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Western Force claim another big win

By Online Editors
Henry Stowers on the rampage for the Western Force against the Asia Pacific Dragons. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Western Force crowds may be decreasing, but the scorelines only seem to be growing in this year's Global Rapid Rugby showcase.

Criticisms have begun to emerge that Rapid Rugby, as it currently stands, does not pose a high enough standard of gameplay and opposition to get rugby fans interested - even when it's the only way for Western Australians to see their local Force team play.

Given the final score of 42-10, in the Force's favour, it doesn't appear that the higher level of competition that purists have been asking for will be reached any time soon - but at least the Force had to fight for their win.

At one point, the Asia Pacific Dragons, a team based in Singapore but comprised primarily of ageing expats, actually led the match 10-7, but the Western Force pulled ahead to lead 14-10 at half-time.

From that point on, it was all the Force, notching up 28 unanswered points through four converted tries, with ex-Wallaby Rod Davies dotting down for the last of them.

Force first five, AJ Alatimu kicked a perfect 6 from 6 and debutant Carlo Tizzano, born and raised in WA, crashed over for the Force's second try of the game.

Next week, the Force take a break from the action as the Asia Pacific Dragons battle it out with the South Pacific Tigers (who the Force beat 45-22 last weekend) in Hong Kong.

Rumours are floating around, however, that the Force may be taking on an invitational World XV next Monday.