Western Force Crushes Fijian Drua 48-10 in Super Rugby Pacific

TheWestern Forcesecured a crucial 48-10 bonus-point win over Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby Pacific match at HBF Park in Perth on Saturday night, keeping their finals hopes alive. The team scored six tries, with flyhalf Ben Donaldson contributing 23 points through a perfect kicking display.

The Force's victory, their third of the season, propelled them from last place to ninth in the standings, just two points behind the eighth-placed Drua with three rounds remaining. Chase Tiatia, Carlo Tizzano, Michael Wells, Lopeti Faifua, Bayley Kuenzle, and Ben Donaldson all scored tries for the home side, while Selestino Ravutaumada scored the lone try for the Drua.

The Force started strong, with captain Jeremy Williams making a sensational break in the opening minute to set up Tiatia's try. They extended their lead to 14-0 by the 14th minute before the Drua got on the board with a 38th-minute penalty, making it 17-3 at halftime.

Although Ravutaumada's try shortly after the break reduced the margin to seven points, the Force shifted into high gear, scoring four second-half tries. Donaldson's conversion made it 27-10 before Reed Prinsep's line break led to an assist for replacement lock Faifua, extending the lead to 32-10.

Western Force coach Simon Cron praised his team's mental growth and overall performance, saying,"Outcome aside, that was our best performance of the year by the boys. We played some great rugby both sides of the ball. I thought the players really stepped up. "Several playershad standout performances for the Force. Kurtley Beale showcased his skills by setting up multiple tries, while Hamish Stewart produced two pivotal plays, including a successful counter-ruck and a vital gain in meters, helping to turn the tide of the game. Donaldson's perfect kicking and a late try capped off his impressive 23-point night.

TheWestern Forcenow look ahead to their final three matches of the regular season against the Waratahs (home), Reds (away), and Brumbies (home). With the team hitting their stride at the right time, two more wins could potentially secure them a spot in the finals. The Force will aim to carry the momentum from this dominant victory into next Saturday's crucial home clash against theWaratahs.