Force rue missed opportunities

Western Force coach Michael Foley said Sunday’s 13-28 loss to the Waratahs at nib Stadium in Perth came down to missed opportunities.

While the home side recorded two tries, it left more points on the field with the Force unable to capitalise on numerous created attacking opportunities and a build-up of pressure in slippery conditions at nib Stadium

Three tries to the Waratahs in the first 25 minutes paved the way for their win, with the Force fighting their way back into the match but unable to bridge the final 15-point margin.

Foley said a lack of patience with the ball ultimately proved costly for his side.

“The disappointing thing is that isn’t a real reflection of the work that’s gone in from the players over the last week-and-a-half,” he said. “When you look at the amount of opportunities we created, not finishing is very frustrating.

“There were a couple of defensive errors from us and that can happen from time to time, but I thought as a team we built back into that game well and just didn’t take the chances.

“I thought we had control for large parts, we just didn’t finish.”

 Foley said his side will break before regrouping to take on the Brumbies at nib Stadium on Saturday, July 13.

“The players have now been going for 12 weeks without a break and they need time away,” he said.  

“The big thing for us is to reflect on a lot of the good things that have been achieved this year, to come back and train very hard for the two-and-a-half weeks and to go into the Brumbies game to make a statement about who we are as a team.

“I’m very proud of these guys. Their performance today doesn’t reflect the work that’s gone on and doesn’t reflect the character in the team and that last performance is important that it does.”