Last weekend was definitely a weekend for a few surprises in the Super Rugby world. But I don’t think anyone was expecting the Western Force to pit their strength and abilities against the Chiefs when they beat the current Championship holders in Perth. And what a game it was.
I was privileged enough to have been at the game to see the win send Force fans into a frenzy. It has been seven years since the Force have won three games back to back, so it’s only right that fans should have been celebrating. Although, I admit I was a little shocked and stunned and on the verge of a heart attack in those last couple of minutes of the game, where they gave away a penalty to the visitors. An 18-15 win is a fairly close call but a win none the less.
With the Bye this weekend, I have no doubt that Force coach Michael Foley will be working on a major game plan on how to beat the Waratahs when they take a trip over the Wild West next week. I imagine a lot of it will be down to doing the little things right. That is what the boys did right against the Chiefs – kept the “schoolboy errors” to a minimum and worked well together. I recall a magnificent rolling maul that sent skipper Matt Hodgson over the line for his first try of the game.
Hodgson had a great game and bringing the team together and keeping belief that they could win was something very evident. He’s an amazing captain and someone that any team member should be proud to follow.
Another player who played well, was half-back Alby Mathewson. I’ve watched Mathewson play closely over the years, particularly when he was in the Blues squad, and I was a bit sad to see him head to the Force. But, I’m now glad he made the big change. He has had very positive impact on the team, one I’m sure he will continue over the rest of the season.
Of course there was the ever classy Honey Badger, Nick Cummins, who has produced what resembles a bit of a cult following, especially on Twitter. He’s certainly caused a bit of a stir in the rugby world with his post match interviews. Last weekend’s one was not short of quick-witted jokes and one-liners.
That’s not all that has caused the following–of course rugby is all about the game. And Cummins was extremely close to getting his own try, thought he just can’t seem to catch a break. Much like the try he almost scored against the Highlanders a couple of weeks ago, he was painfully close. Unfortunately, his foot was in touch and he wasn’t awarded the try. It’s a shame really, as he puts so much effort in every week, and just can’t seem to get the ball down this season. There are, however, it’s still early in the season.
The Force have earned a well deserved break, and I for one, can’t wait to see what they come up with against the Waratahs. Time will tell.
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