In a heart-stopping opener to the 2025 SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific season, the Western Force celebrated their 20th anniversary with a dramatic 45-44 triumph over Moana Pasifika at HBF Park. The match culminated in a sensational after-the-siren try, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Match Highlights:
- Decisive Play: With the clock deep into overtime, the Force embarked on a relentless 26-phase, 70-meter assault. Fly-half Ben Donaldson showcased exceptional vision, slicing through the defense for a 50-meter dash to the try line in the 84th minute. He then coolly slotted the conversion, sealing the victory and igniting the Sea of Blue.
- Resilient Comeback: Trailing by 13 points with just 10 minutes remaining, the Force demonstrated unwavering determination to overturn the deficit.
- Standout Performers:
- Ben Donaldson: Despite sustaining an ankle injury early in the second half, Donaldson remained pivotal, contributing a flawless 15 points from the boot.
- Carlo Tizzano: The homegrown flanker powered over for two tries, both stemming from well-executed line-out mauls.
- Debutants Shine: Fullback Mac Grealy and winger Dylan Pietsch made memorable first appearances, each crossing the try line. Local talent Marley Pearce also added a five-pointer to the tally.
Scoring Summary:
- Western Force: Tries: Tizzano (22′, 36′), Grealy (26′), Pearce (49′), Pietsch (75′), Donaldson (84′). Conversions: Donaldson 6/6. Penalty: Donaldson 1/1.
- Moana Pasifika: Tries: Taumoefolau (12′, 61′), Garden-Bachop (16′), Patafilo (29′), Tuipulotu (70′), Tauateine (71′). Conversions: Havili 4/6. Penalty: Havili 1/1. Drop goal: Garden-Bachop 1/1.
Coach’s Insight:
Reflecting on the exhilarating finish, Head Coach Simon Cron highlighted the team’s tenacity:
“We’ve talked about previous teams in Western Force history having a lot of unwavering grit and fighting to the 83rd minute. I think these boys did that.”
Cron also emphasized the importance of learning from such encounters:
“It’s important to learn how to win late… But we can’t leak that many points.”
Looking Ahead:
Building on this momentum, the Force will prepare to face the Brumbies in Canberra on Saturday, with kick-off at 4:35 pm. The team aims to address areas of improvement while capitalizing on their demonstrated resilience and attacking prowess.
For fans eager to relive the thrilling moments or catch up on match details, highlights and full match replays are available on the Western Force’s official platforms..
Read more: https://westernforce.rugby/news/force-moana-pasifika-round-1-match-report-2025215
