Harrison Lloyd and Brad Lacey of the Force celebrate a try. Photo / Getty Images
Harrison Lloyd and Brad Lacey of the Force celebrate a try. Photo / Getty Images
Billionaire and Western Force owner Andrew Forrest promised to make rugby more entertaining and if last night is anything to go by, he has done that.
Forrest's new competition, World Series Rugby, kicked off last night with the Force playing the Fiji Warriors in the first ever game of thenew game format.
Australian rock band Wolfmother, dancers, skydivers, fireworks and most importantly the rugby provided Perth fans at nib Stadium the all-round experience they were promised.
The Force edged out the Fiji team four tries to two in front of 19,466 fans in a hectic game of footy.
Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother performs during the World Series Rugby match. Photo / Getty Images
The new format features a rule that allows teams to score seven-point tries if they're able to score a try that begins inside their defensive 22m zone without losing possession.
The rule was one of many introduced into the revolutionary format, including one that allows teams to take lineouts as fast as they want - even if the other team isn't ready.
On the field, the Force made the most of their home-field advantage to lead the Fijian side 19-0 at halftime.
Force centre Marcel Brache was the first ever player to dot over in World Series Rugby, with No. 8 Brynard Stander, lock Johan Bardoul, and reserve hooker Alfeleti Kaitu'u also scoring tries.
Andrew Forrest addresses the Force players after winning the first World Series Rugby match. Photo / Getty Images
No seven-point tries were scored, but both teams tried hard to make it happen and added an extra edge of excitement for the crowd.
The Force are scheduled to play six more invitational sides this World Series Rugby season, continuing on Sunday week with a side from Tonga.
Last year, the Perth franchise was axed from Super Rugby at the end of the Super Rugby season, but their owner has poured in millions to save the side.
Addressing the crowd before the game, Forrest pleaded with fans to continue to show their support.
A spectator shows his support during the World Series Rugby match between the Western Force and the Fiji Warriors. Photo / Getty Images
"Last year was a great injustice, and one that we want to right.
"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," Forrest said.
To get the day's top sports stories in your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here
