Western Force inside-centre Hamish Stewart is optimistic the extra player support that the Sea of Blue generates can roar them towards the much-needed victory in Saturday night’s clash with the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park.
Stewart will bring up his 100th Super Rugby appearance on Saturday when the Force take on the Brumbies from 5:35pm WST, with the home side hopeful they’ll be a victory away from a finals spot by kick-off time if other results go their way.
The Force must win and hope the Fijian Drua lose to the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday. The Force must also match or better the Crusaders’ result against Moana Pasifika on Friday.
The Force have won their past four games at HBF Park and 10 of the last 14 at the venue, making it a fortress, providing hope that the WA side can get the much-needed victory.
“It’s massive. Our record speaks for itself at home,” Stewart said.
“It’s like having another player on the field. We always love playing back home at HBF. We can’t wait to get there on Saturday.”
Toowoomba-born Stewart said training during the week had been laser-focused after last weekend’s loss to his former side, the Queensland Reds.
“It’s been light but it’s been a good week,” he said. “All the detail is down pat. The boys are really putting on in the weather that’s here in Perth at the moment.
“We’re really looking forward to Saturday. We’re not looking too forward past the game. We just need to get the job done and let the result take care of itself.”
The 26-year-old said there were lessons from the last time the Force faced the Brumbies, going down 22-19 in Round 3 in Canberra.
“I think our forwards really stepped up their game and laid a platform for the backs to go down the edges,” Stewart said.
“If they match up physically against these guys, they’ll be under the pump and let our backs go to work.”
As for his own milestone, Stewart admitted he never thought he’d play one Super Rugby game, let alone 100.
“I was grateful to get one under the belt, to get 100 is a major achievement for me and my family,” he said. “I’m truly grateful for everyone who's been part of that.
“It’s been a long season but I knew this season I could achieve the 100 games. I’m just grateful and it’s an honour.
“Obviously to get 70-odd caps with the Reds and then finish it off here at the Force, it’s very honourable.”
Kick-off for Saturday’s must-win game at HBF Park is at 5:35pm WST, with tickets available via Ticketmaster.
The round is themed Community Round, with a curtain-raiser between Associates and Kalamunda in the Rendezvous Scarborough Challenge Cup final from 3pm.
The Super Rugby Pacific game will be broadcast live on 9GEM and streamed on Stan Sport, with regular updates @WesternForce on social media.
