Saturday at 11: 00 p. m. ET — Western Force players and supporters were left denied a historic run of wins in New Zealand after a late Highlanders rally in Dunedin. The western force had held the initiative through the first half but saw momentum shift in the second when Caleb Tangitau struck twice and a late penalty finished the comeback.
Western Force supporters and players lose chance at rare New Zealand double
At Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin the contest ended with a 39-31 result, and the lead changed hands six times during the match. The visitors had been on the cusp of back-to-back wins in New Zealand for the first time since 2008, an outcome that would have marked a milestone for the squad and its traveling fans.
Highlanders’ late surge led by Caleb Tangitau and Timoci Tavatavanawai
Caleb Tangitau scored twice in the second half to turn the game, while Timoci Tavatavanawai’s powerful midfield surges shifted momentum back to the Highlanders after halftime. Jonah Lowe also crossed for a brace for the hosts, and a probing grubber from Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens set up one of Lowe’s tries. Reesjan Pasitoa’s late penalty provided the final margin that sealed the result.
Coach Jamie Joseph relieved by the comeback after a difficult week
The victory was dedicated to coach Jamie Joseph after he missed out on the All Blacks coaching job this week to former Wallabies boss Dave Rennie. Joseph’s side, wooden spooners last year, had won only one of their past nine matches and were at risk of suffering seven consecutive defeats to Australian opposition before the comeback.
Western Force attack showed fight but fell short in the finish
The western force produced multiple try-scorers as Vaolini Ekuasi, Jeremy Williams, Hamish Stewart, Carlo Tizzano and George Bridge all crossed to keep the game close and prevent the Highlanders earning a winning bonus point. A well-placed 50-20 from Hamish Stewart swung possession toward the visitors at one stage, and Ben Donaldson delivered another strong display with his kicking and ball in hand.
Late moments and match-turning calls shaped the outcome
Momentum swung repeatedly in the second half: a quickfire blitz from the hosts pushed the Highlanders to an eight-point lead on the hour, the Force fought back with rapid scores from Carlo Tizzano and George Bridge, and then Tangitau’s second try and Pasitoa’s penalty closed out the win. A referee decision awarding Jeremy Williams a pick-and-drive try after he initially appeared short was a pivotal moment that briefly rewarded the visitors.
“It’s great for us after a chaos week, ” Tavatavanawai said after the match, expressing relief for the coaching staff and gratitude for the squad’s response on the field.
If the Force win their next New Zealand match, they would notch back-to-back wins in New Zealand for the first time since 2008.
