In Dunedin the highlanders vs force showdown sees the Western Force arrive on the South Island after their maiden victory, seeking consecutive wins on a demanding New Zealand tour. The Force travel full of confidence off an impressive win over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe and make multiple selection returns. The hosts respond with personnel changes of their own and a desire to stay in touch with the top six.
Highlanders Vs Force: teams, returns and selection calls
Western Force coach Simon Cron has made selection moves that bring Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brandon Paenga-Amosa back into the starting side, with Champion de Crespigny returning from a knee strain to slot in at blindside flanker and Paenga-Amosa reinstated after missing the previous round. The changes push Jeremy Williams toward the second row and relegate Franco Molina to the bench, while George Bridge switches back to the wing with Divad Palu moving into the midfield. On the Highlanders’ side All Black Angus Ta’avao comes back into the team as the hosts look to recover from a loss to the Queensland Reds and remain competitive for a top-six position.
Live match action and turning points
Early phases of the contest swung with error and opportunity. The Highlanders opened a lead after a turnover and a Jack Taylor steal created attacking momentum, and Jonah Lowe later crossed following a precise Caleb Tangitau pass to extend the buffer. The Force struck back through Vaolini Ekuasi, capitalising on repeated Highlanders penalties and a short play from the lineout, with Ben Donaldson adding the extras to keep the scoreboard close. Penalty counts and exit work were decisive in the match pattern as both sides traded pressure and territory.
Immediate reactions: Ben Donaldson on balance, kicking and threats
Ben Donaldson, fly-half, Western Force, said the recent away win was an important reset after two frustrating home defeats: “It was awesome, the first two games this year, we didn’t start how we wanted to which was quite frustrating, especially two games at home. So to get on the road with the boys, we had a short week’s preparation, didn’t train too much, but the way the boys went about their work off the field was world class, and that went onto the field. “
On tactical adjustments Donaldson added: “On the weekend, I think we got our balance right, mainly through our kicking game. First few games, we probably didn’t kick enough or kick smart enough, then on the weekend I think we kicked 30 times. ” On containing the Highlanders’ co-captain he was blunt about the personal task: “It’s a tough one. He’s obviously a big ball carrier, physical, his breakdown threat is incredible. For me, I’m probably going to be tackling him more often than not. So I’ve just got to try and cut his space and time down, get off the line and throw my body around. ” — Ben Donaldson, fly-half, Western Force.
Quick context
This match is the second stop on a three-game New Zealand tour for the Perth side after their 35–19 win over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe, which delivered their first success of the season following two home defeats. Ben Donaldson currently leads the competition for total points on 36 from three matches and sits second in the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year standings, an influence the Force will lean on in Dunedin.
What’s next
As the game progresses the Force aim to secure back-to-back wins over the Highlanders for the first time since 2014, while the hosts will press to arrest momentum and regain control at home. Expect kicking, exit work and the contest around the breakdown to decide the margin as both sides chase the result in this high-stakes highlanders vs force encounter.
