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'We didn't come into it wanting to prove a point': Western Force react to their losing Super Rugby return

(Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The Western Force say their strong Super Rugby AU performance against the Waratahs wasn’t about proving a point.

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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.

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in Blues U18

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Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in Blues U18

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.

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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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R
RedWarrior 58 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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