In an exhilarating Super Rugby Pacific encounter, Western Force emerged triumphant with a commanding 48-10 victory over Fijian Drua, courtesy of a stellar performance by Ben Donaldson and Kurtley Beale.
Held at HBF Park in Perth, the Force, positioned at the bottom of the standings prior to the match, knew that a defeat would jeopardize their chances of reaching the finals. Nevertheless, they rose to the occasion, securing their third win of the season and ascending from last place to ninth in the standings, trailing the eighth-placed Drua by a mere two points with three rounds remaining.
Fly-half Ben Donaldson shone as the standout player of the evening, accumulating an impressive 23 points through a flawless kicking display. His exceptional performance, combined with a faultless eight-out-of-eight kicks, propelled the Force to a well-deserved victory.
Coach Simon Cron lauded the team for their exceptional performance, deeming it their best of the year. He specifically commended Donaldson for his outstanding kicking, running, and passing abilities, labeling him as a “triple threat.”
The Force made a blistering start to the match, scoring a try within the first minute, and continued their dominance throughout, crossing the try line six times and securing a bonus-point victory.
Despite a brief resurgence from Fijian Drua in the second half, the Force remained steadfast and extended their lead, ultimately securing an emphatic win.
With three more rounds remaining, the Force are optimistic about securing a place in the finals. They are set to face the bottom-placed Waratahs at home, followed by matches against the fifth-placed Reds and third-placed Brumbies. Two additional victories could potentially see them through to the finals.
The match showcased exceptional performances from both teams, with the Force ultimately emerging victorious. The audience at HBF Park bore witness to an unforgettable exhibition of rugby excellence, marked by outstanding individual efforts and cohesive teamwork.
As the Super Rugby Pacific season nears its climax, the competition for a place in the finals intensifies. The Force’s remarkable triumph has injected fresh excitement and anticipation into the competition, setting the stage for riveting encounters in the remaining rounds.
The final whistle signaled a convincing victory for the Western Force, propelling them up the standings and fostering hopes for a potential finals appearance. With their focus set on securing triumphs in the upcoming matches, the Force are committed to sustaining their winning momentum and solidifying their position in the finals.