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The Super Rugby AU match-up that a Wallabies prop has labelled as 'scary'

(Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Western Force prop Tom Robertson says it’s a “scary” prospect taking on last season’s Super Rugby AU grand finalists back-to-back, but the team’s growing cohesion has left him feeling confident of an upset.

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The Force produced their best performance of the season in last week’s 26-19 loss to the ladder-leading Reds in Queensland.

The challenge will be just as tough this Friday night when the Force take on defending champions the Brumbies in Canberra.

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Stephen Ferris | All Access

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Stephen Ferris | All Access

“It’s the two grand finalists from last season two weekends in a row, which is scary,” Robertson said.

“But it’s great to be testing yourself playing against the best teams in Australia and some of the best teams in the world.

“We came so close against the Reds and we’re confident we can get the job done this week against the Brumbies.”

The Force have now played four games together, and Robertson says the growing cohesion is evident.

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“I definitely felt it myself,” Robertson said.

“We’ve got a great squad – we have so many good international players, players that have won World Cups, players that still play internationally.

“We are quite confident that if we get the cohesion together, we can beat every team in the comp.

“I think that cohesion you saw in attack on the weekend, it’s no coincidence that after a few games we are starting to get that together.

“We’re confident we’ve got the cattle, now it’s about us getting it together, and I’m pretty confident we can go all the way.”

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Friday’s match will pit star Force recruit Tevita Kuridrani against his former side for the second time this season, following on from the Brumbies’ 27-11 win in Perth in round one.

Kuridrani starred for the Brumbies across nine seasons, with the powerful centre part of last year’s title success.

But after being overlooked for Wallabies selection, Kuridrani made the decision to join the Force at the end of last year.

“I’m really looking forward to playing the Brumbies in Canberra,” Kuridrani said.

“There’s been a few messages from old teammates already this week.”

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
Three-way race to be number one in World Rugby men's rankings

IF SA and NZ win then its 1,2,3 SA/NZ/IRL Otherwise as you were. This is largely irrelevant beyond bragging rights.


As I have pointed out elsewhere the practical use of the Rankings is to determine the seedings bands for the RWC draw. The draw takes place early 2026 and hopefully the rankings will be taken from then.


Important to be in the top 6, the top 12. (and likely the top 4).

This is because there are now 6 groups in the RWC 2027.

If you are in top 6 you are in Seeding Band 1. That means none of the other top 6 will be in your group.

Seeding Band 2 are teams from 7-12, who will have a top 6 team but no other 7-12 team.

After England's defeat by NZ there is clear water between NZ in 3rd, France in 4th and England in 5th. England are desperate for top4, ill come back and explain why later.

Lets look at Seeding Band 1 and 6th place. If you make 6th, no top 6 team is in your group, you are top dog. If you win your group, you won't be facing a top 6 team in your 1/8th final, you will be facing a weaker team. If you fail to make 6th place you WILL have a top 6 team in your group and if you don't win your group you WILL (probably) meet a top 6 in the 1/8 final. That's massive.


Its Argentina holding 6th now. Assuming England hold 5th, then its a 4 horse race for 6th. Argentina, Scotland, Italy and ...Australia. (ranked 6,7,8,9)

Australia play the Lions in NH summer 2025 they are running out of time to get up to 6th for their own RWC. They MUST make a move now. They must beat Wales and they really must beat Scotland to gain points and take points off them. Could they surprise England or Ireland? England may be the better bet but Schmidt knows Ireland so well having masterminded their downfall in France.

Another one to watch is Italy V Argentina. Italy are ambitious and they will want to start pushing the likes of Argentina. If they win this they are still in the hunt. Well worth a watch either way.


Top4: I think the top 6 will be seeded, all the way through from the draw. If thats the case then the top 4 will be seeded to avoid each other until the semi. Good for more certainty around ticket sales etc. That's a possible reason why England want in there. You're not in there you are hitting a top 4 team in a QF. That's an extra 50:50 match you can do without and avoid by being top 4.


Lets look at what Seeding bands might look like with todays rankings:


Seeding Band 1

IRE/SA/NZ/FRA/ENG/ARG

Seeding Band 2

SCO/ITA/AUS/FIJ/WAL/GEO


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: FIJI

1/8 final opponent GEORGIA

Prognosis: advance to 1/4 and potentially beyond


Sample Aussie strongest pool opponent and 1/8th final opponent if NOT in top 6

Strongest pool opponent: SOUTH AFRICA

1/8 final opponent NEW ZEALAND

Prognosis: You know the prognosis


I am pretty sure this is not lost on Joe Schmidt?


Keep in mind when enjoying the matches.

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