Western Force Keep Finals Hopes Alive with Gritty Win
The Western Force have kept their slim Super Rugby finals hopes alive with a gritty 19-14 victory over the Queensland Reds on Saturday night. The win at HBF Park in Perth was a testament to the team’s resilience and determination, as they managed to secure a crucial result in their quest for a playoff spot.
Flanker Carlo Tizzano was instrumental for the home team, scoring two tries that proved pivotal in the match. Meanwhile, Kurtley Beale made a clutch play in the 79th minute by stripping the ball from a Reds attack, which ultimately sealed the victory for the Force. Michael Hooper, the team captain, praised Beale’s contribution, highlighting his ability to make game-changing plays.
“What a huge moment. He’s got that in his game, the strip. He’s done it before,” Hooper said on Stan Sport.
The Force’s win saw them leapfrog the Fijian Drua into ninth place on the ladder, while the Reds remained in sixth with two rounds left to play. With the top six teams qualifying for the finals, the competition is heating up, and the Force are now very much in the hunt for a playoff spot.
“The Western Force blow the playoff race wide open,” said commentator Sean Maloney on Stan Sport. “They are very much alive in the hunt for a finals spot. Wow.”
Kurtley Beale, who turned 37 this year, celebrated his 185th Super Rugby cap, tying with Aaron Smith for third most in competition history. Only props James Slipper (210) and Wyatt Crockett (202) have more caps. Beale expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue playing at such a high level.
“I didn’t realise that but I’m really enjoying my rugby,” Beale told Stan Sport. “The Western Force are an amazing club, great organisation, and a great bunch of lads here to play with. Love it.”
The Force will face the Drua next weekend, and they are currently five points off the playoff pace. Beale emphasized the importance of finishing the season on a positive note.
“We owe each other, we owe our fans, strong performances to finish off the season on a positive note,” Beale said. “If a bit of luck swings our way then we’ll take it.”
Zac Lomax Shines in Debut Season
Force winger Zac Lomax had a standout performance, carrying the ball 14 times for 49 metres and contributing two offloads. His efforts were crucial in setting up Mac Grealy’s try, which came from picking up the scraps of a Lomax aerial contest.
“Jeez, we made that look hard,” Lomax told Stan Sport. “Not that I know too much rugby union but yeah, we made that look pretty hard. It’s good that we got the win.”
Lomax, a former NRL star, has made a strong start to his rugby career. He highlighted the challenges of adapting to the new code but also the rewards.
“It’s just trying to find ways to get yourself involved in the game as much as I can,” Lomax said. “I’m learning and that’s the thing that I love about it. I’m loving it and they’re a great bunch of boys.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt gave his verdict on Lomax’s progress before the match. He acknowledged the player’s potential but noted areas for improvement.
“He’s got things to work on, obviously,” Schmidt told Stan Sport. “There is a little bit of crossover (from league) that’s immediately available, like that aerial game that he brings. He’s a big, strong athlete. That’s always nice to have on the edges.”
Schmidt also mentioned the competition among players, particularly noting Dylan Pietsch’s strong form.
“If anything, Dylan Pietsch has been saying, ‘Well, don’t forget about me’. He’s been going really well himself and I think Zac – that is a bit of a system thing, just getting defensively aligned and getting organised. I tell you, when he’s up and running, he’s pretty impressive.”
Reds Face Tough Finale
The loss leaves the sixth-placed Reds (27 points) in a tight five-way tussle for positions No.4, No.5, and No.6 into the finals. The fourth-placed Crusaders (32), ACT Brumbies (29), NSW Waratahs (25), and Force (22) are all in contention.
“It’s very disappointing. We had plenty of chances and didn’t capitalise,” said Reds captain Harry Wilson. “We got in their A-zone a few times and not being able to complete (plays) there definitely hurt us.”
