The Western Force has qualified for the Swyftx Super Rugby AUS Grand Final for the second straight season after an impressive 40-12 win over the ACT Brumbies at North Coast RUFC on Sunday.
The Force triumphed six tries to two, piling on four in the first half to race to a 28-0 half-time lead aided by a strong breeze favouring them in the opening 40.
Half-back Nathan Hastie was outstanding in close, capping his display with two tries. UWA openside flanker Jack Daly added a double as well.
James O’Connor got his first run for the Force in 15 years, playing the last 20 minutes, working alongside Kurtley Beale, with the duo alternating in tandem at fly-half and centre.
Beale was a shining light, kicking five of six from the tee, including a perfect first-half record.
The result means the Force has two wins from its two Super AUS games, booking a spot in the decider in a fortnight where the side will face the NSW Waratahs, who also boast a 2-0 record.
The Force will take on the Waratahs in Sydney next weekend, with the winner to host the decider.
The home side jumped the Brumbies in a clinical first half with three tries inside 21 minutes, pouncing on any handling errors from the visitors.
The Force scored first when winger Ronan Leahy dotted down the left from Beale’s cut-out pass after Nic Dolly’s opportunistic 50-22. Beale converted.
Minutes later, Boston Fakafanua burst through a gap, laying the platform for Daly to dive over, with Beale adding the extras.
It was 21-0 soon after, when Wanneroo product Hastie showed quick feet to dance out of the ruck, chipping and chasing to himself to score.
The Brumbies kept on probing but the Force defence was giving up nothing. On half-time down the other end, the Force scored again with prop Misinale Epenisa diving over from a maul.
The industrious Hastie extended the lead early in the second half, taking a quick tap to lunge over from close.
Irish UWA back-rower Daly grabbed his second, as the Force fanned play left with Mac Grealy putting him in down the edge. Beale finally blemished his copybook.
As both made numerous changes, the Brumbies got a consolation, with reserve scrum-half Dan Nelson off the back of a rolling maul.
The Brumbies added another late with reserve prop Darcy Breen barging over after repeated attempts on the Force line.
The Force will face the ‘Tahs away at Pittwater Rugby Park on Sunday from 10:45am WST, live on rugby.com.au Youtube and Stan Sport.
Western Force 40
Tries: Leahy, Daly 2x, Hastie 2x, Epenisa
Conversions: Beale 5/6
Penalties: Nil
ACT Brumbies 12
Tries: Nelson, Breen
Conversions: Edmed 0/1 Swan 1/1
Penalties: Nil
@ North Coast Sharks RUFC
