The Western Force’s Super Rugby Next Gen campaign has ended with a hard-fought 57-17 loss to champions Queensland Reds in fine but windy conditions at Wanneroo Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon.
The Force dotted three times in an entertaining second half but the Reds proved too strong, completing a perfect three from three and lifting the inaugural Next Gen trophy.
Queensland produced an early onslaught which put the Force on the back foot, racing to a 33-0 lead by the interval, with the Force unrewarded for a strong period of possession and territory late in the first half.
South African full-back Migael de Lange scored a double while Boston Fakafanua came on with impact, racing away for a try of his own in the second 40.
The Force weren’t helped by lineout issues in the windy conditions, but were industrious and willing against a clinical Reds side.
The Reds dotted twice early, with fly-half Finn McKay’s long pass leading to winger Nic Lynagh’s opener, followed by tighthead Levi Slater barging over.
Returning fly-half Mack Wrigley showcased some skill with a clever kick in behind without reward, but the Reds flipped the Force again, with McKay’s kick finding Reds captain Tom Robinson for their third.
Kingsley Uys forced his way over for another, before Alfie Bowman dived over, before the Force showed some fight, with Cottesloe winger Johan Becroft making a try-saving tackle and Nate Gallagher stubborn in defence. The Force gained territory but no points before half-time.
The home side got the first try of the second half, with scrum-half Luke Aiken offloading for de Lange to score after Wests-Scarborough back-rower Jackson Bridges’ run.
The Reds replied with Tucker too strong down the left, but Fakafanua returned serve with a running 40m try, pouncing on a Queensland error out of scrum.
Queensland scored again after Dre Pakeho reloaded, setting up Isaac Rauluni. Uys added another with pace and strength.
The Force pulled another back after Gallagher showed power to offload for de Lange to race clear down the right. But the Reds had the last laugh via Josh Takai.
Western Force 17
Tries: de Lange 2x, Fakafanua
Conversions: Naqau 0/1, Hooper ½
Penalties: Nil
Queensland Reds 57
Tries: Uys 2x, Slater, Robinson, Bowman, Taka, Lynagh, Rauluni, Takai
Conversions: Lynagh 6/9
Penalties: Nil
@ Wanneroo Rugby Union Club
