The Western Force’s New Zealand horror show has continued as they suffered an embarrassing 54-21 loss to the COVID-hit Chiefs in Hamilton.
The Force were desperate to come out firing in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific match after copping a 61-10 loss to the Highlanders and a 53-15 defeat to the Crusaders over the past fortnight.
But a hat-trick of tries to Chiefs inside centre Quinn Tupaea put the game to bed by early in the second half, with the home side running in eight tries to three to secure the bonus-point win.
The result has put the Chiefs (9-4) in the box seat to secure a top-four berth and a home quarter-final.
The Force (2-10) will have little other than pride to fight for in the final two matches of their disappointing season.
The only sour note to come out of the match for the Chiefs was an injury to captain Sam Cane, whose right knee buckled under contact from the side from Force prop Santiago Medrano.
The All Blacks skipper will now undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
The Chiefs entered the match missing a host of players due to COVID-19 protocols, but it mattered little as they ran riot from the outset.
The Force’s scrum crumbled so badly on numerous occasions in the first half that they ended up avoiding it at all costs when given the choice.
The scoreline read 21-0 after 31 minutes following a double to Tupaea and a barging try to prop Aidan Ross.
Tupaea’s second try was particularly impressive, with the powerful centre fending off an opponent and touching down with his outstretched arm while two other Force tacklers were hanging off him.
The Force finally had something to smile about in the 32nd minute when a chip kick from flyhalf Jake McIntrye found winger Toni Pulu, who caught the ball at full flight before touching down in the corner.
Only some intense defence from the Chiefs denied the Force a second try on the stroke of half time.
The defensive grit proved crucial in halting the Force’s momentum, with the Chiefs coming out firing early in the second half to put the game to bed.
Tupaea secured his hat-trick in the 46th minute when he fended off McIntyre to stroll over, and a burst from flyhalf Bryn Gatland three minutes later set up an impressive team try to fullback Kaleb Trask.
The Chiefs ran in another four tries after that, including two to reserve hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I only saw a few highlights so can't tell you.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
In the last few years they’ve beaten the Reds, Tahs and Brumbies. Biggest issue is 5 teams is not enough for a decent domestic comp.
piru
Roar Rookie
Another rookie was set to debut yesterday, too. Fella from Palmyra. Didn't see how he went
piru
Roar Rookie
We're not going anywhere, so...
piru
Roar Rookie
Don't act like you're not happy you've gotten to post your one comment over and over this year.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yeah, the Force still have a lot of positives but we need to be realistic about the negatives and address them. We have lost games through bad decisions and poor composure this year and our heads haven't been in the game for unacceptable periods which just made it worse. I am fine with big statements about us working to be the "best team in the world" but it has to be backed up with some real recruiting action and then coaching. We have a good core of players in place for next year but we need some quality finishers and a lot more depth. Having said that the real positive is the performance by local guys like Ollie Callan who are progressing beautifully. We just need a few more of them and that will take time.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Its now a BP to a side if they score 3 more tries than the opposition. Win or lose.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
So a 3 team domestic comp then? That will be awesome eh!
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Ah if it isn’t then my bad.
Pilferer
Roar Rookie
I didn't think the 4 try bonus point was still a thing
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Force have the second best crowd numbers this year for any Oz side. You’re delusional.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Force we are our own worst enemy. Just before half time said everything. With 10 seconds to go instead of walk away with guaranteed 3 points and reduce gap to 11 and build scoreboard pressure, we make a shhh show of two line outs and turn the ball over. We have forgotten how to tackle and no idea around our spacing/positioning in open field. Not get a bonus point for 4 tries means season is over. Well done lads. Another year cooked.
tuohyred
Roar Rookie
up late, OZ election Landers seem to have found a 10, 12, 13 combo that might keep the dream alive.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Shute Shield should kick Easts out until they can produce their own players not poach them from VIC and ACT. Were any of the first XV today even born in Sydney Jock? I thought the eastern suburbs of Sydney was the heartland? You guys can’t even produce your own team.
WEST
Roar Guru
Also Quinn Tupaea is building strongly in the midfield.. TF! The ABs can’t afford to continue without a strong midfield combination.
Danny McGowan
Roar Rookie
Only trouble is with the 5team domestic team you seem to want, the Force and Rebels would still be the same, they can't actually beat other Australian teams either.
blerp
Roar Rookie
Fortunately RA only signed on for 2 years. One to go and then we can have a proper domestic comp.
robel
Roar Pro
Of course the Force are still suffering from the effects of the ARU back stab. They lost a whole team in 2017, had to play in a 2nd tier competition for 2 years and as a consequence lost any remaining tier one players. If you think rebuilding a top side in 3 years is possible you are delusional. MH is stating an aspiration. The answer is yes, it has encouraged the uptake of RU in WA, in spite of the best efforts of the alleged guardians of the game in the east.
Malo
Guest
The Force and Rebels have to go, but I’d say Super itself will be defunct in 3 years. No followers
Kick n Clap
Guest
Hope we can get to 2- 12 stats. That way we can get actually some reality out here in the West. Feel really sorry the coach who really had to “carry the Can here?” I repeat. Why isn’t the “back office” taking the blame? Really does make a mockery of things when the so called “Director of Rugby” comes out with silly, glib comments that Perth is going centre of the universe for Rugby when in reality they are worse Rugby Franchise in history. Forget what the ARU did. That has gone, just like the season. Has the Franchise been a success since its inception? The Answer. BIG FAT NO.