The Western Force will begin their Super Rugby Trans-Tasman tour of New Zealand this Friday when they take on the Hurricanes in Napier from 3:05pm AWST in Round 3 of the competition.
With the Western Force flying out to New Zealand this evening ahead of their three-game tour, the squad is full of enthusiasm having not played on the Super Rugby stage there for over four years.
Lock Ryan McCauley, who has experience playing against the New Zealand sides earlier in his career with the NSW Waratahs, can’t wait for the road trip and this week’s clash with the Hurricanes.
“We’re going to have some great times together. Not many of the boys have been to Napier, so it’s exciting and also a challenge,” McCauley explained.
“Last year we weren’t able to play against any international opponents (in Super Rugby) and I think over the last two games we’ve shown we can match them.
“The Hurricanes are a physical outfit and we’re going to have to be really strong around the ball and with our cleanout work.”
Fresh from scoring his first Super Rugby try of his career last Friday against the Highlanders, prop Angus Wagner is thoroughly enjoying the 2021 campaign.
“It was sweet. I had to pick it off my toes and fell over the line. It’s great to get one,” Wagner said of his 79th-minute try.
“I’m loving it. We’ve put in some good performances in the last couple of weeks, we haven’t come away with the results, but we’re building and learning new things every week. We are on the up.
“I think it’s going to be a tough game (against the Hurricanes), all the Kiwi teams are good sides, so every time you play them you have to be at your best.”
