Hurricanes Edge Western Force in Napier Thriller, Jeremy Williams Laments Late Fadeout

The Hurricanes secured a 31-23 victory over the Western Force in a hard-fought match at McLean Park, Napier, on Friday night. Despite a promising start and a halftime lead, the Force succumbed to a second-half surge from the Hurricanes, ultimately falling short of a historic win against Kiwi opposition in New Zealand.

Second-Half Collapse Costs Force

The Western Force led 8-5 at halftime, thanks to a endeavor from winger Darby Lancaster and a penalty goal by Ben Donaldson. They extended their advantage early in the second half with another Donaldson penalty. However, the Hurricanes responded with four tries in quick succession from Brad Shields, Devan Flanders, Callum Harkin and Warner Dearns, turning the tide of the match.

Force captain Jeremy Williams expressed his frustration with the team’s performance in the second half, stating, “That first 20 in the second half we got punched in the face a bit.” He acknowledged the team’s late rally, with tries from Lancaster and Lopeti Faifua, but lamented, “Really great reply in the end. Only if there was five more minutes, eh?”

Match Statistics and Key Performances

Whereas the Force demonstrated strong defensive capabilities and ball-handling skills, winning the defenders beaten count 22-20 and the clean breaks 7-6, they were ultimately outmatched in metres gained, 461-273. The Hurricanes capitalized on Force penalties and turnovers in the second half, turning those opportunities into crucial points.

Coach Cron Reflects on Discipline and Depth

Force coach Simon Cron highlighted the critical 40-60 minute mark as a turning point, citing a string of penalties and turnovers that allowed the Hurricanes to gain momentum. Despite the loss, Cron expressed satisfaction with the team’s first-half performance and emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and ball control.

Cron also praised the team’s depth, indicating they are unlikely to make significant personnel changes, particularly with a bye week ahead. He noted the upcoming arrival of NRL convert Zac Lomax, expressing excitement about his potential contribution to the team. “He’s a great man,” Cron said. “The conversations I’ve had with him have been amazing. He’s really driven. He’s talented. He’s been wanting to play rugby the whole time.” Cron anticipates Lomax will initially be targeted for positions on the wing or at fullback.

Looking Ahead

The Western Force will use the upcoming bye week to rest and regroup before hosting the Chiefs on Saturday, March 28th, in their Grass Roots Game. Tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

Jeremy Williams: A Rising Star

Force club captain Jeremy Williams, currently 25 years old, has emerged as a key player for the team. He was the only Wallabies player to play all 15 Tests in the 2025 season, showcasing his durability and leadership. Williams joined the Force from the Waratahs prior to the 2023 season and quickly established himself as a top performer, winning the Club’s Force Man award. He was named captain in 2024 and continues to excel in his role as a lock.