The Western Force versus Melbourne Rebels: will it be a grudge match or a love-in?
The two sides were locked in a bitter fight for survival last year following Rugby Australia’s controversial decision to axe a franchise, with the Rebels eventually coming out on top.
Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest believes Rugby Australia never intended to axe the Rebels, and that the ‘selection process’ was merely a charade.
Forrest has since launched World Series Rugby, and the breakaway competition has enjoyed some solid early success.
A sellout crowd of 19,466 turned up for the tournament opener on May 4 when the Force defeated the Fiji Warriors 24-14.
And 16,323 rocked up on Sunday to watch the Force beat a Tongan representative side 47-17.
The Force’s next assignment is against the Rebels on June 9 – an intriguing match-up given the recent history between the two sides.
When the Force were axed from Super ranks, their coach Dave Wessels and a host of the franchise’s best players made the move to the Rebels.
Adam Coleman, Matt Philip, Billy Meakes, Richard Hardwick, Angus Cottrell, Ben Daley, Dane Haylett-Petty, Jermaine Ainsley, and Michael Ruru were among the Force players to make the switch.
Melbourne are still in the finals picture after starting their season with five wins from their first 11 rounds, and their game against the Force comes during the international break.
The match will be important to keep the Rebels’ non-Wallabies players match fit and sharp.
A portion of Force fans now despise the Rebels after viewing the fight for survival as unfair.
But others have a soft spot for the Rebels given the sheer amount of former Force players there, along with coach Wessels.
Force captain Ian Prior said he didn’t view the upcoming match against the Rebels as a grudge match.
“A lot of those players there are really close mates of mine, and I really support them in their careers and what they’re doing,” Prior said.
“We went through quite a unique year last year as a group, so there were a lot of special memories off the field and on the field.
“It’s going to be exciting to come up against them and test where we’re at as a team.”
GusTee
Roar Pro
It will be the ultimate of sad days if we do not have a good turn out for the new Force/Rebels clash. The ex Force now Rebels players stood by WA in very dark days and did us proud. I have huge respect for all the players who will be taking the field in Perth BUT NONE WHATSOEVER for the hierarchy of Victorian Rugby or RA. It was the administrators and various boards of directors who took chicanery to a new level and made it an art form circa 2017. In my book, the likes of Tim North and Cameron Clyne will never be welcome in WA. Simple.
Stu B
Guest
Sorry Justin but there was no fight for survival between the two teams, the x banker had already cut our throats in a back room deal before the 2017 kick off. Get it correct son!
Mr Tommo
Guest
I find it ridiculous to think Force fans will miss this game out of spite: and I dont think they will. Plenty of fans said they would boycott the wallabies game last year as protest yet there was still a crowd of around 18 000 turned up. I predict the rebels game will definitely sell out on account of 1. If youre a fan who has a soft spot for the rebels youll want to see our boys play a good game of rugby in front of a large crowd and prove a point, 2. if youre in the "hate the rebels camp" youll want to attend to watch our boys beat the rebels in front of a large crowd and prove a point. By staying home youre not changing the outcome of RA's decision, you're only hurting the promotion and growth of the game in WA.
piru
Roar Rookie
Hey look! Rugger cleverly changed "Force" to "Farce" It's handy when people include a marker to tell you their comments are worthless - saves time
Michael Pallaris
Roar Rookie
Western Force should win this.
piru
Roar Rookie
I don't think any clear thinking people hold any grudge against the Rebels (at least not the coach and players).
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Players who have played a lot of footy and will either play Wallabies or NRC will be rested on principle. Bench players will likely see game time.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
Was Adam Coleman "Stolen" from the Tahs? I think the word you are looking for is squandered.
Ex force fan
Guest
Not sure how Sinderberry profited from your conspiracy theory as he lost his job and testified against Rugby Australia. Wessels could have taken the Munster role.
Ex force fan
Guest
That is ridiculously accurate. If the Rebels send their B-side that TWAS picked above none of their ex-Force players will play.
Ex force fan
Guest
I will also back the green of Ireland, as Wallabies is the ARU's side. Would be good if they can show the Wallaby-Ireland test on the big screen at nib stadium until the real rugby begin.....haha
Ex force fan
Guest
And the Crusaders defend their title... And the Force beaten both the Rebels and Crusaders. Perfect, fairy tale stuff.
mothy
Guest
TBH I do not care who runs out on the park all will Ben there to impress and I plan to be there to enjoy the game. If ex Force players can’t play it’s all good. I agree with TWAS I’d be hoping to get a finals berth. What I do hope is that even of their not playing they come over to mix with crowd. They are still highly thought of here and I’d rather just wish them well.
Rugger
Guest
What a ridiculous comment - The Farce stole the East Coast’s players to begin with. As a team and franchise they were in a death spiral from their first match. Their legacy as Super Rugby’s perennial ‘cellar-dwellers’ and stewards of killing the ball and free-flowing rugby.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
That is a pretty bad scheduling clash There will be a lot of fans missing because of it. I will be decked out in Green to watch RA's Flagship SS Pulver get torpedoed and sink into the briny deep taking the coach and his first mates with it to Davey Jones' Locker. Too Dark?
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
I am worried about DHP's health. I hope he makes it out the other end OK. Sad to hear about Hardwick. If Cheika is worth his salt, Ruru will be in the training squad with Gordon or Powel. But he isn't, and it will be Phipps, and Gordon.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
To quote you from last year, that is what the NRC is for.
Timbo (L)
Roar Guru
My take is that, assuming the Tahs And Rebs win all of their conference games, it will come down to a face off between the 2 teams to decide the winner. Lose a conference game and you are out. Win a Kiwi game and you are in the box seat Bonus points will be valuable, Coaches often send players back to club to stay match fit. I don't agree that they will be rested on principle. They may be rested if there are injury niggles.
Daveski
Guest
Geez this team sounds like the Tongan team they just played
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
I actually think this one will most likely be handed over to whoever is going to coach Rising instead of Wessels.