The Melbourne Rebels will use the farewell match of coach Tony McGahan as a form of distraction while the franchise nervously awaits its Super Rugby fate.
The ARU will axe either the Force or Rebels ahead of next season.
It means Melbourne’s final-round clash with the Jaguares at AAMI Park on Friday night could be the last game in the franchise’s history.
The gravity of the situation was on full display on Friday night when the Force beat the Rebels 31-22 at nib Stadium.
Tempers threatened to boil over at several points as the emotional build-up bubbled to the surface.
But after the match, the two playing groups put on a united front.
The two teams formed a big circle and linked arms in the middle of the pitch shortly after the whistle.
And the Rebels accepted the Force’s invitation to join them for a changeroom beer, allowing players from both sides to open up to each other about the situation affecting their respective clubs.
McGahan has already announced he will be stepping down as head coach at the end of the season.
Assistant coach Morgan Turinui said the Rebels remain confident of surviving the axe, adding it was important for players not to enter the Jaguares clash with the mindset that the franchise will fold.
“Denial possibly is a powerful thing next week,” Turinui said.
“We’ve got some pretty important people to the Rebels club leaving.
“Tony will be leaving after four years as head coach. Probably no staff member has had more influence on the club in its history than what Tony has.
“I think it’s important for the group and the staff to send him off in the manner he deserves.
“And Mitch Inman has a possibility of playing his 100th game of Super Rugby.
“Those sort of mini internal things are good opportunities to motivate our players and have a good mindset around the finish.”
The Force will also have plenty of motivation in Saturday’s home match against the Waratahs, with foundation player Matt Hodgson playing his final game.
The Perth side appeared dead in the water when the ARU first announced it would cut a franchise in April.
But it now appears the Rebels are more vulnerable.
“A lot of people thought the Western Force was just going to roll over and die,” Force coach Dave Wessels said.
“I don’t feel like we’ve done that, so I’m proud of the boys for that.
“They kept fighting. We’re still fighting. I think that’s maybe surprised a lot of people.”
Wessels said the post-match circle on the pitch wasn’t planned.
“I think the players just did it themselves,” Wessels said.
“We have a lot of sympathy for how the Rebels players are feeling, and probably vice-versa.
“It’s just a bizarre situation that we’re all in.”
Jonah
Guest
The Rebels is privately owned and Cox would bleed the ARU dry with a compensation claim by taking legal action against them.
Frank
Guest
On field performance will have no bearing on their decision. Its being based purely on financial parameters!
Crazy Horse
Guest
Are you talking about the team that is currently second in the Australian Conference? It was the Melbourne team who showed they really are a Rabble.
Frank
Guest
The decision has already been made, it tis he Farce being cut. There is no way that you cut a team from Australia's second biggest city. Its is the cheaper option! Wessels will be coaching the Rebels next season. Whoever survives will also be cut in 3 years time with the next tv rights deal IMO.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
Your post makes no sense as Melbourne is behind Perth on every criterion when it comes to the growth of Rugby. Having put the major problems caused by Graham and Stiles's inept coaching (the same problem the Reds are just recovering from) the fact is that in 2017 the Force are the only Australian team regularly stepping up. If they'd scored just one try more in the game against the Tahs they'd be battling out for the top spot in the Australian Conference.
scottd
Guest
The fact that you've left out the best young tight head prop in Australia (Ainsley) just underscores the lack of thought that went into this post.
Rebellion
Guest
I think it would be wiser for Melbourne to absorb the Force as it has more chance of fostering the game and traditionally the Force have played a very dour, spoiling game which they regularly seem to revert to. The Rebeks should take in Daly, Faulkner, Coleman, Ross HP, Dane HP, Arnold, Hardwick, Prior, Peni & Louwrens
Crazy Horse
Guest
Yes they do. We could probably squeeze in Niavalu (forgot him as he's injured) although we've already got two excellent young wingers who will only get better with age but there aren't many vacant spots in the Force Squad and we have to leave a few spots for the youngsters coming through. Hodge would a good backup long distance kicker (we've already got Grant). I expect someone will snap him up. Strizacker has impressed me since he first appeared. Last night he tried his heart out but caught between a non-performing pack and a useless 10 he got nowhere.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Hodge, Niavalu, Stirzaker, Timana, All deserve a good home. I wish Debracszeni, MacBahon, Inman, all the best. Some say Australia doesn't have the talent. I say we have major problems with coaching and game plans.
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
We'll have Koroibete and Mafi when the Rebels are chopped thanks. You can keep the rest.