The Western Force are looking to be hitting the ground running in the inaugural season of Super Rugby AUS, with the team already locked in for the final next week.
However, as they prepare to welcome the Queensland Reds to Tompkins Park, veteran star Kurtley Beale is wary of the challenge the Les Kiss-led side will pose.
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“[There’s a] good feeling around the group,” Beale told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
“But there's plenty to work on still. That's the mentality going into this week. The Reds coming off a disappointing loss against the Tahs. So they'll be fired up, I think.
“It's just building the week nicely, recovering well, understanding the game plan that's going to be put forward, and just focus on the present, understanding that we've got a big challenge ahead against the Reds.”
While the competition has seen many young names put their hands up for future honours, the competition has also been a valuable one for Beale after coming back from a long injury stint.
The 95-capped Wallaby has been impressed by the upcoming talent on display out west.
“It's nice to have some game time, just to get that rhythm back,” Beale said.
“There's a lot of young boys who are putting their hand up. [They] didn't get much game time with Super Rugby this year, but [they’re] certainly putting their mark on the competition. It's been really enjoyable.
“Just across the park, a lot of the young boys are getting the job done, but knowing that there's always room for improvement, so never settling on a performance, just making sure that we're building and getting better each day.”
Beale still believes there is plenty for the side to work on, highlighting the breakdown and discipline as key areas where the Brumbies asked questions of the team.
However, the veteran believed the side worked through the problems as the match went on, and were helped along by a venue capacity crowd at Tompkins Park, one that Beale felt was a carnival atmosphere that was “on top of you.”
The decision to take the competition out to suburban grounds has proven fruitful so far, with a strong country crowd also watching the Waratahs defeat the Reds in Narribri.
Beale is hopeful the 'Sea of Blue' will continue to show up this weekend, with a home final on the line for the side.
“It'd be great to get more people down there to support the guys, knowing that we do have the final,” Beale said.
“We're doing our best to put in some exciting rugby and backing our talents out there. So hopefully it's nice to watch.
“It's a great oval, Palmyra Oval. The crowd's on top of you as well, so you can hear every little chitter-chatter in the stands, which is awesome.”
