Ben Donaldson produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 84th minute, breaking through the defence after 26 phases to score under the posts and convert his own try, as the Western Force dramatically overcame Moana Pasifika 45-44 in a Super Rugby Pacific try bonanza at HBF Park.
Key Moments:
13′ – Kyren Taumoefolau races away for opening Moana Pasifika try
17′ – Garden-Bachop extends lead after Alaimalo break
21′ – Garden-Bachop slots rare drop goal (17-3)
23′ – Tizzano scores from rolling maul for Force’s first try
27′ – Debutant Grealy crosses after Donaldson draw and pass
30′ – Patafilo scores from freak deflection for Moana Pasifika
38′ – Tizzano bags second from dominant Force maul
40′ – Havili penalty gives Moana 27-24 halftime lead
50′ – Pearce powers over after Pietsch break
61′ – Taumoefolau scores second with powerful finish
70′ – Robertson yellow carded for repeated scrum infringements
71′ – Matavao scores from dominant 5m scrum
73′ – Taumateine extends lead to 44-31
76′ – Pietsch crosses to start Force comeback
84′ – Donaldson seals dramatic win after 26-phase build-up
In a match that showcased the very best of Super Rugby Pacific’s attacking flair, Moana Pasifika looked to have secured their first-ever round one victory when they capitalised on Robertson’s yellow card to stretch their lead to 13 points with just minutes remaining. However, the Force, even with 14 men, showed remarkable resilience to mount an extraordinary comeback.
The visitors had started brilliantly, with former sevens star Taumoefolau demonstrating his electric pace to score the opening try after 13 minutes. Garden-Bachop, making his debut for Moana Pasifika, extended their lead shortly after following excellent work from Solomon Alaimalo, before adding a rare drop goal to put the visitors firmly in control at 17-3.
The Force responded through dynamic flanker Carlo Tizzano, who crossed twice from well-executed rolling mauls, while debutant Mac Grealy touched down for his first Super Rugby try after excellent interplay between Nic White and Donaldson. The sides traded scores throughout a frenetic first half, with Pepesana Patafilo benefiting from a fortunate bounce before William Havili’s penalty gave Moana Pasifika a narrow 27-24 lead at the break.
The second half maintained the same breathless intensity, with neither side able to establish a decisive advantage. Marley Pearce crossed for the Force following excellent work from Wallaby recruit Dylan Pietsch, but Taumoefolau’s second try kept Moana Pasifika in front.
The game’s crucial moment appeared to come when prop Tom Robertson was shown a yellow card for repeated scrum infringements. Moana Pasifika’s pack, which had been dominant throughout, immediately capitalised through Melani Matavao from a powerful five-metre scrum. When Jonathan Taumateine crossed minutes later to extend the lead to 44-31, it seemed certain the visitors would break their round one duck.
But the Force, inspired by the Perth faithful, refused to surrender. Pietsch crossed to give them hope before they launched a sustained period of possession in the final minutes. After 26 phases of patient build-up, featuring crucial carries from Reed Prinsep and Will Harris, Donaldson, who had earlier appeared to seriously injure his ankle, found space on the right wing and showed remarkable pace to sprint clear from inside his own half and score beneath the posts.
The Wallabies fly-half, who contributed 17 points overall, maintained his composure to slot the straightforward conversion and spark wild celebrations among the home supporters.
For Moana Pasifika, it was a devastating way to start their campaign, particularly after impressive debuts from their new signings, including All Blacks star Ardie Savea, who showed glimpses of his class throughout. Their scrum dominance and attacking flair deserved more, but they’ll rue their inability to close out the match in the final minutes.
The result gives Simon Cron’s Force their first opening round victory since 2021 and valuable momentum heading into next week’s clash with the Brumbies, coming off victory over the Fijian Drua. Their new recruits impressed, with Darcy Swain solid in the tight five and Pietsch making a significant impact off the bench.
Moana Pasifika will need to quickly regroup before facing the Reds at Suncorp Stadium, knowing they let slip what would have been a historic first round one victory in their fourth Super Rugby Pacific campaign. However, the performances of Garden-Bachop and Taumoefolau, who both crossed for doubles, suggest better days lie ahead for Aaron Mauger’s side.
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