The Western Force are looking to build off their maiden victory of 2026 as they face the Highlanders in Dunedin.
The Force heads to the South Island full of confidence following their impressive win over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe.
Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.
Wallabies duo Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brandon Paenga-Amosa return to the starting side, gunning for back-to-back wins over the Highlanders for the first time since 2014.
The Highlanders return home after a tough defeat to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.
All Black Angus Ta'avao comes back into the side, with the hosts eager to keep in touch with the top six.
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10-0 Highlanders: The hosts extend their lead through a Cam Millar penalty goal but they can't crack this Force lineout.
Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain are wreaking havoc on the defensive side - the 'Landers have lost their past four lineouts and have no answer.
7-0 Highlanders: The hosts score first in Dunedin after a pair of kick receipt errors from the Force!
Simon Cron's side fail to defuse consecutive bombs after a sharp Tangitau break and the 'Landers cash in with short passing down the left edge.
Folau Fakatava throws the last pass back inside for Veveni Lasaqa to score - and Cam Millar makes no mistake from the tee.
Timoci Tavatavanawai is already making his presence felt.
The hulking centre secured his first breakdown steal of the afternoon but the 'Landers can't capitalise, giving away a penalty of their own shortly after under pressure from Carlo Tizzano.
Sharp work in defence saves the Force's blushes early.
The Highlanders found themselves downfield after a ruck penalty but were foiled by a line out steal.
Caleb Tangitau then threatened to bust through on the counter before the Force defenders held him up, forcing a maul turnover.
A massive test for the Force against the Highlanders is underway here in Dunedin.
Force kick off and are running left to right in their away gold strip, the hosts in traditional navy.
WESTERN FORCE 0
HIGHLANDERS 7
Tries: Lasaqa
Cons: Millar
Settle in folks - nothing better than a bit of Trans-Tasman arvo footy on a dry track.
Sharp memories might recall last year's 8-7 slog fest between the Landers and Force. Best believe this one will play out differently.
Both sides are full of running and there'll be plenty of eyes on Force halfback Nathan Hastie as he looks to steer the ship against his former club.
Not long to go now, we're about 15 mins from kick off so grab a drink, get settled and keep an eye on the live blog right here on rugby.com.au.
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele'a
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crepsigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekausi, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu, Darby Lancaster, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa'agase, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Richard Kelly
The Highlanders' clash with the Force will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 2:00 pm with kickoff expected at 2:35 pm.
