NSW Waratahs
16
Match Complete
Western Force
20
| 78 |  | I. Prior | ||
| W. Harrison | | 72 | ||
| 54 |  | J. McIntyre | ||
| 53 |  | T. Anstee | ||
| 36 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| 32 | | J. McIntyre | ||
| 31 | | F. Lee-Warner | ||
| W. Harrison | | 23 | ||
| W. Harrison | | 13 | ||
| W. Harrison | | 5 | ||
| D. Porecki | | 4 |
| 1 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 3 | Penalty Goals | 2 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
It’s only Round 3 of Super Rugby AU, but the Waratahs are already in must-win territory as they host the Force at Bankwest Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores from 7:45pm (AEDT).
To say it’s been a dire start to the season for the Waratahs is an understatement. In their two games so far, they’ve scored only 17 points and conceded more than 100. The pressure is already on coach Rob Penney, but the truth is he has a terribly inexperienced squad at his disposal, and asking them to compete away to the two competition favourites in the opening rounds just isn’t feasible.
After those matches on the road against the Reds and Brumbies, the Tahs will be glad indeed to get on home turf for the first time in 2021. But the Western Force aren’t the pushovers they were last year.
Tim Sampson’s men were worthy opponents for the Brumbies in Round 1, and although they ended on the wrong side of the scoreline, there was plenty for Perth rugby fans to enjoy. Sampson has further strengthened his starting XV by promoting Argentinian scrumhalf Tomas Cubelli into the run-on side alongside Jake McIntyre.
Club captain Ian Prior has moved to the bench to accommodate Cubelli, while Jono Lance, who wore the no.10 in Round 1, has missed out on selection entirely, with Cubelli’s compatriot, Domingo Miotti, coming into the reserves. Brynard Stander will captain the side in Prior’s place.
Game information
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEDT)
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Waratahs $2.18, $1.67 (odds via PlayUp
Teams
Waratahs
(1-15): Tetera Faulkner, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Sam Caird, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Jack Dempsey, Jack Grant, Will Harrison, James Ramm, Tepai Moeroa, Alex Newsome (c), Jack Maddocks, Mark Nawaqanitawase
Bench: Tom Horton, Sio Tatola, Chris Talakai, Jack Whetton, Jeremy Williams, Henry Robertson, Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly
Force
(1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander (c), Tomas Cubelli, Jake McIntyre, Toni Pulu, Richard Kahui, Tevita Kuridrani, Byron Ralston, Rob Kearney
Bench: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Tomas Lezana, Ian Prior, Domingo Miotti, Marcel Brache
jeznez
Roar Guru
I hope that all five Oz teams are secure but 100% believe that the regions with population bases are the most important. We've had this conversation multiple times and I know you disagree but I find your "beggars belief" comment very odd. Can you really not see the merit in investing in areas with large populations?
jeznez
Roar Guru
They definitely wanted McCauley. Have spent three years getting him up to pace only to be out bid for his services just as he’s finally getting ready for the level. The other two it’s great they are getting a shot, the depth at 6/8 meant they were further back in the queue. Can’t begrudge the Force giving them a go.
JSJ
Roar Rookie
Eaglejack would be happy, because the Force are blooding those 3 young Australians, that I assume NSW did not want.
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
I lived'there for almost 10 years. Half-half at best, or a fairweather rugby town. Raiders rule that roost.
stillmissit
Roar Guru
I suspect you are right Blinky, but it would only have lifted the hearts of those who have played the game or understand it well. It would not add massively to the crowd but an extra grand here and an extra grand there and if the boys keep improving then they will get there.
Micko
Roar Rookie
You don't consider Canberra a "rugby town"?
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
EFF, agreed but the Rebels are, so far, failing to tap into their opportunities while it can be asked if the Brumbies may be close to tapping out. The difference between Rebels/Brumbies and the Lions/Blues are that these teams are based in is that Auckland and the Lions are based in rugby towns. If they win, and win well, the crowds will come back but they want consistent success, and a better timeslot.
Micko
Roar Rookie
But it's got the Force back though, hasn't it?!! Where would the Force be without Forrest propping them up?!!
Micko
Roar Rookie
Not surprising: Melbourne & Perth don't have any passion for either rugby code. The Force have Forrest's millions though!
fiwiboy7042
Roar Rookie
well, having a sugar daddy didn't save the Force from the axe. And if a club won't seek to improve its cash situation (ie investment, sponsorship, gate takings,) like the Rebels ... well, it could be ni sa moce (goodbye) to Marika Koroibete, and maybe others, at the end of the year.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Docklands isn't rectangular, though they use it for rectangle sports though. And how are the Rebels going to become a "cashed up club"? They don't have a sugar daddy like the Force do.
No Arms
Roar Rookie
You’re mistaken if you don’t think they love rugby union in WA as much as the rugby league heartland that is NSW.
No Arms
Roar Rookie
Rugby Australia can take full credit for that situation
Gepetto
Roar Rookie
Damn right! I did a word search for Anstee and his name only came up twice! A star is born!! A fast, strong player with a great pass who knows how to take the ball over the try line without dropping it. His touches were the highlight of a game featuring strong defence.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
Need do some research. Future Force academy has, remarkably, remained active post our SR demise. Funded purely by wealthy locals it is supporting local talent, some of whom graced the U20's. We have recruited from o'seas wisely to remain credible on field. When no longer the whipping boys the home grown strategy, unchanged, will return better than before. No WF no Stan. We bring more eyes to rugby than any other SR. No eyes, no sponsors. But that isn't our raison d'etre.
robel
Roar Pro
Watched the replay, well done Force to hold out for 15mins a man down. Good to see the Force players starting to click together.
piru
Roar Rookie
But a victory nonetheless
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Several?
ForceFan
Roar Rookie
What are the Assist Refs doing?
Poco Loco
Roar Rookie
fi-- I don't think that makes much difference as they have a following far beyond Canberra and don't rely on just the gate takings. Yes Melbourne has the larger population but it will be a slow grind to win punters over to rugby in Melbourne. I don't think the Brumbies are under any risk. Cheers.