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Story by Chris De Silva • Yesterday 10:37 pm
Found it here
Rugby greats have challenged the Western Force to maintain a level of professionalism in order to reach the finals after a stirring win over the Fijian Drua in Perth.
The Force have blown hot and cold throughout the Super Rugby Pacific season, but once again showed that their best can match it with anyone, running away with a 34-14 bonus point win.
Simon Cron's side held the explosive Fijian offence scoreless in the second half as a double to Folau Fainga'a and tries to Manasa Mataele, Jeremy Williams and Carlo Tizzano sealed the victory.
Following the match, Wallabies great Justin Harrison explained what allowed the Force to play some of their best football against a team placed higher on the ladder.
"You get the feeling that Cronny has really spent time on the mental aptitude of these players," he said on Stan Sport's coverage.
"What does it mean to be a professional player versus just a paid player? That is a really big difference and shift for these Western Force players."
"Look, you can play third grade at Wanneroo and turn up on time, that's not being professional," ex-Wallaby Morgan Turinui added.
"You can put the right studs in your boots, that's not a professional player. It's consistent performances, exhibiting the behaviours of an elite group of sportsmen. And he's (Cron) got to pull the stick out sometimes and make sure they will do that consistently.
"It's not good enough to beat the Highlanders (then) get flogged by the Crusaders. Yes, they've come up against the Drua, now the next challenge is consistency."
The Force are set to be boosted by the addition of veteran scrum-half Nic White next season, and Fijian great Nemani Nadolo said White's arrival would continue to help develop the team's efficiency.
"With Nic White coming across, it's only going to boost the young guys in that squad," he said.
"It's going to make them want to push for something as well.
"In rugby it's a mindset. It's training the mind as well and making sure that's on top, especially when these big games come at this back end of the season."
The result leaves both the Force and Drua with identical 4-7 records after 11 games, with the Force eighth, one spot above the Drua on the ladder.
The Force will face the Brumbies in round 13, while the Drua will tackle the NSW Waratahs.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
The title mentions rugby greats'?
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!
I consider myself more of a Rugby Fan.
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
I've said it before and I'll say it again, a top 8 in a completion that only has 12 teams is stupid.
Japan and the Pacific Islands for Aussie Super 9's!
Let's have one of these in WA! Click this link: Saitama Super Arena - New Perth Stadium?
Exile
Port Macquarie
"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now if you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth. But ya gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody! Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that!" - Rocky Balboa
It's easy.... just gotta beat the best Aussie team, our arch enemies & the best kiwi team!
Job done!
Great game, Fucken battled right through to the 80!