
Family providing extra motivation for the Force
Having been based in New South Wales since early July, the Force players are sourcing inspiration from their loved ones at home as they continue their Super Rugby AU campaign away from home.
With a banner featuring the player’s partners, children and family members now always up on the wall in the team changing rooms throughout the week, the squad is embracing the extra source of inspiration.
“Here at the Force we drive a family feel for the club,” Jack McGregor said. “Everyone is really close, so to have that banner on the wall means a lot to everyone.”
“It’s a reminder every time you walk past it as to why we’re here. Everyone really pushed for it when the idea was floated, we all sent in pictures and the team loves it,” the full-back added.
With two young children of his own back in Perth, Henry Taefu echoed McGregor’s thoughts.
“We all miss our families, but having that banner up there reminds us of the importance of family,” Taefu said.
Nice touch in the Western Force changing room. pic.twitter.com/NZmBuIVqt8
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) July 27, 2020
Tim Sampson’s side is far from short on motivation for this Friday’s crunch clash with the Rebels, with McGregor lining up for the Melbourne-based side when the sides last met back on a rain-soaked night in 2017.
“It’s exciting, not only for me but for many of the boys here who have played with a lot of the Rebels players before,” the 23-year-old explained.
“There’s a lot to play for and it’ll be great coming up against old mates, but this is a really important game for us, so all focus has been on us this week and what we can do to win.”
“There is history there, but we try to put that aside,” Taefu said. “There’s a new competition, so for us, we’re focusing on that.
“This Super season is a quick season. Our focus is on this game and rivalries aside, we’re just looking forward to getting out there and putting in a good performance,” the Samoan World Cup player added.
McGregor and Taefu are confident the side has learned from Saturday night’s game against the Brumbies and believe they are primed for Friday night.
“We’ve played three weeks in a row now and we’re starting to put together our game plan. Things are coming together and everyone’s really looking forward to this game,” McGregor stated.
The Force take on the Melbourne Rebels on Friday night at Leichhardt Oval in NSW, kick-off at 5:05pm (AWST), live on Fox Sports and Kayo.
Grab your tickets from Ticketmaster here.