Super Rugby Pacific — Sunday 24 May 2026

The Western Force were masters of capitalizing on the Fijian Drua's waning energy, securing a win in Perth despite Salawa scoring the initial try for the Drua. After a first half where the Drua held a 12–7 lead, the struggle was evident in the second period as the Drua’s forwards collapsed at scrum time. Openside flanker Kitione Salawa was instrumental early on, scoring the Drua’s first try and making continuous impacts over the ruck with significant carries. He was highlighted as the outstanding player for the Fijian Drua in his 50th club game. However, the Western Force seized the momentum after the interval, scoring first from the back of a powerful scrum. While Kemueli Valetini scored a penalty goal in the 64th minute to push the score to 15–14, the Drua struggled to maintain the intensity, compounded by Maika Tuitubou receiving a yellow card in the 57th minute. Although Elia Canakaivata and Penaia Cakobau injected brilliant energy into the Drua attack with their bulldozing runs, the Western Force found a way to score another try from a very special attacking position, ultimately tipping the balance.