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World Series Rugby in its current form wraps up tonight, as the Western Force take on Japan Top League winners, the Wild Knights. Join The Roar for live scores and the blog of the game from 8:30pm AEST.
The series has been an overall success, with some serious attacking play countered by some blowout scores, and law changes struggling to make an impact.
Looking forward, an eight team comp is expected to take place from next year onwards, with an announcement about the make-up of the tournament thought to happen after tonight’s game.
Firstly, the Wild Knights.
The visitors won three consecutive Top League titles from the 2013-14 season to 2015-16, and was the first team to make it through undefeated.
These days, their team is loaded with Australian players, as no less than four Aussies make up their starting XV vs the Force, with Berrick Barnes, Daniel Heenan, Jack Cornelson and Ben Gunter running on for the visitors.
The Force named a few changes to play this one- Andrew Deegan the main one, knocking Peter Grant back to the bench – while Harrison Loyd takes over from Markus Vanzati, Feliti Kaitu comes onto the bench for Harry Scoble.
The only teams to beat the Force this series were the two “proper” teams, if you like, whereas the scrambled together XVs struggled.
The Wild Knights, as a professional team fall into the first category, and have a fair chance of beating the Westerners.
This should be a close, tough game, and there’s no reason why either team can’t win this clash. I’d say the Force have left the best till last with this game, and it’ll likely be a good encounter,
Wild Knights have to counter the home advantage of the Force, but the visitors should get the job done.
Join The Roar for live scores and the blog of the game from 8:30pm AEST.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.