Highlanders to challenge Force in Perth

Once the Hurricanes vs Rebels result is in, attention will be turned to Perth where the Force host the Highlanders in the second fixture of Round 2.  

Out of all the Australian sides, the Force came closest to kicking their campaign off with a win as they were pipped by a single point in their encounter with the Chiefs. It was a competitive game in which the Force pack put up a good fight against their counterparts. The Chiefs found themselves 20-7 in the lead with 15 minutes to play but the Aussies showed good character to roll up their sleeves and add a further 12 points to their tally. 

The Highlanders were too hot for the Reds to handle in Round 1, the former carving out a comfortable 40-19 victory in a game largely characterised by their attacking play.  Mitch Hunt is combining well with the skilful Aaron Smith – both players benefitting from the hard grind which their forwards are constantly engaged in up front. 

The Force will have to rely on the guts they showed last weekend if they hope to trouble a Highlanders outfit which is looking very competent at present.