Polota-Nau going to miss Force rugby fans

Sep 10, 2017 - 4:41 AM Wallabies hooker Tatafu Polata-Nau is still coming to grips with the demise of the Western Force and says fans of rival Super Rugby franchises need to become more like the 'Sea of Blue'.

Polota-Nau gave Force fans something small to smile about when he scored a second-half try in Australia's 23-23 draw with the Springboks in Perth on Saturday.

The bulk of the 17,528 crowd wore their blue Force jerseys instead of the Wallaby gold as a way to protest the ARU's decision to axe the Force.

Before, during and after the match, chants of "Force, Force" went up around the stadium, instead of the usual "Wallabies" chants.

Polota-Nau only joined the Force 10 months ago, but he quickly fell in love with the franchise and the WA rugby public.

The 32-year-old was sad to think his Wallabies appearance on Saturday night might be his last time he gets to play in front of the Sea of Blue.

"I definitely felt for the crowd," Polota-Nau said.

"It was so good when they started screaming 'Force, Force, Force'.

"There was definitely adrenaline running through my body.

"That's probably something I'm going to be missing a lot - the passion the WA community have shown. That support right to the very end.

"A lot of the other crowds need to take a leaf from their book because that's what you call support. Right from the first minute to minute 80.

"Hopefully that little meaty (try) was just a token of what they've given me throughout this whole Super Rugby season."

Billionaire mining magnate Andrew Forrest has promised to set up a breakaway Indo Pacific rugby competition to ensure a professional WA team remains in rugby ranks.

But the Force's biggest stars are expected to leave the franchise in their droves, especially those who are in the Wallabies picture.

Several of the Force players within the Wallabies squad are set to announce their plans at some point after next Saturday's clash with Argentina in Canberra.

Polota-Nau copped an early head knock against the Springboks, and left the field for a concussion test and assessment of his right eye.

The veteran was able to return to the field a short time later, and said he would be fine to take on the Pumas as Australia attempt to snare their first win of this year's Rugby Championship.

Source: AAP