The Western Force produced a crucial 20-17 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney to keep their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive.
The result at Allianz Stadium moved the Force closer to the Waratahs on the ladder and gave them fresh momentum in the race for a top-six place.
The Force held their nerve in a tight contest to secure an important away victory.
Ben Donaldson opened the scoring with an early penalty before the Waratahs responded and took a narrow lead through Lawson Creighton, who crossed after a lively first half from the home side.
A further penalty stretched the Waratahs’ advantage, but the Force stayed in the contest and struck just before the break when Dylan Pietsch finished a long, relentless attacking passage to level the scores at 10-all.
Pietsch and Donaldson proved decisive for the visitors.
Pietsch scored twice on the night, with his second try coming after Donaldson sparked the move with a sharp break.
Donaldson again showed his value at fly-half with his game management and composure in a high-pressure match.
The contest had also drawn attention because of the outside-back battle involving Joseph Suaalii and Zac Lomax, but while both had their moments, it was Pietsch and Donaldson who had the biggest influence on the outcome.
The Waratahs pushed hard late on and replacement hooker Folau Faianga crossed to set up a tense finish, but the Force held on in the final minutes to close out the win.
In another match, the Hurricanes edged the Crusaders 20-17.
Today, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will host the Highlanders at 4pm, Moana Pasifika will meet the Blues at 7.05pm, and the Reds will take on the Brumbies at 9.35pm.
