In a remarkable upset, the Western Force triumphed over the ACT Brumbies 45-42 in Canberra, marking one of the club’s most significant victories. The Force established a formidable lead of 28-7 within the first 32 minutes, but the Brumbies rallied back and took control as the match neared its end. Even while down to just 13 players with two forwards, Jeremy Williams and Nick Champion de Crespigny, in the sin bin, the Force managed to clinch the game, thanks to hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa’s late try.
This victory is their first against the Brumbies in Canberra since 2011, putting the Force at 2-0 for the season, while the Brumbies hold a 1-1 record. Acting captain Nic White expressed pride in the team’s effort, highlighting their determination to stick to their game plan. Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa acknowledged his team’s slow start as a critical factor in their loss, despite their eventual comeback attempts. The Force’s win also snapped a 15-match winless streak on the road, dating back to 2022, showcasing a significant turnaround for the team.