Rugby: Force out to prove win was no fluke

Angus Cottrell of the Force dives for a try against the Rebels. Photo / Getty Images

The Western Force want to prove they're not a one-hit wonder and history will be on their side when they take on the Highlanders in Saturday's Super Rugby clash in Dunedin.

The Force emerged from a fortnight of pain to inflict a devastating 32-7 win over the Melbourne Rebels on Saturday night.

The Perth-based franchise were the lowest scoring side last season, but unleashed a four-try blitz inside the opening 27 minutes to put the Rebels to the sword.

Now, their challenge is to back up their attacking onslaught on enemy territory.

The Force have won their past five games against the Highlanders, with three of those wins coming in New Zealand.

halfback Alby Mathewson is confident the Force's attacking mantra will continue at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

"I think we can replicate that. It's all part of what we want to do," Mathewson said on Monday.

"Last year we were really strong defensively, so we worked a lot on attack during the pre-season.

"It's going to be nice conditions because it's an indoor stadium, so we can continue with our style of play.

"But we want to be consistent. There's no point having a win one week and then dropping off the week after.

"One sunny day doesn't make a summer as some of us say around here."

Wallabies forward Hugh McMeniman, who missed last week with a neck injury, is a chance to return against the Highlanders, while fellow lock Sam Wykes has recovered well from a head knock.

The Highlanders (1-1) will enter the game fresh following a bye last week, and Mathewson identified the breakdown as a key area against the New Zealand outfit.

"(Highlanders coach) Jamie Joseph was my coach for five or six years at the Wellington Lions. He's quite old school but he's a tough man," NZ-born Mathewson said.

"Defensively, he wants the whole team to be physical, and I think they are. NZ teams do like to counter ruck with their forwards if they get a dominant tackle."

- AAP