WESTERN FORCE V HURRICANES ROUND 9 PREVIEW
The Hurricanes were the first visiting team to depart a loser after appearing at Subiaco. That was in the corresponding match two years ago when the ‘Canes, on their way to South Africa, were beaten 18-17 by a late try and conversion from Cameron Shepherd.
This handed the Force their first home win – at their ninth attempt. Fast-forward two years and home matches remain problematic for the West Australian franchise. Last weekend’s 39-7 win over the Queensland Reds was just the Force’s second from four home ties this year, and the ninth from 23 appearances through their four-year history.
The five points gained from the Reds has pushed the Force up the table, although another win is non-negotiable if they are to remain a contender for the semi-finals. The return from injury of Qantas Wallabies No 8 Richard Brown added go forward to the Force front eight, and he can be expected to play a greater role up against ‘Canes skipper Rodney So’oialo, having come through last weekend’s outing unscathed.
The visitors will also be looking to keep a close eye on James O’Connor, who has already scored three tries operating from the midfield and shown an ability to make things happen. The teenager, who has forged a splendid understanding with Matt Giteau, will face a big individual challenge going head-to-head with All Black Ma’a Nonu, to whom he will be conceding 20 kilograms. The Hurricanes arrived in Perth licking their wounds after a 16-point defeat in Durban that was a lot closer than the final scoreline indicates.
The New Zealanders led the competition pace-setters at halftime, and didn’t have all the luck after the break as the Sharks drew out, scoring their third and final try just before the final whistle. That loss may have cost the Hurricanes the services of fullback Cory Jane, who left the field after re-injuring his ankle. His likely absence comes on top of the loss of fellow All Black tourists from last year, winger Hosea Gear (posterior cruciate ligament) and flanker Scott Waldrom (abdominal muscle strain), who were both forced to return home from South Africa early.
Margin hunters should anticipate this one being close – six of the Force’s last eight home matches have been determined by a margin of seven points or less, while all but two of the Hurricanes’ seven matches to date this year have been decided by six or less.
Last year – Hurricanes 21, Western Force 10 at Wellington
In round eight – The Force seem to reserve their best for Queensland’s visits to Perth, making it 77 points from two games against their compatriots at Subiaco, as they routed the Reds by 32. The Hurricanes scored the only try of the first half and led the Sharks at halftime, but paid for some bad second half errors to fall 17-33.
Did you know?
The Hurricanes are the only one of the five Kiwi Super Rugby sides that is still to experience the winning feeling in Perth. Friday night’s match is the Western Force’s ninth home tie against New Zealand opposition. They have won just two of the previous eight, beating the ‘Canes two years ago and the Chiefs 22-21 last year. The Force also drew 23-23 with the Crusaders on their inaugural visit to ‘Subi’ in 2006.
Western Force v Hurricanes
Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick-off: 5.40pm (local), 7.40pm (AEST)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
