The Western Force have made a powerful return to HBF Park after six weeks on the road, with a convincing win against Kagifa Samoa.
The Force showed a clever game combined with skill and hard work allowing the team to finish 63-5.
Samoa gained possession straight from the kick-off to get on the front foot early, causing the home team trouble.
Led by Nedlands product, Tom Sheminant, the Force was able to put the Samoan pack on skates in the scrum, earning themselves much needed field position.
With the Samoan forwards showing off impressive tackles, the Force found glory in sending the ball to their backline, reaping rewards through clever passes.
AJ Alatimu controlled the pace of the game beautifully, acting as the catalyst for the first try of the game. With a crafty flick pass, ‘Apple Juice’ was able to put Henry Taefu into space before Clay Uyen crashed over for the first try of the match.
Alatimu opened his campaign on the boot well, nailing the first conversion of the game, and continuing to kick with perfect accuracy throughout the match.
The Samoans brought a different style of rugby to Perth, keeping the Force on their toes with hard-hitting defence.
The pairing of Alatimu and Isaak Fines paid dividends for Tim Sampson as they tore holes in Samoa’s defence.
The Western Force stayed true to their structure and game plan throughout the first half, heading to the sheds with three unanswered tries.
Fines was sensational at halfback, capitalizing on every opportunity and cutting through Samoa’s line with a quick run to further extend the Force lead with his second try.
The flood gates blew wide open as the Force were able to find gaps in the Samoan defence, with Henry Stowers, Fergus Lee Warner and Brynard ‘The Bull’ Stander all finding the try line.
The Force outran an over-worked Samoan team in the last ten minutes, with Rod Davies skipping through for a double.
Leading 63-0 with just three minutes remaining, Kagifa Samoa were determined not to leave Perth without showing some of their brilliance in front of the Sea of Blue.
Ah Mu Tuimalealifano delivered a beautiful dive pass to Kalone Hala to score a brilliant try just after the full-time whistle.
Tries: Clay Uyen, Johan Bardoul, Issak Fines (2), Henry Stowers, Rod Davies (2), Tevin Ferris and Fergus Lee-Warner.
