Western Force players will treat their final two games like finals fixtures, and they’re well aware bonus points could end up deciding their fate.
The Force kept their finals hopes alive with a pulsating 16-15 Super Rugby AU win over the Melbourne Rebels at AAMI Park on Friday night.
The result means the Force are now just one point behind the third-placed Rebels with two rounds remaining.
The Force will host the last-placed NSW Waratahs and ladder-leading Queensland Reds in their final two rounds.
The Rebels play the second-placed Brumbies (home) and Waratahs (away).
If both sides snare just one win each from those games as widely predicted, then bonus points or points differential will decide who snares third spot and a place in the finals.
The Force’s score differential is minus 49 compared to the Rebels’ minus nine.
It means the Force can ill afford to let a bonus point slip when they take on the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday night.
“It’s a real fight for the finals now. We’re treating every game as it’s a semi or a quarter-final,” Force prop Tom Robertson, who crossed from the Waratahs at the end of last year, said.
“If we don’t win this week, it will be really tough for us to make the finals.
“Obviously we’ve got to get the win first, but the bonus point, we need to get at least one over the next two weeks to secure finals.
“Then it means we don’t have to rely on the Rebels, their results, in order to secure that spot.
“We’re hoping to get a bonus point. But if we get two wins in the next two weeks, then that’s our priority.”
The Waratahs are winless after six games, but in their first game after coach Rob Penney was sacked, they showed far more fight and class in a 24-22 loss to the Brumbies.
The Force scraped past the Waratahs 20-16 in round three, and Robertson is expecting an even tougher challenge this time around.
“The Waratahs are a lot more dangerous now compared to the first time we played them,” Robertson said.
“They got Jake Gordon back, who is pretty much the source of all their attack.
“I played with Jake for a few years and he’s dynamic and a good ball runner.
“We have to be careful of him. He’s really ignited their backline and they’re playing really well out wide now.”
Tooly
Roar Rookie
They should beat the Tahs. They could beat the Reds if Murphy or Berry are not refereeing.
GusTee
Roar Pro
What a great position for Australian rugby to be in. We have a competition that is laced with intrigue, at least 2 of our teams get to win each week, the better teams get to learn how to win and with all of this, the fans have something to cheer about and the sponsors' money is well spent. Take heed Rugby Australia, Australian Rugby needs to keep this "domestic" element in order to entice our better offshore players back and to grow our game locally.
Ex force fan
Guest
To make the finals we need to play from the first minute, set a better platform for the backs to attack and take some risks. We do not have them X factor players to make something of nothing or strategic capabilities to out-think the opposition- we need to dominate to get bonus points from tries. This will require a step up in performance from what we have seen so far this season but can be done. Go for it Force!
PeterK
Roar Guru
and neither rebels or force get a bonus point
PeterK
Roar Guru
players with niggles , carrying minor injuries
liquorbox_
Roar Rookie
Bonus points are designed to encourage attacking play, especially tries. The system need to be looked at, the Rebels do not deserve some of their bonus points as they failed to even cross the line in some of their bonus point losses.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Yeah as above just playing devils advocate.
Antony Henrie
Guest
James GC For that scenario to happen the Tahs will have to beat both Force and Rebels with 2 bonus point wins, 10 points . Highly unlikely tahs will make it.
AndyS
Guest
The Force only just managed to get up over the Waratahs last time, so they'll need to find a whole new gear and game plan if they are going to score a bonus point against anyone.
James GC
Roar Rookie
Yeah I know devils advocate and all.
Keggy
Guest
" I could see the Tahs rolling both and trying to sneak into the finals themselves " That will not happen. LOL :laughing: :laughing: :laughing:
Beedy Eyes
Guest
Rebels are cooked. The Rebels have a dud 10 who just shovels the ball and cannot run. Force will make the finals.
James GC
Roar Rookie
I could see the possibility of the Reds being a little flat after that Brumbies game they could def look at a bonus point loss or maybe even a sneaky win. The Tahs are still an unknown will they back up that previous performance the had agaisnt the Brumbies or will they revert back to type now that coach sacking emotion has been tapped out. I could see the Tahs rolling both and trying to sneak into the finals themselves, no one has stated that they are the only team that doesn't have to play one of the top 2 to get into the finals.
Brett McKay
Expert
Both of them having the bye over the final two weeks probably cancels this out though, Peter - the Reds have a bye this weekend, then play the Force, then have another week off before the Final. Resting players from the Force game means they wouldn't play for a month.. And I'm not sure any of the Brumbies would be wanting to sit out a game right before a bye, either, the the 2v3 playoff to follow..
PeterK
Roar Guru
Reds and Brumbies may rest players since they are certain for 1st and 2nd spot no matter what. This would mean possible upsets are on the cards.