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The Western Force will host two pre-season fixtures in Perth when they face Samoa A in Rockingham (Friday, 7 February) and Argentinian side, Pampas XV, in Joondalup (Friday, 14 February).
The two matches will give the Sea of Blue their first opportunity to see the Western Force in action in 2014, prior to their Super Rugby season-opener against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday, 23 February.
The Western Australians will open their pre-season campaign against Samoa A at the Lark Hill Sportsplex in Rockingham. The match will assist the visiting team’s preparations for their 2014 Pacific Nations Cup campaign.
Pampas XV is regarded as Argentina’s second XV, and will also contest this year’s Pacific Nations Cup against Fijian, Samoan, Tonga and Japanese opposition. The South American side previously competed in South Africa’s Vodacom Cup between 2010 and 2013, winning the competition with an undefeated season in 2011.
The match against Pampas XV will take place at Arena Joondalup, with an earlier match to feature Force A against Samoa A.
Head Coach Michael Foley says the matches will assist in wrapping up his team’s Super Rugby preparations ahead of their Week One match against the Waratahs.
"We’re pleased to be able to complete our preparations for the Super Rugby season in front of our people in Perth,” he said.
“These matches against Pampas XV and Samoa A provide us with an excellent opportunity to put into practice what we’ve worked on during the pre-season.”
Tickets for both matches will be available at the gate. Children (under 18) will be admitted free of charge for both matches.
The Western Force kicks off their 2014 Super Rugby campaign against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Sunday, 23 February.
2014 Western Force Pre-Season Fixtures
1. Friday, 7 February: Western Force v Samoa A – Lark Hill Sportsplex, Rockingham, Perth. Kick-off: 7.30pm
2. Friday, 14 February: Western Force v Pampas XV – Arena Joondalup, Joondalup, Perth. Kick-off: 7.30pm
Force A v Samoa A – Arena Joondalup, Joondalup, Perth. Kick-off: 5.30pm
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Meh; I would prefer our pre-season games to be against S15 teams so the Force can size up the competition a bit and test our team against our actual competition.
Samoa A and an Argentinian team doesn't inspire me much as presumably both countries' best players are playing in Europe or for other S15 teams.
Does RugbyWA actively seek out these teams, or is it a question of them being the only ones who'll agree to play us? (Genuine question)
Last edited by Alison; 13-01-14 at 14:29.
Looking at the fixture for the first two rounds my bet would be they're the only ones we can get at the moment. I doubt any of the other Super Rugby sides would be too keen to add to their travel log.
Pampas have been playing in South Africa in the Vodacom Cup for the past 4 years apparently
Just a guess; but i'd be surprised if there wasn't a reluctance to travel to Perth for trials. Most of our S15 trials were in the East. I'd rather the trials are here.
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Reckon it may be a good little hit out, run the ball, settle the nerves etc. agree with Jargan as to the travel issue from other clubs. Maybe extent an invitation to japan for their national team to come over and have a scratch match in the coming years?
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Agree with you Shasta that something local is better than anything over east. Just a shame that we are the only team scratching around for opponents who want to come here. Reality of Perth/WA life I suppose.
Out of interest, here is the list for all the other S15 teams. I am loving the look of the Sarries v Sharks one on 25 Jan! Hope it's televised or streamed :-))
http://www.espnscrum.com/super-rugby...ry/209275.html
I wonder if the financial woes of the ARU are popping up again?
A quick look at that link and most of the Aussie sides are playing trials at venues that could be covered by a bus trip
Road trip to Rockingham!!!!
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Wad thinking more of Valentine's trip to Joondalup
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Valentines days is a commercial scam
Definitely better off going to the Rugby
Would be nice to see some mainstream promotion for these matches, just to emphasize the international nature of our game onto the Perth public a little bit more.
If they can afford it of course.
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?