Western Force Prop Tom Robertson Full of Confidence After Pre-Season Brumbies Victory
Reigning Nathan Sharpe Medallist Tom Robertson has expressed strong confidence in the Western Force's bolstered forward pack following a dominant pre-season performance. The Force secured a convincing 42-12 victory over an under-strength Brumbies side in their final hit-out before the Super Rugby Pacific league commences.
Force Dominate in Final Pre-Season Clash
Robertson was among five Wallabies included in the Force's starting fifteen for this crucial pre-season match, which took place at Scotch College on Friday. The team delivered an impressive display, overwhelming a weakened Brumbies lineup that was missing most of its regular starters.
Restored to his natural loosehead prop position after winning the Force's highest individual honour while playing at tighthead last season, Robertson made an immediate impact. He scored the opening try of the game within the first five minutes, setting the tone for a commanding first-half performance.
The hosts built a substantial 35-0 lead by halftime, with notable contributions from several players. Ben Donaldson executed a superb solo effort, while Harry Johnson-Holmes powered over for a close-range try. These scores were complemented by a pair of converted tries from Carlo Tizzano, showcasing the Force's attacking prowess.
Brumbies Respond but Force Maintain Control
Although the Brumbies managed to stem the bleeding in the second half, reducing the margin with a penalty try and a five-pointer from Liam Bowron, the Force maintained their dominance. Henry Robertson added another late converted try to seal the comprehensive 42-12 victory for the Western Force.
Tom Robertson acknowledged that the absence of the Brumbies' Wallabies stars meant the team should not get over-excited, but he expressed satisfaction with their performance ahead of the season opener. The two sides are set for a rematch at HBF Park in a fortnight, which will provide a more accurate test of their capabilities.
Robertson Highlights Forward Pack Improvements
"Our maul was really good today, our set-piece, we've been working on that a lot in the pre-season, so it was good to see that coming to fruition," Robertson commented. "But at the end of the day, it's only a trial match, and we're going to have the same team in round one, but they're gonna have a lot more Wallabies playing for them."
Robertson attributed the promising pre-season to a combination of new forwards coach Craig Dunlea and added depth in the forward pack. He emphasised the positive impact of Dunlea's coaching on set-piece and scrum strategies, which have been a focus during preparations.
"Craig Dunlea has been really good for us, set-piece wise and scrum. We've got some big bodies that have come over," Robertson noted. "I came off at halftime, and then we had Sef Fa'agase, Leonel Oviedo and 'Big Misi' (Misinale Epenisa) at tighthead came on. We're building a strong foundation."
Key Additions and Returning Players Boost Squad
The Force's forward pack has been significantly strengthened with several key additions and returning players. Harry Johnson-Holmes, who missed the entire last season due to a torn ACL sustained just before the campaign began, has made a strong return. His comeback is viewed as a major boost for both Robertson and the team overall.
"HJ has had a really good pre-season after a couple of tough years with injury. Loosehead is my natural home, and that combination is working well together," Robertson explained.
Further bolstering the squad are new signings including Argentinian international lock Franco Molina on a one-year deal, veteran prop Sef Fa'agase, and Test-capped second-rower Darcy Swain, who is expected to join the team early in the season.
Building Momentum for the Season Ahead
Robertson expressed optimism about the team's development as they approach the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season. He believes the foundation laid during pre-season will continue to strengthen as the campaign progresses.
"It's going to build. We're only one or two games in now, but as the season progresses, it'll just keep going and going," he stated confidently.
The Western Force now turn their attention to the season opener against the Brumbies at HBF Park, where they will aim to carry forward the momentum and confidence gained from this impressive pre-season victory.
