Western Force beat Brumbies 21-15 in Super Rugby clash in Perth

WESTERN Force coach Michael Foley, rejuvenated by the stunning 21-15 upset of the Brumbies, will now try to lure James O'Connor back to Perth.

UPDATE: WESTERN Force coach Michael Foley, rejuvenated by last Saturday night's stunning 21-15 upset of the high-flying Brumbies at nib Stadium, will fly back to the future to meet James O'Connor as soon as possible to discuss the axed Melbourne Rebel's possible return to Perth.

Foley revealed his eagerness to sign the out-of-contract Wallaby star yesterday, just hours before the Force rolled over the top of the Brumbies with a three-to-two-tries victory that ended the Perth club's season off on a sweet note with its fourth win, one more than last year.

The Brumbies were given a taste of their own medicine with some resolute defending at times by the Force, who struck with two quick taps in the first half.

The first came from captain Matt Hodgson close to the Brumbies' try-line and then Alby Mathewson sent bullocking Ben McCalman over for its second try.

The Brumbies were reeling early in the second half when livewire Mathewson sniped around the fringes at the halfway line, firing wing Nick Cummins into the gap, before Junior Rasolea danced around Jess Mogg to score his first try under the posts.

At 21-3 the Force were rampant, but caught celebrating prematurely as the Brumbies stormed back to score from the kickoff with centre Tevita Kuridrani punching over at close range.

FORCE IN TALKS WITH O'CONNOR

Late in the game, lock Scott Fardy reduced the deficit to six points, but this time the Force kept cool under pressure and played the game in Brumbies' territory to close out the win.

Foley will fly east, maybe as early as tomorrow, to tell O'Connor that the Force has turned the corner and is building for a bright future in an exciting backline featuring Mathewson, returning Perth-born utility back Zack Holmes and new signing Luke Morahan.

Foley said he had already spoken to O'Connor, but the sole focus this week was on beating the Brumbies and so far the discussion was of an exploratory nature.

"I'd say both parties are interested and it's worth exploring further,'' said an upbeat Foley, who is eager to add O'Connor's silky skills to the Force backline.

Force v Brumbies

When O'Connor signed for the Rebels two years ago, he said he had wanted to stay in Perth and had signed with the Melbourne club for less than he had been offered to extend his contract with the Force.

However, the Force had been incensed at O'Connor's list of KPIs as a condition for him remaining with the club and had pushed him out the door, saying they were not prepared to be dictated to by the then 21-year-old star. Foley said he had not yet raised contractual and salary issues with O'Connor, now 23.

"I think our attitude towards bringing James back to Perth was aptly summed up by (captain) Hodgo (Matt Hodgson) and senior players Ben McCalman and Richard Brown, who said he's a great talent but would need to come back on our terms,'' Foley said.

O'Connor's versatility means he can play just about any position in the backline.

However, Foley said it was premature to speculate on whether he could fit into a Force backline at flyhalf, inside-centre or wing, three positions he has featured in for the Wallabies.

Following sacked coach Damien Hill into the ejection seat at the Rebels this week was O'Connor's close friend, Kurtley Beale, who is still in Sydney getting treatment for alcohol issues and missed the
Rebels Friday night victory against the Highlanders, which saw O'Connor starring in a super sub role.

Former Western Force coach Richard Graham, now with the Reds, was previously unsuccessful in his efforts to lure Beale to Perth. Foley merely chuckled at the suggestion he might pursue the errant playmaker.

"We've only go so much money in the bank," said Foley, who previously coached Beale at the Waratahs in Sydney, most likely his next port of call from Melbourne.

WESTERN FORCE 21 (Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman, Junior Rasolea tries Jayden Hayward 3 cons)  BRUMBIES 15 (Scott Fardy, Tevita Kuridrani tries Christian Leali'ifano con pen) at nib Stadium. Referee: Rohan Hoffman. Crowd: 9,511.