RECAP: The Western Force have come away with a 19-15 win over the Fijian Drua.
The Force's finals hopes have ended, needing a bonus point win after the results from earlier in the day with the Reds' win over Moana Pasifika.
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But the win gives veteran Kurtley Beale plenty to celebrate as he moves into third for most appearances (186) when he gets off the bench, with young centre Boston Fakafanua set for his debut.
Zac Lomax came away with the winner with 12 minutes remaining as the Force dominated the second half, but couldn't get the necessary full points.
The Drua led 12-7 at the break, only to fall after a determined second half surge from the hosts.
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Force 19-15: The Drua hunt for a winner as they attack from their own half.
A promising half break is instantly negated by a knock-on, allowing the Force to scrum it down and kick it out for the win.
Force 19-15: Jeremy Williams looks to have sealed the win and keep the Force in the hunt for a bonus point.
Dylan Pietsch gets up high and retrieves the ball, however, there is a knock on from Pietsch into Zac Lomax, denying the try.
Force 19-15: The Force are hunting for the bonus point but they still need to worry about closing this game out.
They get another steal at ruck time, producing a deep kick inside of the Force's half.
Force 19-15: Mac Grealy produces an AFL-style snap kick for the 50-22.
The Force are smoked in defence on several occasions and with nothing happening, the fullback slams it on the boot and gets the bounce.
The hosts hunt for the bobuns is dented by another Kitione Salawa ruck turnover.
Force 19-15: The Force keep the pressure on and find their target man Zac Lomax for the try.
Hamish Stewart keeps alive in the tackle and offloads out the back, with quick hands hitting Lomax in the corner.
Drua 15-14: Nic Dolly just can't find the line as the Drua come up with a great try-saver.
Max Burey grubbers for Zac Lomax, who re-gathers and is dragged down. In the following phase, the ball finds the replacement hooker and his dive for the line is stopped by a clutch cover tackle from Kitione Salawa.
Drua 15-14: Kemu Valetini slots an easy three points and the Drua are in front.
It allows them to drain the yellow card further, with the Force needing to score fast if they are to still get a bonus point and stay in finals contention.
Force 14-12: Over 25 phases on the Force's line as they try and hold onto their lead.
They give away the penalty and are back on the warning
Force 14-12: A brain explosion as Maika Tuitubou goes to the bin for a professional foul.
He slaps the ball out of Nathan Hastie's hands on the ground, and Paul Williams sends him for ten.
Force 14-12: The Force are feeling themselves as they are starting to make some big metres, Hamish Stewart and Dylan Pietsch especially.
Another ruck turnover hurts them, though, with the Drua clearing the pressure.
Force 14-12: Vailoni Ekuasi bulldozes his way over the line after another powerful scrum.
The Force fold the Drua over themselves as the number eight collects the ball and slams it down.
Kurtley Beale comes onto the field, now third all-time for Super Rugby caps (186).
Drua 12-7: The Force can't get it together tonight as they keep dropping the ball as they enter the Drua's half.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa delivers an impassioned speech to fire up the forward pack. Whatever he said, he worked as the Force shove the Drua back five metres for the penalty.
Drua 12-7: The Drua get another ruck turnover and kick ahead, nearly re-gathering the ball.
Unfortunately for them, there's a foot in touch and the Force will clear their 22 through Max Borey.
Drua 12-7: The Drua maintain their lead heading into the break after some late opportunities for the Force.
Again, it's their breakdown pressure that is causing the Force trouble, who are pinged again for holding on.
Drua 12-7: Nervous time for the Force as the official warning comes for too many penalties.
They somehow find a way to stop the Drua, winning the goal-line dropout after several minutes defending their line.
Drua 12-7: The Drua are in control as they look to extend their lead.
Brandon Paenga-Amosa forces the error but they are still defending their line for their lives.
Drua 12-7: A lovely move as Zuriel Togiatama scores in the corner.
A powerful run leaves the wing unmarked as Issak Fines-Leleiwasa throws a beauty for his hooker, who stayed out there after the lineout.
7-all: The Drua are camped inside the Force's half as they keep searching for points.
They kick for the line 10 metres out from the line, turning down the three pointers.
7-all: Some more scramble defence from the Force as the Drua get back into the Force's 22 after an errant kick out on the full.
The hosts survive for now, only helped by another stolen lineout and a penalty for offside.
7-all: Kitione Salawa salutes in his 50th game for a well deserved try, levelling the scores
The visitors are seriously causing trouble on the Force's ruck as they set up inside the 22, eventually finding the line
Force 7-0: The Drua are quick to build the pressure as they look for a response.
Kitione Salawa breaks the game open with a great burst as the Force scramble to force the turnover on their line.
Force 7-0: A trademark five pointer for Carlo Tizzano as he scores yet another maul try, equalling the all-time record for the Force
The set-up is unreal as the Force powers their way over from the five metre line.
The Force march down the field after Dylan Pietsch's steal as Jeremy Williams makes a half break inside the 22.
Under penalty advantage, they look to Zac Lomax's wing, with Manasa Mataele getting in the way.
The Force gets an early penalty as they apply pressure on the Drua defence.
The Drua are up for the fight early, coming away with the penalty at ruck time and they get their own chance inside the 22, coughing it up.
Max Burey has the ball in hand and this game is underway!
Kurtley Beale leads the Force out as he prepares to go into outright third for most caps in Super Rugby history
Tries: Tizzano, Ekuasi, Lomax
Cons: Burey 2/3
Pens:
Tries: Salawa, Togiatama
Cons: Valetini 1/2
Pens: Valetini 1/1
Welcome to Rugby.com.au's coverage as the Western Force host the Fijian Drua in Perth.
The Force need a bonus point victory to stay in touch with the top six, with the Drua's final hopes over after earlier results.
A change for the Fijian Drua, with Mesake Vocevoce out, replaced by Isoa Nasilasila, with Joseva Tamani onto the bench
FORCE (1-15): Harry Johnson-Holmes, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vailoni Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Zac Lomax, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Sef Fa'agase, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Boston Fakafanua, Kurtley Beale
DRUA (1-15): Meli Tuni, Zuriel Togiatama, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (c), Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Isoa Tuwai, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Virimi Vakatawa, Maika Tuitubou, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu
Replacements: Sairusi Ravudi, Penaia Cakobau, Mesake Doge, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Iosefo Namoce
Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: Aaron Paterson
The Force's clash with the Drua will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.
Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 7:00 pm with kickoff expected at 7:35 pm.
