'We are going to have to hang a bit tougher'

REACTION: Wallaby scrumhalf Nic White insists it is not “doom and gloom” after a rude awakening by the Hurricanes on his Super Rugby debut for Western Force.

White surprisingly departed the powerhouse Brumbies for Perth on a two-year deal this season, ostensibly for a new challenge.

But his first match with his new franchise did not go as planned, with the ‘Canes thrashing Force 44-14 on Friday, running in six tries in a bonus point win.

Co-captain White said the next game could not come quick enough so they could “right the wrongs”, notably a poor line-out and discipline, with 16 penalties conceded.

* (Continue below …)

Here are the Moments that Mattered from last night’s match against the Hurricanes for Round One of the Super Rugby Pacific competition 🏉@FortescueNews #MomentsthatMatter pic.twitter.com/wl8gQwAmMS

— Western Force (@westernforce) February 24, 2024

“They are quick fixes for us,” he said.

“It wasn’t doom and gloom. We saw in patches, when we do it, it works.

“We had some good glimpses. High pace, high skill. That’s how we want to play the game.

“When the pressure came on, we were a little too quick to go away from it,” he added. “We are going to have to hang a bit tougher.”

Their next game is against Melbourne Rebels, who are also looking to pick up the pieces after being outplayed in all departments during a 3-30 loss to the Brumbies to open their season.

Force coach Simon Cron said his team needed to work on consistency.

“It’s about making sure we stick to what we want to do,” he said.

“Some of the triggers, are they fixable? Yes. Those boys can fix them.”