What a difference a month can make for the Western Force
When they last played the Brumbies in Round Six, the club were languishing towards the bottom of the ladder with just one win to their name.
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Since then, the Western Force has gone on an incredible run of form, winning three games on the trot, all in the final minutes.
They are now just two games from completing one of the greatest comebacks in Australian sport, just 11 months after their Super Rugby re-inclusion.
Whilst the narrative has focused on their incredible journey, back-rower Tim Anstee was adamant that they aren't making up the numbers ahead of Saturday's Qualifying Final at GIO Stadium.
“I think that there’s a few nerves amongst the squad that the boys have talked about but I think that’s a good thing because it shows that it means something to us,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“At the same time, we’re not here to make up the numbers in the finals, we want to go out and win this week and next weekend.
“…It means a lot to us, we want to do WA proud so we’re going out there with a lot of confidence.”
Argentinian halfback Tomas Cubelli was relishing the 'sensation' of playing finals football back in Canberra, playing in two losing efforts (Highlanders '16 & Hurricanes '17) for the Brumbies.
“Every game, you still get that feeling of anxiousness and nerves,” he added.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s what we chase…the privilege of being able to feel those sensations.
“I’m really looking forward to feeling that again. Maybe, I won’t say that before the game but they are one of the good things of rugby as well.
“We’re looking forward to this game and putting on a strong performance for the team.”
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After two dominant losses in their past match-ups, the Force is well aware of what they need to do in order to upset the Brumbies and book their place in the Final.
“I think the Brumbies are a very well drilled team and are very physical as well,” Anstee said.
“Both times we played them, we were probably our worst enemy there. I think we gave away about ten penalties in the first half in both of the games.
“You’re never going to win a game of footy doing that so that’s the big thing we’ve talked about in terms of discipline.”
It’s do or die for both the Brumbies and Western Force this Saturday night in Canberra. Catch all the finals action ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport as well as simulcast live on 9Gem, click here to purchase tickets.
