Methodical Force secure impressive win over Rebels in Melbourne

It wasn't the prettiest game of rugby ever played, but the Western Force did the basics right and put points on the board when it mattered to grab a 28-3 win over the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday.

Neither side was in perfect form coming into the game, with the Rebels having won only one of their last five Super Rugby matches, while the last time the Force had won away from home was early 2021.

The set pieces were always going to be the fulcrum around which this match would pivot, with the Rebels stealing twice as many lineouts as any other team in the first round of the 2022 season.

On the other hand, the Force are a big fan of keeping the ball in hand with an average of 2.6 rucks per possession - more than any other side in the competition.

The early exchanges were characterised by a kicking duel and some very sloppy handling.

To make matters worse, the scrums were an absolute state. The Force conceded two free-kicks and a penalty at scrum time within the first 15 minutes.

Ian Prior finally opened the scoring for Force from the penalty spot in the 20th minute, seven minutes before the game's first try.

A lineout went to Tim Anstee, who drove towards the line but was tackled short. The eighth man showed great awareness by releasing the ball to pick it up again and score from short range.

The conversion from Prior was good to make it 10-0. Matt To'omua and Prior exchange penalties before the halftime whistle to bring the score to 13-3 to the Force at the break.

Things went from bad to worse for the home side shortly after the interval when Reece Hodge was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle.

The Force made the most of their numerical advantage.

After Prior left, the Rebels defence flat-footed by