If they can get past their propensity to throw games away the Western Force might be able to upset the apple cart for other Australian Super Rugby franchises in the run to the playoffs.
Having again thrown away chances, this time against the Highlanders, the Force will take on the struggling Reds, the Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels in the final rounds of the regular season.
After all, the Force have been able to defeat the Waratahs twice and were competitive in their previous losses to other Australian sides, so positive thinking decrees wins could be just around the corner.
In losing to the Highlanders 23-3, the Force allowed the New Zealand team to climb above the Brumbies on the ladder, but coach Michael Foley was optimistic they learned a valuable lesson about what they need to do to convert their opportunities.
"It's not a new lesson but I think when we bring that great enthusiasm and aggression to our defence and create chances, you have to make the most of them," Foley said.
