Western Force beat Waratahs 20-17 to keep finals hopes alive

Waratahs 17-20 Western Force

The Western Force produced a crucial 20-17 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney to keep their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive.

The result at Allianz Stadium moved the Force closer to the Waratahs on the ladder and gave them fresh momentum in the race for a top-six place.

Western Force Edge Waratahs In Sydney

The Force held their nerve in a tight contest to secure an important away victory. Ben Donaldson opened the scoring with an early penalty before the Waratahs responded and took a narrow lead through Lawson Creighton, who crossed after a lively first half from the home side.

A further penalty stretched the Waratahs’ advantage, but the Force stayed in the contest and struck just before the break when Dylan Pietsch finished a long, relentless attacking passage to level the scores at 10-10.

Dylan Pietsch And Ben Donaldson Lead Force Win

Pietsch and Donaldson proved decisive for the visitors. Pietsch scored twice on the night, with his second try coming after Donaldson sparked the move with a sharp break. Donaldson again showed his value at fly-half with his game management and composure in a high-pressure match.

The contest had also drawn attention because of the outside-back battle involving Joseph Suaalii and Zac Lomax, but while both had their moments, it was Pietsch and Donaldson who had the biggest influence on the outcome.

Force Stay In Super Rugby Pacific Finals Hunt

The Waratahs pushed hard late on and replacement hooker Folau Faianga crossed to set up a tense finish, but the Force held on in the final minutes to close out the win.

Waratahs: 15 Max Jorgensen, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Joey Walton, 11 Sid Harvey, 10 Lawson Creighton, 9 Jake Gordon, 8 Pete Samu, 7 Charlie Gamble, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Angus Blyth, 4 Matt Philip (captain), 3 Siosifa Amone, 2 Ethan Dobbins, 1 Tom Lambert.

Reserves: 16 Folau Fainga’a, 17 Isaac Kailea, 18 Apolosi Ranawai, 19 Miles Amatosero, 20 Jamie Adamson, 21 Teddy Wilson, 22 Jack Debreczeni, 23 Triston Reilly

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 Zac Lomax, 13 George Bridge, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Jeremy Williams (captain), 5 Darcy Swain, 4 Franco Molins, 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Tom Robertson

Reserves: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Sef Fa’agase, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Lopeti Faifua 20 Will Harris, 21 Nathan Hastie, 22 Bayley Kuenzle, 23 Kurtley Beale