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26/04/2009 6:50 PM
Chris Pike
Sportal
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Force a chance for finals
Force thrash Lions
Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe overcame a stomach bug to take part in the Force's biggest ever Super 14 win and thoroughly enjoyed the 55-14 win over the Lions.
In an eight-try effort where the Force front row dominated both the scrum and lineout, and the backs lit up Subiaco Oval, Sharpe couldn't have been happier with how his team performed.
"It was enjoyable. At times we probably got a bit carried away with trying to do too much but to be fair we have guys in the team that can do that," Sharpe said.
"The guys are exercising their skill and it's all about making the right decisions at the right time. We showed enough structure to force those line breaks and tries."
While the departure of players and stadium debate clouding the Force's future in Perth might seem like distractions to outsiders, inside the walls the players are as focused as ever.
"Over the years this club has been through a great deal, but the one thing that has held us in good stead has been the unity in the playing group," he said.
"We play for each other regardless of what's going on around and outside, and this game was another great example of that."
The Force beat the Bulls in Pretoria 30-27 two years ago and that is the challenge again this Saturday if they are to remain in the hunt. Sharpe is confident of it happening.
"It's good work from our front row and they are progressing each week. This coming week we are back down to earth and have a big game against the Bulls in Pretoria. It's a challenge we are looking forward to," he said.
"The Lions and Bulls are two completely different sides and you can't play each side the same each week and expect to get away with it. We've already thought about how we can attack the Bulls and they are a good set piece team who love to kick and gain field position."
"We have three games to get to the finals and we'll regroup on Monday to get over the high of this performance with the reality being we have three hard matches to finish the season."
http://sportal.com.au/rugby-union-ne...h-sharpe-69273