The Western Force are looking to build off their maiden victory of 2026 as they face the Highlanders in Dunedin.

The Force heads to the South Island full of confidence following their impressive win over Moana Pasifika in Pukekohe.

Watch every second of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Wallabies duo Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brandon Paenga-Amosa return to the starting side, gunning for back-to-back wins over the Highlanders for the first time since 2014.

The Highlanders return home after a tough defeat to the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

All Black Angus Ta’avao comes back into the side, with the hosts eager to keep in touch with the top six.

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HIGHLANDERS v WESTERN FORCE TEAMS

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta’avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasawa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sosefo Kautai, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Reesjan Pasitoa, Tanielu Tele’a

FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crepsigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekausi, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, George Bridge, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu, Darby Lancaster, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe

Assistant Referees: Maggie Cogger-Orr, Warwick Lahmert

TMO: Richard Kelly

HOW TO WATCH HIGHLANDERS v WESTERN FORCE

The Highlanders’ clash with the Force will be shown LIVE on Stan Sport.

Coverage will be live and ad-free on Stan Sport, slated to start at 2:00 pm with kickoff expected at 2:35 pm.