Western Force welcome back star duo for 2026 finale

The Western Force are looking to continue their winning ways in the final game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific round-robin, welcoming back Ben Donaldson and George Bridge with the Waratahs in town.

The team has been eliminated from playoff contention but has recorded just two losses in the second half of the season. That stretch of results includes two wins over the Reds, one over the Crusaders and one over this week’s opponents in Sydney.

Star openside flanker Carlo Tizzano can become the Force’s all-time leading try-scorer in the contest, after equalling Cameron Shepherd’s record haul of 30 last week.

The returns of Donaldson and Bridge are the only changes to the matchday 23 that beat the Drua last week, with Max Burey and Bayley Kuenzle dropping out of the team as a result.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

21

21

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

60%

Force team to play the Waratahs

1. Harry Johnson-Holmes
2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa
3. Misinale Epenisa
4. Jeremy Williams (c)
5. Darcy Swain
6. Nick Champion de Crespigny (vc)
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Vaiolini Ekuasi
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Ben Donaldson (vc)
11. Dylan Pietsch
12. Hamish Stewart
13. George Bridge
14. Zac Lomax
15. Mac Grealy

Reserves

16 Nic Dolly
17 Marley Pearce
18 Sef Fa’agase
19 Franco Molina
20 Will Harris
21 Agustin Moyano
22 Boston Fakafanua
23 Kurtley Beale

Injury list

Alex Harford (shoulder) – short term
Tom Robertson (calf) – short term
Darby Lancaster (ankle) – season
Henry Robertson (ACL) – season