here. Good ball retention here as the phase count goes up into double figures. Force - 46 Kings - 41
Connor Bennett
Editor
78' Penalty for the Kings 40 metres out and right in front... and they're going to have a shot at goal. This is time-consuming for the Kings but they need more than one try to win anyway so may as well. PENALTY GOAL KINGS The shot is long, high and straight and the difference is just five points. Force - 46 Kings - 41
Rhys Bosley
Guest
Good stuff!
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Conner .... what are you doing?... Is there a Guiiness record you are trying to break for games blogged in one weekend?.... Wooo what a stella performance. I was rather surprised you didn't blog the Stormers Chiefs game early this morning....
Connor Bennett
Editor
77' The Kings have to throw caution to the wind now if they want to pull off a miraculous win. Force - 46 Kings - 38
JT
Guest
Even if these aren't the best teams playing, it's dam entertaining
Connor Bennett
Editor
76' TRY FORCE!!! That is surely the game!! In the face of extinction, the Force have pulled out a win for the ages, driving the maul against a tired and hapless Kings pack, crossing over in the right corner. There was a sea of bodies in there but it may have been Ben McCalman who crossed the chalk. Force - 46 Kings - 38