The stakes cannot get any higher for the Western Force against the Brumbies on Saturday in their 20th anniversary game, Round 13 of the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific season.
The race for finals spots could not be tighter and a win for both sides is crucial.
The Force, currently eighth can get back into the six while the Brumbies, the Force's first Super opponents two decades ago, have the incentive of leaping into second spot.
The game will be played in front of about 50 past players who will parade pre-game and form a run-on guard of honour for the two teams.
Force coach Simon Cron said the players had spoken about how tight this year's competition was and how crucial the game (kick-off 5:35pm WST and live on Stan Sport & 9GEM) was for their final's aspirations.
He also stressed the importance of "layers of focus and urgency" in the opening minutes of the game and the start of the second half.
"It's a really critical game for us. Every game is critical," Cron told reporters during the CD Dodd Conference after Thursday training.
"It's been really tight. We talked about that earlier in the week.
"It's just important that we go out there and focus on what we've got to do, which is process driven rather than outcome.
"We've got to be really good 10 seconds at a time, focusing on how we do it, what we do, go hard and then start the next 10 seconds.
"We've talked about it as a player group, just being focused and urgent when we first get on that field, making sure everyone is on the same page.
"All it takes is two out of the 15 to be off it. We've worked on that and pretty confident this week we'll be fine.
"It's another game for us and an opportunity to play the way we want to play.
"We're back on home soil so great opportunity to show how we can play."
Lineouts could be a turning point in the game with the Force having impressed in both attack and taking opposition ball.
"The Brumbies historically have been renowned for their set piece," Cron said.
"I feel we are growing a pretty strong group that are showing our DNA as well."
Cron said the scrum had been hampered this season by front row injuries.
"We've had a few injuries in those spots," he said.
"It's making sure that we can get the guys who are coming up and through to be able to handle Super Rugby.
"We're confident we can do that."
The Force's first Super game against the Brumbies in Round One, 2006 was played in front of almost 38,000 supporters at Subiaco Oval.
Cron said there had been a push to reconnect with past players this season.
"We've always got guys coming through in the sheds," he said.
"It's been a big push to reconnect with our past this year and making sure we reconnect with a lot of those previous players.
"We're excited having them here.
"They'll be coming in after the game to catch up and spend time with us.
"There's a lot of guys that we're really excited to catch up and see.
"It's really cool to be connected to them."
Cron has name a settled starting side for the game with Will Harris at blindside flanker, replacing Reed the only change.
The front five is uncharged with Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly and Tom Robertson in the front row and captain Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain in the engine room.
Swain takes on his former side for the first time in Perth.
The inclusion of Harris sees Nick Champion de Crespigny move to number 8, with Super Rugby Pacific leading try scorer Carlo Tizzano at openside.
Reigning Force Rising Star, scrum-half Henry Robertson holds his starting spot for the third consecutive game, pairing with fly-half Ben Donaldson.
Hamish Stewart and Bayley Kuenzle start in midfield, Mac Grealy and Harry Potter on the wings and Kurtley Beale at full-back.
The bench has a new look with prop Tiaan Tauakipulu, hooker Tom Horton, second-rower Lopeti Faifua and centre Sio Tomkinson all added.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has made two changes with hooker Lachlan Lonergan and second row Lachie Shaw coming into the line-up.
Teams
Western Force starting side: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Kurtley Beale.
Reserves; Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Reed Prinsep, Nic White, Max Burey, Sio Tomkinson
Brumbies starting side: James Slipper, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Lachlan Shaw, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tom Hooper, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Len Ikitau, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Reserves: Liam Bowron, Lington Ieli, Rhys van Nek, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Luke Reimer, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Ollie Sapsford
Game details
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday 10 May, 5:35pm WST
HBF Park, Perth
Tickets via Ticketmaster
Live on Stan Sport & 9GEM
