This just about summed it up for me but I couldn't get the rest behind The West paywalll.

Western Force coach Tim Sampson could probably plead mitigating circumstances after his side went down 31-14 to Super Rugby favourites Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

With his side in contention, just 10 points behind early in the second half, the ladder leaders called on the cavalry - and four Wallabies trotted on from the reserves bench.