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Go smash 'em boys
Nick Taylor
Under-threat Western Force and Melbourne Rebels are, publicly at least, trying to play down the “us-versus-them” siege mentality of tonight’s Super Rugby clash at nib Stadium.
But with both sides fighting for an on-field and moral victory, it is guaranteed to be an emotional-charged affair and more than just another Australian derby.
As the Australian Rugby Union blunders along, trying to sort out the mess it has created in its desire to cut one of the sides next season, both will be out to prove a point.
And if things reach boiling point, much will rest on the big shoulders of towering Force second-rower Adam Coleman, who has been handed the leadership for the first time in the absence of captain Ben McCalman and spiritual leader Matt Hodgson.
Now a first-choice Wallaby, Coleman has never stepped back in his aggressive style of play, but Force coach Dave Wessels is sure that after just 45 games he is ready for the job — even though he admits the pair don’t always see eye-to-eye.
More here at The West
https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-u...-ng-b88529286z