The Western Force and ACT Brumbies are preparing to do whatever it takes as they battle it out for a maiden finals appearance.
The Force are currently holding onto fourth spot on the ladder after impressive wins over the Melbourne Rebels and Fijiana Drua, two points ahead of the Brumbies.
Last week's victory over the defending champion was the defining statement of just how far the team has come under coach Matt Hodgson, having not won a game since 2019 just over a fortnight ago.
“It’s pretty exciting coming off the win over Fiji, not only the win but the performance we put on in front of our home crowd was pretty exciting,” Hodgson said.
“It’s about trying not to put the pressure of a grand final feel to them but still go through the process.
“If we play the same way we did against Fiji, I think we’ll have a good result.”
As for the Brumbies, they have been essentially playing finals football since round four after three straight defeats to start the season.
Despite this, the side have shown massive improvements under new coach Scott Fava, who backed the Brumbies to step up to the occasion and book their spot in the finals.
“It was great to get the win (over the Rebels),” Fava said.
“This comp is so short that we know two or three wins can get you into the finals so at this point of the competition we had to win to keep our chances alive so now we’re off to WA to get our second win
“The positions are open for third and fourth but we’re really excited to go over and have that opportunity to play the best we can. If we’re deserving enough, we’ll make the finals and beat the Force.”
It will also see former Brumbies skipper Michaela Leonard go up against her old side, having made the move west after a brief stint in England in Exeter.
“She’s ready and I think she’s playing some of her best football," Hodgson remarked, confident Leonard will be unfazed by the reunion.
“I think you can see she’s enjoying the game and being able to train almost full-time which is exciting for her and the rest of the group
“I was lucky to have Michaela at my house for a while so I got a fair bit of insight into the way her brain ticks. She’s a phenomenal athlete with a great a Rugby brain on her.”
