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It wasn’t pretty, but the Western Force have moved back inside the top six after a 29-20 come-from-behind win over the Highlanders in Perth.
After trailing 20-7 after 26 minutes, the Force hit back with two quick tries to close out the first half before holding the men from New Zealand’s south scoreless in the second half.
Carlo Tizzano, who has a big-money offer overseas but is expected to stay at the Western Force, was once again the star for the home side.
The openside flanker scored in the first half to extend his lead at the top of the tryscoring list in Super Rugby this year (11), but the 25-year-old was everywhere on the defensive side of the ball.
He secured the crucial turnover in the 59th minute on halfway when the Highlanders hoped to land a big shot to get themselves back into the contest. He was also the man who got over the ball at the death to secure a penalty, which secured the Force their crucial bonus-point win.
The nine-point win not only moved the Force up into fourth spot, but it came just at the right time before next week’s bye and a daunting four weeks to come as they prepare to face three more New Zealand sides in a row, including two across the ditch against the Chiefs and Blues.
“We probably didn’t start the way that we wanted to, but it shows the grit of the boys and we really bit down on the mouthguard, and we managed to get the momentum back and kept coming and coming, and it’s a great win ahead of the bye,” captain Jeremy Williams said.
George Poolman saw plenty of the action after coming on for Dylan Pietsch early during the Force’s win over the Highlanders at HBF Park on April 05, 2025. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Highlanders skipper Timoci Tavatavanawai rued his side’s end to the first half, where the visitors let the Force back into the contest by scoring two late tries.
“We let them in, in the last ten minutes by our mistakes, giving away penalties and it hurt us in the end,” the wrecking-ball back said.
Tizzano was by no means alone in his evening out.
Marley Pearce was everywhere, Brandon Paenga-Amosa was busy, Jeremy Williams carried well and dominated the lineout while Will Harris had an eye-catching cameo off the bench.
Fly-half Ben Donaldson was solid, while Mac Grealy and Harry Potter were threatening with ball-in-hand.
On a beautiful afternoon for running rugby, both sides were eager to throw the ball around.
The Highlanders however opted to take an early shot at goals and Sam Gilbert got them on the scoreboard early.
The Force’s response was quick though as Tizzano got on the end of another rolling maul.
While the home side had plenty of opportunities, the Highlanders’ short kicking game gave the Force some headaches. It proved effective too, with the Highlanders scoring through Jona Nareki before Gilbert finished off a stunning runaway try.
Gilbert’s second penalty then saw the Highlanders extend their lead out to 20-7 after 26 minutes.
But the Force rallied, with Paenga-Amosa scoring before Grealy ensured the home side had all the momentum heading into half time with his own well taken try.
The Force then made the perfect start to the second half as Harris helped put Donaldson away and the former Waratahs playmaker then turned the ball back on the inside for Potter to score. Making matters worse for the Highlanders was hard-hitting back-rower Sean Withy was shown a yellow card for sliding in with the knees and collecting Potter’s jaw in a decision that was upgraded to a red card.
Soon after the Force were in again as George Poolman crashed over on the fringes after Max Burey found some space inside the Highlanders’ 22 metre line.
While the Force lost Sio Tomkinson to a reckless and dangerous clean out, the home side managed to repel the threat and then set up camp in the Highlanders’ 22.
Despite several penalties, and a yellow card to Nareki, the Force couldn’t land another blow. It didn’t matter, with the Force securing a much-needed win ahead of next week’s bye that saw them climb ahead of the Waratahs and Brumbies into fourth spot on 20 points.
The Highlanders are ninth on 12 points and will host the Drua next weekend.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.