Progress is slowly happening: What each of our Aussie Super Rugby teams must do to take the next step
There is a lot of hope around the country, but there's so much more work still to be done.
Western Force flyer Luke Morahan doesn’t feel like he’s got a point to prove when he faces his former side in Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Morahan made the switch to the Force at the end of last season after struggling to cement his place in the talent-laden Reds backline.
The 23-year-old is hopeful greater opportunities at the Force will boost his chances of adding to the sole Test appearance he made in 2012.
Morahan hasn’t taken long to establish himself as a key player at the Force, with his work on the wing helping the franchise rise to eighth on the table on the back of a three-match winning streak.
The 95kg speedster says he isn’t feeling any extra pressure heading into the crunch clash against his former side.
“It’s going to be an interesting homecoming, but I’m looking forward to it,” Morahan said on Tuesday.
“I’m good mates with a lot of the guys over there, like James Slipper, Rob Simmons, Aidan Toua and Eddie Quirk.
“I wouldn’t say (it’s about) proving a point.
“It was my goal to become more consistent this year and hopefully I’m leaning towards that.
“It’s been a good start to the season, and I’ve got plenty of ball and plenty of opportunity.”
The Force have won two of their past three encounters against the Reds, with the other match being a draw.
The Force welcome back in-form No.8 Ben McCalman from suspension, but Hugh McMeniman (collarbone) and Chris Alcock (shoulder) will miss the bulk of the season through injury.
The ninth-placed Reds (3-3) have endured a topsy-turvy start to their season, and coach Richard Graham will be desperate to post a win against his former side.
The Force will be aiming to notch four consecutive wins for the first time in their nine-year history.
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.
There is a lot of hope around the country, but there's so much more work still to be done.
Some of the players don’t seem to have much of an emotional impact to losing.
The final result was 4-1 for the Kiwi sides but some of the results could easily have been different with a bit more maturity from the Aussies.
Les Kiss identified the most significant change made since his arrival at the Reds to being his diverse and highly qualified assistants.
The Western Force and Melbourne Rebels will kick off the seventh season of Super Rugby Women’s in Perth. Meanwhile, the Waratahs welcome the Brumbies…
After three losses, the Crusaders are not the powerhouse of previous seasons, while Rugby Australia is set for a new Chief Operations Officer to overcome financial issues.