Western Force have most dangerous attack of Australia Super Rugby teams

Western Force’s boom backrower Nick Champion de Crespigny has signed a long-term contract with the club as he makes a case for Wallabies selection, while Tahs prepare for Force attack.

The Waratahs must be at their defensive best to overcome the vastly improved Western Force this weekend, with statistics showing the Perth side has the second-best attack in Super Rugby after three rounds.

The Force have scored 114 points so far, only behind the ladder-leading Chiefs (123), and their ability to create line breaks from anywhere on the field will test the Tahs’ defence.

Winger Darby Lancaster, who got his chance to start last weekend in the win against Fijian Drua due to the toe injury sidelining Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, is confident NSW can handle the multiple threats the Force possess on Saturday night at Allianz Stadium.

“We’ve got some pretty good defensive systems set in place and we’ve just got to trust them and make sure we’re on the same page,” Lancaster said.

Stats show Western Force are second best in attack. Picture: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images

“And as long as everyone buys into what we’re doing, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to try and nullify their attack.”

The Tahs have only scored 66 points this season but have played only two games, both of those in the final minutes.

“We’re winning at the moment just through fight, and I think we’ve just got to be a bit smarter around some of the stuff we’re doing, especially in attack, just decision making and just getting us around the park,” Lancaster said.

“I think we can definitely improve in that area, and if we can keep the attitude in the fight, then I think we can go a long way.

“(There is) very good energy around the group. But at the same time, we’ve had a fair look at the Force and there’s no doubt they’re playing some good footy, so we’re really doing everything we can to make sure we give ourselves the best chance.”

Andrew Kellaway and the Waratahs are tasked with stopping the Force attack. Picture: SAEED KHAN / AFP

The Force’s backrow depth has improved with the addition of blindside flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny, who has just signed a contract extension with the club that takes him through the end of the 2028 season.

Originally from Sydney, de Crespigny spent three years in the French Top 14 before joining the Perth side, and so far has started all three games this season, notching up 53 tackles in defence with 20 carries and five defenders beaten in attack.

The 28-year-old is putting himself in the frame for Wallabies selection with his form, and is pleased to commit his long-term future to the Force.

“This is a club moving in the right direction,” de Crespigny said. “I feel a lot of support from the coaching staff and the club in general.

“I feel like they’re making me the best player and person I can be which is exactly why I came here. I want to invest back in the Club and hopefully give back to the fans.

“It’s an exciting time to be in Australian rugby in general with the British and Irish Lions Tour and 2027 World Cup in Australia coming up.

Nick Champion de Crespigny has signed a long term contract with the Force. Picture: James Worsfold/Getty Images

“But it’s also an exciting time to be part of the Western Force. Simon Cron has created a great squad and culture around the organisation, with a view to sustained success into the future.

“Signing on long term allows me to make my own imprint at the club and try to assist in moving the club the right direction.”

De Crespigny’s battle with in-form Tahs backrower Langi Gleeson, who is determined to play in the Lions series after being snubbed from the January Wallabies camp for signing with French club Montpellier after this season, will be a highlight on Saturday.

“If I play good enough I’ll be in (the Wallabies), it’s always a motivation playing internationally,” Gleeson said.

“To play against the boys that were in last year as well, you’ve got Carlo Tizzano and de Crespigny this week. I look forward to it.

“I think every week is a competition for spots. Everyone in your position is a threat so you’ve got to outplay them every week.”