Two-try hero Harry Potter is feeling positive about the Western Force’s trajectory following their 38-23 win over the Cheetahs in their Toyota Challenge opener on Thursday morning WST.

Potter was named Man of the Match for his performance that not only included two tries but a try-saving tackle to deny the Cheetahs.

The Force will play their second game of the three-game South Africa tour against Emerging Ireland from 7pm WST on Sunday, live on Stan Sport.

While the Force enjoyed a winning start to their campaign, Emerging Ireland also impressed with a 36-24 triumph over the Pumas in Bloemfontein.

Potter told SEN WA he was excited about their next challenge and buoyed by their display against the Cheetahs.

“It was a bit of a nervy start to the second half,” he said.

“They scored an early try and all of a sudden it was a two-score game. We did really well to score every time they scored. We nullified them well.

“There’s been times in the past where we’ve let those games slip. It was really good to see.”

Potter’s performance came in only his second competitive hit-out since six months out with an ankle injury.

He’s been joined in the Force squad but several new faces, such as new signings Nic Dolly, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Sio Tomkinson and Darcy Swain who all impressed against the Cheetahs.

“It’s a really positive trajectory at the moment,” he said. “Management are certainly turning things in the right direction.

“Some great new signings. The club is really on the up. It’s a great place to be and I’m very fortunate to be here.

“I think the forward pack we’ve made some great signings. Darcy Swain, he’s a wallaby who’s come over from the Brumbies. Nick Champion de Crespigny has come from France, he’s going to bring a real physical presence. Nic Dolly as well who’s been playing in the UK.

“I think they’re going to really bolster our forward pack and make us a physical and powerful team up front. They showed their worth last night.”

“I think we identified some areas over the last year or so that have been lacking. I think we can still play an exciting brand of rugby that fans want to watch, but at the same time bringing in forwards, big players and set-piece operators that’ll bolster us and make it a more well-rounded solid game in general. Those changes are really going to help us and make us a more formidable force.”

Potter added that the squad were relishing being in rugby-mad South Africa, home of the Springboks who’ve won the past two World Cups.

“It’s just huge the rugby over here,” Potter said. “We haven’t had much to do outside of the hotel, but there’s a really good vibe around the place.

“Everyone is loving the rugby in this country at the moment. It’s a good place to be.”

Kick-off is 7pm WST Sunday for the Force vs Emerging Ireland game live on Stan Sport. The Force team list will be announced on Saturday.