Force find mojo in the nick of time

AAP
Justin Chadwick
March 9, 2014, 10:41 am



Thirty minutes of rugby doesn't make or break a Super Rugby season - but it's certainly created some much-needed buzz around the Western Force.

The Perth-based franchise looked set for a painful season after suffering comprehensive defeats at the hands of the Waratahs and Brumbies in their first two games.

But they turned their form around in dramatic fashion on Saturday night, running in four tries inside the opening 27 minutes on the way to a 32-7 bonus-point win over the Melbourne Rebels in Perth.

The result was just reward for skipper Matt Hodgson, who became the first Force player to notch 100 games for the club.

Hodgson has witnessed plenty of lows during his nine years in Perth.

But the 32-year-old is confident the Force are on their way to a bright future.

"I think that's the best 30 minutes we've played at the club in its entirety," Hodgson said.

"There's a big light at the end of the tunnel.

"You look at Zack Holmes, Kyle Godwin and Ian Prior - that could be the backline here for the next five to 10 years.

"And the impact we're getting off the bench and the people pushing for positions is incredible.

"I don't envy coach Michael Foley on Monday morning picking a side, because everyone's putting their hand up."

Foley was thrilled with how his players responded after copping a heap of criticism during the week.

But he said the challenge now was for the team to continue their hot form, starting with Saturday's clash with the Highlanders in Dunedin.

"One win doesn't make a season," Foley said.

"Consistency is something we spoke about a lot during the pre-season.

"We have to go on the road and meet the Highlanders now in NZ. We have to make sure we take the things we did against the Rebels and repeat them next week."

Scrumhalf Alby Mathewson was brilliant against the Rebels, while Hodgson, winger Luke Morahan and five-eighth Sias Ebersohn were also crucial in the win.

Sam Wykes is expected to be fit to take on the Highlanders despite copping a heavy knock to the head against the Rebels.

Fellow lock Hugh McMeniman could also play despite missing Saturday's win with a neck injury.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...-nick-of-time/