The timely return of Wallaby Ben Donaldson from a groin strain has proven particularly beneficial for the Western Force, the WA side coming from behind to defeat the Brumbies in Super Rugby AUS.
The 46-35 result saw the Force book their ticket for the final, however their upcoming match against the Queensland Reds still has plenty to play for, with a home final still on the cards.
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The Waratahs demolition of the Reds in Narribri has blown the competition wide open as to who will join the Force, with even the Brumbies still a chance should they pull off a similar result against the NSW side this weekend at Viking Park.
The win over the Brumbies, however, bodes well for the Force ahead of the next two weeks.
“It was like a bit of a roller coaster out there, it's pretty windy down here,” Max Burey said to reporters post-match.
“It was quite hard that first half. It was pretty up and down, lots of swings and momentum.
“But I think the pleasing thing there was we actually got behind at one point and the boys really stuck in it and sort of went back to our foundations around just hitting hard, creating turnovers and playing off the back of it.
“The whole 23's effort was outstanding there. It was great to see the fans sort of turn out and you can just tell how much rugby means to them.”
Burey has set the competition alight, picking up the opening player of the week award and backing it up with two tries in the second round.
However, Donaldson’s return was also welcome, with the flyhalf looking to get back into Wallaby calculations and determined to get some time in the legs.
“That's what you want to see in this comp,” Donaldson said.
“A lot of young boys coming through, playing some exciting footy and it's a good brand for the spectators as well.
“[On his own game] I was blowing. There's only so much rehab running you can do. Been in rehab for a bit, but it's different once you get onto the field and have to hit rocks and get back up.
“But I feel good. Body feels good, feels strong and I'm just keen to do my part, whatever it is here for the next few weeks to help the boys.”
While Donaldson will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship (pending any injury coverage), his remaining focus will be securing a home final, with the Reds set to arrive at Tompkins Park this coming weekend.
“I love playing my rugby here in Perth,” Donaldson added.
“Saturday arvo footy with all the crowd here and the boys are playing some unreal footy under Chucky [James Stannard]. [It’s] great to be back out there and good to have some fun with the lads as well.
“I think the Reds are a great outfit. They've got some good depth there. But so do we.
“We're showing we've got a really good, strong squad at the moment. And two from two, we know it's going to be a tough challenge against the Reds next week. But that carrot's there.
“If we win that, we get a home final, which will be pretty cool as well.”
