"Tough" - Ben Donaldson wary of Timoci Tavatavanawai threat before Western Force face Highlanders

It is the second stop on a demanding three game New Zealand tour for the Perth side, who opened the trip with an impressive 35–19 win over Moana Pasifika. The victory marked their first success of the season after a frustrating start that saw them lose both opening games at home.

Fly-half Ben Donaldson has been central to the Force attack early in the campaign. The Wallabies playmaker currently leads the competition for total points with 36 from three matches and sits second in the Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year standings.

Donaldson, who made his Australia debut in November 2022 against Italy before starting at fly-half in a win over Wales later that tour, also featured at the 2023 Rugby World Cup where he played four matches and scored 45 points. His form has carried into the 2026 season as he directs a Force side eager to prove it can compete on the road.

Reflecting on last week’s breakthrough result, Donaldson said the win over Moana Pasifika was an important step after the opening rounds.

"It was awesome, the first two games this year, we didn't start how we wanted to which was quite frustrating, especially two games at home," Donaldson said.

"So to get on the road with the boys, we had a short week's preparation, didn't train too much, but the way the boys went about their work off the field was world class, and that went onto the field. It was a great feeling getting that first win, away from home as well, it's always tough to win in New Zealand."

A key adjustment came in the way the Force managed territory and workload through their kicking game. Donaldson explained that improving balance between forwards and backs helped unlock the performance.

"First couple of games, we definitely overworked our forwards. We've got some electric backs and we probably didn't use them enough," he said.

"On the weekend, I think we got our balance right, mainly through our kicking game. First few games, we probably didn't kick enough or kick smart enough, then on the weekend I think we kicked 30 times."

That approach will again be crucial against a Highlanders side that thrives on pressure and physicality at home.

"We just need to use our skillset and that's where our kicking game comes into it as well, we want to play in the right areas of the field," Donaldson said. "We can't overwork our forwards, we can't try and hold the ball for too long in our end."

Containing Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai will also be high on the Force agenda. The powerful Fijian-born All Black has developed into one of the competition’s most influential players since arriving in New Zealand.

"It's a tough one. he's obviously a big ball carrier, physical, his breakdown threat is incredible," Donaldson said.

"He's probably the biggest threat in attack and defence, there's no denying that and for me, I'm probably going to be tackling him more often than not so I've just got to try and cut his space and time down, get off the line and throw my body around."