Western Force Breaks New Zealand Drought
The Western Force celebrated their first Super Rugby win in New Zealand since 2022 by defeating Moana Pasifika. The victory ends a four-year away drought in New Zealand for the Perth-based club and provides a major confidence boost for Australian Super Rugby teams struggling on the road.
The 35-19 victory in Pukekohe was the Force's first win of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, snapping a nine-match losing streak that stretched back to April of last year. The Perth-based team ran in five tries to Moana Pasifika's three to lift themselves from the bottom of the ladder. This win marks only the second victory for the Western Force in 25 Super Rugby matches played in New Zealand. Their last win in the country was also against Moana Pasifika four years prior. Former All Black George Bridge was a standout for the Force, scoring his first try for the club. Flyhalf Ben Donaldson was also instrumental, setting up the opening try for winger Darby Lancaster with a cross-field kick just five minutes into the match. The victory is a significant turnaround for the Force, who had suffered heavy losses to the Brumbies and Blues in the opening rounds of the season. For Moana Pasifika, it was their second consecutive heavy loss after being defeated by the Hurricanes 52-10 the previous week. This match was the beginning of a challenging three-game road trip in New Zealand for the Force. Their upcoming fixtures are against the Highlanders and the Hurricanes before they return to play at home.
