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'We didn't come into it wanting to prove a point': Western Force react to their losing Super Rugby return
By AAP
The Western Force say their strong Super Rugby AU performance against the Waratahs wasn't about proving a point.
Playing their first match since being exiled from the original Super Rugby competition at the end of 2017, the Force lead for three-quarters of the SCG match before being over-run 23-14.
While they were given little chance pre-match, Force coach Tim Sampson said he knew they were up to the standard.
Their last game before being cut from the competition was a emotional win over NSW.
"We didn't come into it wanting to prove a point," Sampson said.
"We know where we are heading as a club and we're in a really positive position.
"I think a lot of people within our organisation knew what we were going to deliver and it's one to be proud of."
Veteran playmaker Jono Lance, who joined the Force after visa issues meant he couldn't take up an Edinburgh contract, showed poise under pressure and was integral in steering the team to a 14-7 halftime lead.
The Force will face a step up next round, taking on the Reds in Brisbane.
They will move into their Hunter Valley training base on Sunday, where they will spend the next two to three weeks with hopes of playing at home in Western Australia from round five.
"It will be good for us to get into our own nest up there and we will use it to our advantage," Sampson said.
"There are some players who haven't played this level of competition back to back but we've got a great group and some really strong leaders."
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Latest Comments
HAHAHAHA typical.. there is no where near 90% of the top players in Europe Nick. Those playing in Brazil and Argentina still are probably better that 90% of the none top 5 european leagues.
Even just because these australians are in Europe, does not make them better than those at home. And that goes for nearly all the nations with heavy representation in europe.
What you're trying to say is europe is were 90% of the money in football is, that would get your point across better.
Go to commentsScott Robertson wants his men to push through and sight their targets to help minimise errors from rushed and frustrating brain explosions.
This test match will highlight if the entire coaching staff can select from the All Blacks sqaud, a team capable of producing the necessary and silencing their critics.
Go the All Blacks...looking to have the rub of green again vs Ireland... onwards and upwards.
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