<
>

World Series Rugby starts with a bang

Paul Kane/Getty Images

No seven-point tries were scored, but World Series Rugby made good on its promise to entertain in the Western Force's 24-14 win over the Fiji Warriors at a packed nib Stadium on Friday night.

The Force ran in four tries to two in front of 19,466 fans.

The on-field play was fast and furious, and the off-field entertainment was also a success.

Australian rock band Wolfmother played before the match and at half-time, while the pre-game fireworks and dance show was also a big hit for the sellout crowd.

Skydivers landing on the field of play before the game also ignited the crowd, with billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest keeping his promise to provide an all-round experience for fans.

On the field, the Force scored three tries in the first half to race out to a 19-0 lead.

The only sour note in the first half was a serious concussion to former Springbok Peter Grant.

Grant's head crashed into the ground as he was tackled near the tryline, and he was attended to on the field for more than five minutes before being stretchered off.

Force centre Marcel Brache scored the first ever try in World Series Rugby, while No.8 Brynard Stander, lock Johan Bardoul, and reserve hooker Alfeleti Kaitu'u also got on the scoresheet.

Fiji scored two tries in the second half to give themselves a sniff, but left their run too late.

Seven-point 'power tries' were on offer for any team who could launch an attack from inside their defensive 22m and score without turning it over.

Neither team was able to pull it off, but the concept added a little extra interest to the clash.

The Force were axed from Super Rugby at the end of last season, but Forrest has since poured in millions to revive the franchise.

They are scheduled to play six more invitational sides this season, starting with Tonga on Sunday week.

Forrest is urging fans to stick firm.

"Last year was a great injustice, and one that we want to right," Forrest said to the crowd before the match.

"You are the reason I did this. Your presence here will help this.

"I'm relying on you - mums and dads, boys and girls - to back the Western Force - not for a game, not for a season, but for a generation."