Western Force V Waratahs Saturday 15th July 5.45pm
Hi Can somebody inform us who the officals will be next Saturday night.. I am hoping we get a Kiwi or South African as if its Rohan Hoffman he should order an ambulance now.. I am sure he will wear a few very fowl comments during the game..
A game this big and against the ARU pets we are entitled to a fair contest...
Western Force won’t have a mortgage on passion: Bernard Foley
The Australian 12:00AM July 12, 2017
Fired-up NSW Waratahs five-eighth Bernard Foley insists the Western Force won’t have a mortgage on passion in Perth heading into what may be the hosts’ last Super Rugby match.
Either the Force or Melbourne Rebels will be cut from the competition next season and the Tahs are expecting an emotion-charged game on Saturday.
Given those circumstances and that the Force’s favourite son Matt Hodgson will be playing his last game before retiring, Foley predicted a feisty encounter and is wary of an abrasive Force pack.
“I don’t think the emotion, the pride, the passion, just belongs to them,” Foley said.
“For us, we’ve got as much to play for in a season that hasn’t gone our way, the results haven’t gone the way we wanted them.
“We’ve spoken about finishing the season off well, really putting an exclamation mark on what’s been a challenging season. That emotion, or that passion, they don’t have a mortgage on it, just because it could be their last game or they’ve got the home crowd.”
The Tahs will also be motivated by trying to send stalwarts Dean Mumm and Rob Horne out on a high in their final game for the state.
NSW have notched just four victories this season, the same as in Foley’s first full year with the club in 2012.
“The last time we did it, we were able to win the comp two years later, so from a season like this you’ve got to take a lot away from it,” Foley said.
“You’ve got to review it openly and honestly and learn some lessons and be better for next year.”
Foley emphatically rejected the claim of player discontent towards coach Daryl Gibson aired earlier this week.
“I can squash all rumours here, there’s no chat of player dispute or questioning Daryl,” he said.
“He has the complete understanding and complete support of the playing squad.”
The 35-year-old Hodgson has been sidelined for the past five weeks with a torn calf. But he has declared himself fit for his finale, saying he can go 80 minutes if needed.
The Force’s future hangs in the balance, and Hodgson will continue the fight for their survival beyond this weekend.
But for now, Hodgson is fully focused on helping the Force snare a win that could see them finish second in the Australian conference.
And his plans for after the game? “We’re all catching up for a few drinks for the next six months,” Hodgson said with a laugh.
“I’m pretty excited. I’m enjoying every moment I get to be out with the boys.
“It probably won’t hit me until that final hooter goes.”
A little-known fact is Hodgson actually started his career at the Waratahs. But serious injuries to his ankle, shoulder, and knee meant Hodgson never got to play a game for his hometown club.
Meanwhile, Waratahs centre David Horwitz has signed with Melbourne, becoming the first player from another Australian Super Rugby club to commit to the Rebels or Western Force since the announcement one of those sides will be cut from next year’s competition.
The Rebels yesterday confirmed the signing of Horwitz on a one-year deal and say there’s more to come, despite the Australian Rugby Union still to declare which side faces the axe.
The 22-year-old saw the writing on the wall at NSW with the return of Wallabies centre Kurtley Beale, while the Rebels are losing backs Mitch Inman to French club Oyonnax and Jack Debreczeni to Japan.
Ahead of Friday’s final match of a disappointing season, against the Jaguares at AAMI Park, Melbourne are continuing to focus on the future.
“David’s signature is a coup for the Melbourne Rebels and clear indication that this club is building a competitive squad to challenge for the Australian Conference and Super Rugby finals,” Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said.
AAP
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/spor...7a8013633d33b3