The Western Force gave their finals hopes a major boost with a 34-14 win over the Fijian Drua.
It sees them rise into the top eight whilst solidifying HBF Park as a real fortress for the club, unbeaten in their last five.
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As for the Drua, they will be frustrated they can't translate their home form on the road.
So what did we learn?
1 EVERY POINT COUNTS
Carlo Tizzano’s late try may prove the difference in the Force's finals push.
The bonus-point win was exactly what the hosts needed as the race for the top eight continues to heat up.
Captain Michael Wells labelled it a double-points game in the build-up and the importance showed as they leapfrog the Drua into that all-important eighth position.
Games against the top-two sides await Simon Cron’s men but they will take comfort in what the Reds’ did against the Chiefs - even if it only added to the competition for finals spots.
2. AWAY WORRIES
The Drua need to sort out their disappointing away form if they wish to be a serious finals contender.
They can match it with the best in Fiji but as soon as they make the trip overseas, they look disjointed and unable to build any real momentum.
Once they figure it out, they’ll be unstoppable as they looked promising in the glimpses just before the half.
It doesn’t get easier with a trip to Sydney against the in-form Waratahs, although two games at home to finish the season against Moana Pasifika and Crusaders will give them hope of a late push for one of the final spots.
3. STEPPING UP
Jeremy Williams has made the most of the added responsibility in Izack Rodda’s absence.
He has been the leader of their lineout and is the first to make the tough carry when needed.
The try just after the break was perfect reward for all the hard he does and looms as a key partner for Rodda heading forward, slated to return in the coming fortnight.
He was aided perfectly by Carlo Tizzano, who has picked up where he left off with a game-high 19 tackles and a late try.
They will hope Rodda can suit up for next week’s crucial game against the Brumbies with Ryan McCauley ending the game with his arm in a sling.
4. ADDED IMPACT
Folau Fainga’a’s return was a welcome one, delivering the perfect audition to Eddie Jones.
He kept his head to resist the temptation for a second shot at the line inches out, which allowed Manasa Mataele to cross a phase later. Minutes later, he bumped off the defenders to get his own.
Fainga’a also remains the king of the rolling maul, with the Force instantly marching forward when the hooker attached as he picked the right moment to split and score.
He still looked troubled by the nagging Achilles problem when he limped off after his substitution. But an overall positive performance from the Wallaby in his quest for a World Cup spot.
5. COMPETITION BRINGS OUT THE BEST
Issak Fines-Leleiwasa’s performance proved he isn’t going to just lie down and allow Nic White to walk straight into the side in 2024.
His partnership with Max Burey gives the Force a real edge around the ruck and allows IFL to play that up-tempo style he thrives at.
The first two tries were evident of this as he marshalled his forwards before throwing the key pass.
He knows what to expect from White from their Brumbies days and will see these final games of the year as a chance to prove he deserves to be in the 23 for next year.
