Western Force v Fijian Latui - HBF Perth, 7:40 PM, Friday, 21 June 2019
- Thread starter ForceFan
- Start date
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Henry Seniloli joins Fijian Latui
Fiji Sun Mereleki Nai 19 Jun 2019 [Click here for full article]
England-based halfback Henry Seniloli has joined the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui as they prepare for Friday's game against the Western Force in the Global Rapid Rugby clash.......
Fiji Sun Mereleki Nai 19 Jun 2019 [Click here for full article]
England-based halfback Henry Seniloli has joined the Swire Shipping Fijian Latui as they prepare for Friday's game against the Western Force in the Global Rapid Rugby clash.......
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Fiji focus on one outcome
Global Rapid Rugby - June 20, 2019 [Click here for full article]
Young Fijian sensation Frank Lomani has declared his side capable of derailing the Western Force juggernaut and putting themselves in the frame for the Pacific Showcase crown. After making the long trip to Perth from Fiji, Lomani said the players have acclimatised and are ready to deliver their best performance of the series on Friday night at HBF Park.
“Our aim is nothing but to win,” Lomani boldly proclaimed after completing preparations at the picturesque Cottelsoe Rugby Club on Thursday afternoon...........
Lomani will be one of a large contingent of Fijian Latui players keen to impress with national team selectors looking on. Nine of the 23 to play in Perth have been called into the Pacific Test squad to tackle the Maori All Blacks and the Pacific Nations Cup.
“This is our last game before the Test matches. We’re all trying to get a spot in the World Cup team, not only in the 23 but in the starting XV, and we are driving ourselves harder to fight for those spots,” said Lomani.
Global Rapid Rugby - June 20, 2019 [Click here for full article]
Young Fijian sensation Frank Lomani has declared his side capable of derailing the Western Force juggernaut and putting themselves in the frame for the Pacific Showcase crown. After making the long trip to Perth from Fiji, Lomani said the players have acclimatised and are ready to deliver their best performance of the series on Friday night at HBF Park.
“Our aim is nothing but to win,” Lomani boldly proclaimed after completing preparations at the picturesque Cottelsoe Rugby Club on Thursday afternoon...........
Lomani will be one of a large contingent of Fijian Latui players keen to impress with national team selectors looking on. Nine of the 23 to play in Perth have been called into the Pacific Test squad to tackle the Maori All Blacks and the Pacific Nations Cup.
“This is our last game before the Test matches. We’re all trying to get a spot in the World Cup team, not only in the 23 but in the starting XV, and we are driving ourselves harder to fight for those spots,” said Lomani.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Fiji test ready for Force clash
Global Rapid Rugby - June 20, 2019 [click her for full article]
Fijian Latui has loaded up with test quality players as they aim to become the first side to take down the all-conquering Western Force, and in the process claim the Pacific Showcase Series crown when they step out onto HBF Park on Friday night.
Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected nine players who will take part in Fiji’s upcoming Pacific Test series, a key build-up tournament to the Rugby World Cup in September. Five of those will be in the run-on side, including the full front row, while Seruvakula will have the luxury of a bench also brimming with talent.
In all, there are nine changes to the side that defeated Kagifa Samoa in New Zealand a fortnight ago. Abrasive centre John Stewart, who score a double in Fiji’s opening game of the Pacific Series, is back in the #12 jumper, while England based scrumhalf, Henry Seniloli, will play his first match for Fijian Latui coming off the pine.
Global Rapid Rugby - June 20, 2019 [click her for full article]
Fijian Latui has loaded up with test quality players as they aim to become the first side to take down the all-conquering Western Force, and in the process claim the Pacific Showcase Series crown when they step out onto HBF Park on Friday night.
Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has selected nine players who will take part in Fiji’s upcoming Pacific Test series, a key build-up tournament to the Rugby World Cup in September. Five of those will be in the run-on side, including the full front row, while Seruvakula will have the luxury of a bench also brimming with talent.
In all, there are nine changes to the side that defeated Kagifa Samoa in New Zealand a fortnight ago. Abrasive centre John Stewart, who score a double in Fiji’s opening game of the Pacific Series, is back in the #12 jumper, while England based scrumhalf, Henry Seniloli, will play his first match for Fijian Latui coming off the pine.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Bit of fun with Marcel Brache getting interviewed on local Perth radio station 96FM.
https://soundcloud.com/westernforce...YIwsmPyGAg-KoBQ8evgVoCh-p2SRPdrt5oFy1NUalfklk
https://soundcloud.com/westernforce...YIwsmPyGAg-KoBQ8evgVoCh-p2SRPdrt5oFy1NUalfklk
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
12,850 in attendance - not bad for a Friday night.
Pre-game entertainment - including the Black Sorrows - excellent.
Western Force showed very poor ball retention in the 1st half but scored very well against an energetic Fijian Latui in the 2nd half.
WF pack did more than hold its own against an all Fiji test team front row
Good to see young Rory O'Sullivan get his first try for the WF.
WF get the purse for community rugby.
Pre-game entertainment - including the Black Sorrows - excellent.
Western Force showed very poor ball retention in the 1st half but scored very well against an energetic Fijian Latui in the 2nd half.
WF pack did more than hold its own against an all Fiji test team front row
Good to see young Rory O'Sullivan get his first try for the WF.
WF get the purse for community rugby.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Force fly to finish first
Western Force - June 21, 2019
The Western Force has won the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase Series in glorious style in front of a crowd of nearly 13,000 delighted fans.
Travelling undefeated throughout the series, the Force overpowered a strong Fijian Latui side to win by 21-points scoring seven tries to three.
The game started well for the home side scoring the first try within the first 10 minutes from a cleverly delivered pass from Andrew Deegan to Rocket Rod Davies.
In one of the most physical games of Rapid Rugby so far, the Fijian’s brought a game-plan which saw them capitalise on Force mistakes and were on the scoreboard after winning a penalty and taking the kick from point-blank range.
The Force continued to produce fast-paced running rugby to keep the Fijian’s under pressure finding breaks to send Johan Bardoul and Andrew Deegan over the try line.
Staring down a 16 point deficit Fijian Latui hit back with two tries of their own to reduce the margin to just four-points just before half time.
In typical Force fashion, the home team didn’t settle for taking a narrow lead into the break and chanced their arm for a bigger prize as the hooter sounded. With the try line in sight, Henry Taefu crashed over, making the most of a brilliant cut-out-pass from Issak Fines.
Fijian Latui started the second half strong with the only Power Try of the match just moments from kick-off, however, the Force regained control of when Brynard Stander showed why his teammates call him “The Bull” brushing off two big tackles to find the try line.
That was the start of another three try run by the Force, with UWA Rugby Club’s Rory O’Sullivan getting in on the action to score his first Western Force five-pointer.
Just as they did to close out the first half, the Force found something special to finish the game. With the final hooter sounding and the Pacific Showcase Series in their keeping, Clay Uyen ensured there was one more memorable moment to enjoy when he skilfully intercepted a long Fijian cut-out pass and sprinted home to put an exclamation mark on the win.
Western Force - June 21, 2019
The Western Force has won the Global Rapid Rugby Pacific Showcase Series in glorious style in front of a crowd of nearly 13,000 delighted fans.
Travelling undefeated throughout the series, the Force overpowered a strong Fijian Latui side to win by 21-points scoring seven tries to three.
The game started well for the home side scoring the first try within the first 10 minutes from a cleverly delivered pass from Andrew Deegan to Rocket Rod Davies.
In one of the most physical games of Rapid Rugby so far, the Fijian’s brought a game-plan which saw them capitalise on Force mistakes and were on the scoreboard after winning a penalty and taking the kick from point-blank range.
The Force continued to produce fast-paced running rugby to keep the Fijian’s under pressure finding breaks to send Johan Bardoul and Andrew Deegan over the try line.
Staring down a 16 point deficit Fijian Latui hit back with two tries of their own to reduce the margin to just four-points just before half time.
In typical Force fashion, the home team didn’t settle for taking a narrow lead into the break and chanced their arm for a bigger prize as the hooter sounded. With the try line in sight, Henry Taefu crashed over, making the most of a brilliant cut-out-pass from Issak Fines.
Fijian Latui started the second half strong with the only Power Try of the match just moments from kick-off, however, the Force regained control of when Brynard Stander showed why his teammates call him “The Bull” brushing off two big tackles to find the try line.
That was the start of another three try run by the Force, with UWA Rugby Club’s Rory O’Sullivan getting in on the action to score his first Western Force five-pointer.
Just as they did to close out the first half, the Force found something special to finish the game. With the final hooter sounding and the Pacific Showcase Series in their keeping, Clay Uyen ensured there was one more memorable moment to enjoy when he skilfully intercepted a long Fijian cut-out pass and sprinted home to put an exclamation mark on the win.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Force claim Pacific crown
Global Rapid Rugby - June 21, 2019
The Western Force have swept all before them in 2019 and ensured they delivered a perfect finish to a flawless campaign by defeating Fijian Latui 45-24 at HBF Park to claim the Pacific Showcase Series crown.
The West Australian’s were tested by Fiji but a strong start and an equally impressive finish was enough to send almost 13,000 members and supporters in the Sea of Blue home happy.
Both sides started tentatively, happy to prod and poke at the defensive line without really getting up enough steam to break through. The Western Force in particular appeared to struggle with the willingness of Fijian Latui to kick the ball and back themselves in to create a turnover in a more attacking position.
The circuit breaker came in the seventh minute when the Force made the most of a period of sustained pressure deep in their attacking zone as Rod Davies dashed over to register the first score of the match.
In past matches the Force have been able to string together two or three tries in quick succession and Fiji were alert to that danger. The visitors pushed hard to score and were rewarded with a penalty right in front of the uprights and they made no mistake in securing the three points on offer.
A try however was harder to come by for the pacific islanders and they found themselves on the back foot again when the Force turned a lineout into an unstoppable maul which saw Johan Bardoul crash his way over.
The home side were at it again just six minutes later, this time Andrew Deegan was the one to cause the Fijian’s pain, reaching full stretch to dot the ball onto the try line.
Down by 16 points the fightback came in an impressive five minute burst from Fijian Latui, classy flyhalf Malele Tikotani and prop Luke Tagi bagging tries that brought the Force lead back to just four points.
That appeared it would be the margin the Force would take into the sheds however, as happens more often than not, another try was scored after the hooter had sounded. After sustained pressure from the Force forwards a bullet pass from the breakdown by Issak Fines to an on running Henry Taefu saw him slide through a gap a score. With Andrew Deegan’s successful conversion kick the lead lead was back to 11.
Whatever Fijian Latui Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said to his players during the break, it worked, as they cashed in with a Power Try directly from the restart. With nine points in the bank, the visitors were just a couple shy now of the Force and you could see their energy was up and about.
That however would be the last time Fijian Latui would trouble the scorers as the Force, as they have done throughout the Asia and Pacific Showcase Series, came home with a wet sail.
Rampaging number 8 Brynard Stander began the run with a typically straight line bursting run that saw him brush aside two tackles and score in the corner. The next score was celebrated roundly by players and fans alike as local youngster Rory O’Sullivan registered his first try for the club. O’Sullivan was brought into the squad as cover in the scrumhalf position and has shown he isn’t out of his depth at this level with some assured performances over a number of weeks.
With a 14 point lead and a bonus point in their back pocket for scoring at least four tries in the match the Force could have easily just run out the clock. However, as they did in the opening half, they had the final word after the hooter had sounded. With Fiji in control and looking to end their night on a high, they moved the ball quickly across field to try to find a gap. Force wing Clay Uyen saw the danger and beautifully swooped to intercept the ball and run 35 meters the other way to create a memorable end to an entertaining game, and an unbeaten series.
Global Rapid Rugby - June 21, 2019
The Western Force have swept all before them in 2019 and ensured they delivered a perfect finish to a flawless campaign by defeating Fijian Latui 45-24 at HBF Park to claim the Pacific Showcase Series crown.
The West Australian’s were tested by Fiji but a strong start and an equally impressive finish was enough to send almost 13,000 members and supporters in the Sea of Blue home happy.
Both sides started tentatively, happy to prod and poke at the defensive line without really getting up enough steam to break through. The Western Force in particular appeared to struggle with the willingness of Fijian Latui to kick the ball and back themselves in to create a turnover in a more attacking position.
The circuit breaker came in the seventh minute when the Force made the most of a period of sustained pressure deep in their attacking zone as Rod Davies dashed over to register the first score of the match.
In past matches the Force have been able to string together two or three tries in quick succession and Fiji were alert to that danger. The visitors pushed hard to score and were rewarded with a penalty right in front of the uprights and they made no mistake in securing the three points on offer.
A try however was harder to come by for the pacific islanders and they found themselves on the back foot again when the Force turned a lineout into an unstoppable maul which saw Johan Bardoul crash his way over.
The home side were at it again just six minutes later, this time Andrew Deegan was the one to cause the Fijian’s pain, reaching full stretch to dot the ball onto the try line.
Down by 16 points the fightback came in an impressive five minute burst from Fijian Latui, classy flyhalf Malele Tikotani and prop Luke Tagi bagging tries that brought the Force lead back to just four points.
That appeared it would be the margin the Force would take into the sheds however, as happens more often than not, another try was scored after the hooter had sounded. After sustained pressure from the Force forwards a bullet pass from the breakdown by Issak Fines to an on running Henry Taefu saw him slide through a gap a score. With Andrew Deegan’s successful conversion kick the lead lead was back to 11.
Whatever Fijian Latui Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula said to his players during the break, it worked, as they cashed in with a Power Try directly from the restart. With nine points in the bank, the visitors were just a couple shy now of the Force and you could see their energy was up and about.
That however would be the last time Fijian Latui would trouble the scorers as the Force, as they have done throughout the Asia and Pacific Showcase Series, came home with a wet sail.
Rampaging number 8 Brynard Stander began the run with a typically straight line bursting run that saw him brush aside two tackles and score in the corner. The next score was celebrated roundly by players and fans alike as local youngster Rory O’Sullivan registered his first try for the club. O’Sullivan was brought into the squad as cover in the scrumhalf position and has shown he isn’t out of his depth at this level with some assured performances over a number of weeks.
With a 14 point lead and a bonus point in their back pocket for scoring at least four tries in the match the Force could have easily just run out the clock. However, as they did in the opening half, they had the final word after the hooter had sounded. With Fiji in control and looking to end their night on a high, they moved the ball quickly across field to try to find a gap. Force wing Clay Uyen saw the danger and beautifully swooped to intercept the ball and run 35 meters the other way to create a memorable end to an entertaining game, and an unbeaten series.
ForceFan
Peter Fenwicke (45)
Fantastic to have the highlights package out so quickly.
The Power Try by Fiji was impressive as was the sustained WF defensive effort to keep Fiji out for so long.
https://www.facebook.com/rapidrugby/videos/358518864859336/?t=50
The Power Try by Fiji was impressive as was the sustained WF defensive effort to keep Fiji out for so long.
https://www.facebook.com/rapidrugby/videos/358518864859336/?t=50
