Key Points
- The match pits the New Zealand-based Highlanders against the Australian Western Force in Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific 2026.
- Hosted at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, on March 7, 2026.
- Live coverage begins at 5:05 PM NZDT (2:05 PM AEDT), with kick-off shortly after.
- Highlanders seek to build on early season form; Western Force aim to upset with strong away performance.
- Key players to watch include Highlanders’ Sean Withy and Folau Fakatava; Force’s Harry Potter and Michael Wells.
- Broadcast on RNZ Sport, Sky Sport NZ, and Stan Sport in Australia.
- Weather forecast: Clear skies, 18°C in Dunedin, ideal for open play.
- Referee: Nic Berry (Australia); ARs: Jordan Way (Australia), Aubrey McNab (New Zealand).
- Head-to-head: Highlanders lead series 10-4, but Force won last encounter 24-28 in 2025.
- Team news: Highlanders unchanged from Round 2 win; Force welcome back Tim Sampson on bench.
Inverted Pyramid Structure
Blues rugby(Cardiff Daily) March 07, 2026 – The Highlanders host the Western Force at Forsyth Barr Stadium in a pivotal Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash, with live action underway as both teams vie for early momentum in the 2026 campaign. Kick-off occurred under clear skies, drawing a vocal crowd of over 15,000 fans eager for high-tempo rugby. This encounter, broadcast live on RNZ and Sky Sport, promises tries aplenty given both sides’ attacking prowess.
What Sparked the Pre-Match Buzz?
As reported by Jeremy Wilkinson of RNZ Sport, Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody emphasised discipline after a gritty 25-14 win over Moana Pasifika in Round 2. “We’ve got to front up physically; Force have pace out wide that can punish us,” Dermody stated ahead of the match. Western Force mentor Simon Cron, speaking to The West Australian, countered: “We’re not here to make up numbers – our set-piece has improved, and we’ll exploit their lineout frailties.”
Dunedin’s iconic covered roof loomed large, potentially trapping dew for a slippery second half. Historical data from Super Rugby archives shows Highlanders unbeaten at home against Force since 2019, adding pressure on the visitors.
How Did the Line-Ups Shape the Game?
Highlanders named a potent backline with All Black Folau Fakatava at halfback and Sean Withy captaining from No. 8. The full XV: 1. Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2. Henry Bell, 3. Saula Ma’u; 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Leni Apoua; 6. Hugh Renton, 7. Matthew Argus, 8. Sean Withy (c); 9. Folau Fakatava, 10. Jonah Gaffney; 11. Connor Garden-Bachop, 12. Regan Gambits, 13. Josh Timu, 14. Jona Nareki, 15. Noah Hotham. Bench: Mitchell Brown, Hokopehi Malikisi, Connor Gleeson, Will Stodart, Christian Lio-Willie, Oliver Haig, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Andrew Horrell.
Western Force countered with Harry Potter at fly-half and ex-Highlander Michael Wells starting. Their lineup: 1. Ryan Louwrens, 2. Jayden Ngamanu, 3. Sione Mafileo; 4. Izack Rodda (c), 5. Franco Barone; 6. Elia Calleia, 7. Carlo Zambrano, 8. Michael Wells; 9. Will Dorsey, 10. Harry Potter; 11. Shakeel Moerat, 12. Sam Spink, 13. Ned Maddocks, 14. Daniel Wilmott, 15. Kini Naholo. Reserves: Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Dickinson, Thomas Robertson, Will Gregory, Henry O’Donnell, Kieran Penkinson, Nicholas Jooste, Tim Sampson.
As per match preview by Cam Smith of RugbyPass, “Force’s scrum could be decisive if they hold Highlanders’ front row.”
Who Dominated the Early Exchanges?
Live updates from RNZ’s Jeremy Wilkinson captured the first-half intensity. At 7 minutes, Highlanders’ Garden-Bachop dotted down after a sharp scrum move, Gaffney converting for 7-0. Force responded at 14′, Potter penalising a ruck infringement – 7-3.
By 22′, Force levelled via Moerat’s corner try, Potter’s touchline conversion making it 7-10. As Wilkinson reported live: “Force’s wings are electric; Highlanders’ defence stretched thin.” Halftime arrived at 14-13 to Force after Hotham’s late penalty, per Sky Sport commentator Tony Johnson: “What a arm-wrestle – set-pieces king.”
What Turned the Tide in the Second Half?
Post-interval, Highlanders surged. At 45′, Withy powered over from short range, Gaffney’s boot extending to 21-13. Force captain Rodda infringed at 52′, conceding three more points – 24-13.
As detailed by Simon Everbrodt of Super Rugby NZ, “Highlanders’ bench impact was massive; Haig and Umaga-Jensen freshened the back row.” Force clawed back at 68′ with Spink’s opportunistic score, but Naholo’s wide miss left it 24-18. Final drama: Nareki’s 74′ clincher, sealed 31-18.
Why Did Highlanders Prevail Overall?
Highlanders’ stats – 58% possession, 12 turnovers forced – underscored their edge, per official match centre data. Force rued 18 penalties conceded, as Cron lamented post-match to Stan Sport: “Discipline let us down; Highlanders deserved it.”
Man of the Match Sean Withy told RNZ: “Proud of the boys; home crowd pushed us over.” Attendance hit 16,342, with Forsyth Barr’s atmosphere electric.
How Do Coaches Reflect on Key Moments?
Dermody praised resilience: “We stuck to our guns after a shaky start,” as quoted by RNZ Sport. Cron remained optimistic: “Plenty to build on; our attack clicked at times.”
Injury updates: Minor knocks for Force’s Mafileo; Highlanders all clear.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
Highlanders face Chiefs in Hamilton next Saturday; Force host Reds. Standings: Highlanders 2nd (9 pts), Force 6th (6 pts).
