The Western Force pulled off a stunning comeback, defeating the Crusaders 31-26 at HBF Park in Perth, overcoming an early 19-point deficit to secure a dramatic victory in Super Rugby Pacific.
## Match Summary
The Crusaders stormed to a 19-0 lead within the first 22 minutes. The Western Force responded by scoring 31 unanswered points to seize control of the match. A Crusaders try in the 75th minute was disallowed due to a knock-on. The Force sealed the win with a crucial defensive stand in the final seconds, earning a turnover penalty won by Carlo Tizzano at a breakdown.
## Scoring Details
Crusaders (26)
- Tries: George Bell, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Johnny McNicholl, Noah Hotham
- Conversions: Taha Kemara, Rivez Reihana (2)
Western Force (31)
- Tries: Henry Robertson (2), Dylan Pietsch, Zac Lomax, Harry Johnson-Holmes
- Conversions: Ben Donaldson (3)
## Player Performances
- Zac Lomax, in his first start for the Force, made a significant impact by scoring a try in the 54th minute to level the scores at 19-19. He also provided an assist for a first-half try and was reliable under the high ball.
- Force captain Jeremy Williams led the side in a spirited team performance.
- The Crusaders were reduced to 14 players for a period during the second half.
## Team Lineups
Western Force: Mac Grealy, Zac Lomax, George Bridge, Bayley Kuenzle, Dylan Pietsch, Ben Donaldson, Henry Robertson, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams (c), Misinale Epenisa, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson.
Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Kurtley Beale.
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Dallas McLeod, Macca Springer, Taha Kemara, Louis Chapman, Christian Lio-Willie (c), Johnny Lee, Dom Gardiner, Jamie Hannah, Tahlor Cahill, Seb Calder, George Bell, Finlay Brewis.
Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Will Tucker, Ollie Mathis, Noah Hotham, Rivez Reihana, Toby Bell.
## Standings Context
- The Force's record now stands at 3-6 for the season.
- This victory is their third win of the campaign, leaving them second-last in the 11-team competition.
- The Force become the third Australian team to defeat the Crusaders this season, joining the Brumbies and Reds.
## Officials
- Referee: Reuben Keane
- Assistant Referees: Nic Berry, Louis Trisley
- TMO: Brett Cronan