Force beat Brumbies to win World Club 10s Mauritius
The Perth-based franchise consigned the Brumbies to a second successive defeat in the World Club 10s final.
THE Western Force upset hot favourites Aquis Brumbies 7-0 to win a gritty all-Australian showdown at the World Club 10s in Mauritius, where the Perth-based franchise condemned their Canberra rivals to a second successive final loss.
The Brumbies lost to New Zealand’s Blues in the inaugural edition in Singapore two years ago and finished second best again as winger Brad Lacey’s second-half try – converted by Player of the Tournament Michael Ruru – was enough for Force to edge a tightly fought contest at Anjalay Stadium.
Koteka was one of five contracted Super Rugby players in the Force squad, while the Brumbies boasted 15, including seven of the side that played in Singapore under Stephen Larkham.
“It’s amazing to win, especially against a star-studded Brumbies team. We came in as underdogs and we didn’t mind that tag,” said the 22-year-old flanker, who played against Brumbies in his second Super Rugby game last year, eventually playing 10 times in his breakthrough season. To go down must be pretty heartbreaking for them, but we’re just happy to get the win.”
The Sharks finished third after beating the Italian All Stars 26-7, while the star-studded Africa Pacific Dragons – beaten 12-7 by Force in the quarters – finished fifth by routing three-time European champions RC Toulon 43-0.
