The Australian and New Zealand Super Rugby teams are set to battle it out for supremacy across Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Rugby.com.au will be previewing every Australian team along with their New Zealand counterparts.
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After a historic season, the Western Force will be looking to build on their maiden finals appearance.
The Western Force will mark their return to NZ competition as they host the Super Rugby Aotearoa finalist Chiefs in Round One.
They will then welcome the Highlanders before embarking on an end-of season road trip.
Tim Sampson and the Force will finish their season in NZ, facing off against the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Blues.
Western Force v Chiefs, Saturday 15 May, HBF Park, Perth, 9:55pm
Western Force v Highlanders, Friday 21 May, HBF Park, Perth, 7:45pm
Hurricanes v Western Force, Friday 28 May, McLean Park, Napier, 5:05pm
Crusaders v Western Force, Friday 4 June, Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch, 5:05pm
Blues v Western Force, Saturday 12 June, Eden Park, Auckland, 5:05pm
The Western Force had a landmark 2021 Super Rugby AU season, making their first finals appearance.
They overcame a tough start to the year, winning their final three games to claim third sport and a berth in the finals.
Unfortunately for the Force, they failed to fire against the Brumbies, going down 21-9 at GIO Stadium
The Western Force will embrace the challenge of playing the NZ rivals, so their first game against the Chiefs will be a key barometer to their season.
Whilst the Chiefs are coming off a finals appearance, there are questions surrounding their form, particularly at the start of the season.
Like the Force, they were the benefactors of a strong finish, however, that still didn't stop them from recording the least amount of points, the most points conceded and the worse points difference in the competition.
Therefore, this is a major chance for the Force to defy the odds and critics and send a message to the rest of the competition
Whilst he seems to have flown under the radar of most, there is no questioning the value that Timani brings to this side.
It isn't a coincidence that his arrival coincided with their turnaround in fortunes as he gave their forward pack a physical edge.
For a young Force team, they need to avoid being muscled off the field as they re-adapt to the brutal Kiwi style.
If Timani can set the standard early, the Force will be primed for a couple of upsets throughout the tournament.
