The Western Force are set to be boosted by the return of a host of stars as the franchise plot their path towards becoming Australia’s sole representative in this year’s Super Rugby finals.
The Force boosted their chances of winning the Australian conference by notching an upset 16-6 win last week over the Jaguares in Argentina.
The Brumbies lead the Australian conference on 19 points, but the Force are just six points back and boast the luxury of having four of their final five games at home.
The Force have been decimated by injuries all season, but the tide is about to turn.
Veteran Matt Hodgson (ankle), winger Luke Morahan (fractured cheekbone) and Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polata-Nau (rested) are set to return for Saturday night’s home clash with the Highlanders at nib Stadium.
And they could be joined by prop Jermaine Ainsley (dislocated elbow), lock Matt Philip (foot) and reserve halfback Michael Ruru (ankle).
Skipper Ben McCalman has targeted next week’s away clash with Queensland for his return from an ongoing shoulder issue, while Wallabies utility back Dane Haylett-Petty (hamstring) is also closing in on a return in coming weeks.
Prop Ben Daley (knee) and scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens (knee) won’t play again this season, but star winger Chance Peni is a chance to return after the June Test window bye.
And even the Force’s off-field future appears brighter, with rumours the ARU is trying to buy the licence of the Melbourne Rebels so it can go ahead with plans of culling an Australian franchise.
The Force had initially been expected to get the chop, but the Rebels now appear the more vulnerable.
Four wins out of their last five games would probably be enough for the Force to top the Australian conference.
But given how poorly Australian teams have fared this season, even three wins might get them there.
Saturday’s Highlanders match will give the Force a strong indication of where they sit.
The Highlanders are riding high after a franchise record seven-match winning run.
After this week, the Force take on the Reds (away), Hurricanes (home), Rebels (home) and NSW Waratahs (home).
The games against the Reds and Waratahs are particularly crucial given they are all fighting for the top conference spot.
piru
Roar Rookie
both teams will be tired, but the Force boys will have slept in their own beds the night before
piru
Roar Rookie
What's up with Perth weather this year? It seems to rain whenever a team comes to town I blame the ARU
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
The Zoolanders are going to miss Waisaki Noholo, which will help.......a little. He is a powerhouse for them but I am sure another head of the hydra will pop up to replace him to help decimate the force back line. Rain forecast, it could well be a slippery game where most of it is played up front.
shop
Guest
The majority of the team will be tired from the end of a long tour and jet lag though. Highlanders will also be hit coming from SA. I'm hoping he Force can do it but it is still a big ask.
scottd
Guest
they sure is compadre and the RPU can't pretend they weren't part of the decision
sittingbison
Guest
Thems fighting words
ScottD
Roar Guru
feel free to delete this post please moderators
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yep The ARU have created a self fulfilling prophecy. If they don't underperform this year they are guaranteed to next year as the best players of the Force and Rebels are forced to leave so as to get jobs to feed their families Every Aussie rugby fan should be disgusted at the weak and moronic ARU actions
ScottD
Roar Guru
Force played on Sunday morning then didn't get a revovery day before flying back to Perth - 30 hr trip So arrived back on Monday night Hard ask to play at their best as it will take at least 2 maybe 3 days to get over time difference I dare to dream but Highlanders still favourite for the game Go the Force!!!!!!!!!!
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yep that pretty much sums it up It's a self fulfilling prophecy, if the Rebels and Force don't come last this year they will next year after all the best players leave the country in order to secure a job to feed their families Every rugby lover in this country should be p***ed off to the max
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Force are no longer underestimated. Highlanders know they have to play well to win. But decent set pieces, big guns and a good bench, it's all about calm heads and sound execution for WF.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Jodi Hodgson on Rugby.com.au message board yesterday. Hopefully she doesn't mind... "Thoughts are with all the players, support staff & their families of both the Rebels & Western Force. Neither team is safe until the ARU decides what they are doing. This fiasco is dragging on & affecting all Australian Super Rugby players & families. No Australian super rugby team is allowed to sign any of their non wallaby players. So if anyone is wondering where all the players are going next year just keep watching the OS announcements as the European window is rapidly closing. This drastically affects the Rebels & Western Force the most as they have the fewest Wallabies. Teams heavy with Wallabies on ARU top ups have most of their lists filled & safe. No wonder they don't care, as it's not going to really affect the chosen protected 3 in the Comp. So whichever team is lucky enough to stay I hope they clean the ARU out for damages. I hope the players also unite under a class action against their governing body & employer. It's a once in a lifetime corporate cluster F & they are the greatest victims. Whether there are 4 or 5 teams next year all teams will be weaker because of this disgraceful situation. A situation chosen by the ARU (not SANZAAR) & executed poorly solely by the same men. Shame on you gentlemen."
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Good luck to the Tahs playing them at the end of the season.
stainlesssteve
Guest
should be fairly equal, all things considered. both teams will be hungry. looking forward to it
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Season defining game. Win and our fate is on our hands for 2nd place. Many handling errors vs Jags were nerves, pressure, and jet lag. More confidence from the win + big guns back (no jet lag) + Sea of Blue = Damn good chance of win Lets get 'em!!!
bigbaz
Roar Guru
they are getting a great list together, seem to have a good coach and look like they want to be there. Hope they stay and hope they continue to improve and given how dreadfull the rest of us are they may well be the vanguard for us in the next few years.
piru
Roar Rookie
Lot of big names coming back, if we can travel to Buenos Aires and come back with a win against the Pumas we can do anything at home. Go get em boys!
jameswm
Roar Guru
I just hope an Aussie team can beat a Kiwi team. Don't care which.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Here's hoping all the "experts tip the Highlanders so they can join the long list of teams coming to Force Filed for easy points and slinking away defeated.
wag
Guest
GO THE FORCE ! The most gutsy of all of the Oz franchises ! No way should this team be culled, ARU !! (And, no, I am not a sand-groper!)