The Western Force tuned up for the upcoming 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season with an internal game at Scotch College on Friday.
In a probables (gold) versus possibles (blue) contest played across three 25-minute thirds, it was the probables who triumphed 42-0 albeit in a game where players chopped and changed, with some ending up playing on both sides as time wore on.
There was plenty to like, with Atu Moli, Harry Johnson-Holmes and Reesjan Pasitoa making their returns after long-term injury lay-offs, along with 2021 Nathan Sharpe medalist Kane Koteka after 18 months out of the Force program.
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
Kicking off at 2pm, the game was played in 32-degree heat but it was still very willing with Round 1 spots up for grabs, as Nic White dived over for an early try converted by Ben Donaldson.
Despite being an internal game, there were hard hits with Reed Prinsep tackling Carlo Tizzano before a Koteka shot on the Wallabies back-rower moments later.
Winger Harry Potter’s aerial work was impressive, along with Donaldson’s field kicking. Off-season recruit and Australia U20s representative Divad Palu produced some bright moments, starting on the wing for the probables.
Jeremy Williams doubled the gold side’s lead with an intercept try, before Mac Grealy’s kick in behind caused chaos, with Sio Tomkinson forcing it down after a tackle on Academy prospect Tiam Toufan.
Potter showed off his array of skills with a 50-22, before the probables went further ahead with a penalty try at the end of the second third, following a Doug Philipson knock-down.
Both sides made bulk changes into the final third, with scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa among those to swap teams.
Academy flyer Wallace Charlie showcased his blistering pace for the blue team with a burst down the right edge.
Vaiolini Ekuasi’s line break led to Albert Alcock dotting in the final period, before Nick Champion de Crespigny and Alcock forced another try late with Max Burey converting to round out the game.
The Force will fly out for Canberra on Wednesday for the club’s pre-season trial game against the ACT Brumbies from 11am WST at Marist College.
The Force then host Moana Pasifika in Round 1 of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season at HBF Park on Saturday 15 February with tickets on sale now via this link.
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
