Resilient Western Force: The Perth-based outfit took another significant step on their return to Australia’s top-tier by claiming a narrow 16-15 triumph over Melbourne Rebels on Friday. It was a pretty awful game but still a significant win for the Force, who have now won two matches this season. After falling to eight successive defeats in 2020, this is proving to be a much more positive season. There is enough quality in their squad to see them compete while there is evidently plenty of spirit in their squad as a late converted try from Tim Anstee helped them to edge past the Rebels.
Force fight back to down rudderless Rebels
Super Rugby Aotearoa: Standings MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 09: Kyle Godwin of the Force and teammates celebrate after winning their round eight Super RugbyAU match between the Melbourne Rebels and the Western Force at AAMI Park, on April 09, 2021, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
The Western Force edged the Melbourne Rebels 15-16 in a dull Super Rugby AU Round Eight contest at AAMI Park, Melbourne.
Tim Anstee scored at the death as the Western Force came from behind to win a dire Australian derby under the lights in Victoria. The win is the Western Australian side’s first in Melbourne since 2015.
Rebels 15-16 Western Force: Anstee the hero as wasteful hosts are stunned Omnisport 7 hrs ago Joe Wright
The Western Force snatched a dramatic 16-15 victory over the Rebels on Friday as the home side failed to capitalise on their dominance at AAMI Park.
Despite enjoying 65 per cent of the possession and more than twice as many passes and carries, the Rebels were thwarted by their own lack of cutting edge against a rigid rearguard.
Force then made them pay with the only try of the contest in the 78th minute, Tim Anstee touching down after a rolling maul and Domingo Miotti adding the extras.