The NSW Waratahs are holding onto slim finals aspirations as they prepare to travel to Perth to face the Force.
For the Waratahs, the equation is simple: win both games against the Force and Rebels with bonus points.
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If they don't or either team earns a point in their last two games, they are out and their focus turns to Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Despite remaining winless in 2021, the club is confident that they can cause an upset according to number eight Will Harris, looking to build off their narrow loss to the Brumbies a fortnight ago.
“We’re still in with a chance of the finals with the way that the results have gone so we have to win this game and the next to make the finals,” Harris said on Monday.
“We’ve had a good bye week, haven’t used it as a rest, more as an opportunity to build and get better.
“We see these last two as winnable games.”
The club's spirit and unity remain high heading into the end of the AU season.
This was evident to see in the dying minutes of their Brumbies loss a fortnight ago, with players racing to console fly-half Will Harrison after he missed the kick to send it into 'Golden Try'.
For new co-coach Chris Whittaker, this shows that the side is still enjoying their rugby and each other, easing his transition from an assistant.
“That’s one thing you can say about this team, they are super tight,” he believes.
“They are still enjoying their rugby and that’s a positive. They’ll have a coffee, hang out on their off days so they are a tight group which is really important.
“It wasn’t an ideal situation with Rob leaving but the boys have been good helping us out and have trained really well."
They are set to receive a boost, with back-rower Lachie Swinton likely to return for Saturday's clash at HBF Park.
“He gives us that toughness around the edge…he’s at Wallabies camp so we’ll see how he pulls up when he gets back from there and hopefully, he's right for selection,” Whittaker added on Swinton.
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The Western Force will return to Perth and kick off round nine of Harvey Norman Super Rugby AU, taking on the Waratahs at HBF Park, the home side will look to keep their finals hopes alive once they kick off at 7.45pm AEST, LIVE on Stan Sport and simulcast on 9Gem, click here to purchase tickets.
