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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 15: Carlo Tizzano of the Force passes the ball as he warms up during the round one Super Rugby Pacific match between Western Force and Moana Pasifika at HBF Park, on February 15, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images)

Smith and Waugh did it. So did Pocock and Hooper. Can McReight and Tizzano follow suit for the Wallabies?

The rise of a bulked-up Carlo Tizzano could see him partner Fraser McReight against the British and Irish Lions.

  • Paul Cully

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CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 22: Dylan Pietsch of the Force heads to the try line to score during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between ACT Brumbies and Western Force at GIO Stadium, on February 22, 2025, in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Joe Schmidt handed out 19 Wallabies debuts last year. Now Super Rugby teams are reaping benefits.

The Western Force’s drought-breaking win over the Brumbies came with the help of newly minted Wallabies and fresh recruits. And they could help the WA side finally become contenders.

  • Iain Payten
Brandon Paenga-Amosa (left) and Western Force teammates celebrate their thrilling win the capital.

Force hold on for famous win over Brumbies in Canberra

The Western Force have cracked a 14-year drought in Canberra to shock the ACT Brumbies with a 45-42 victory in the first Australian derby of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

  • Melissa Woods
The Roosters remain a chance of receiving a discount for signing Mark Nawaqanitawase

Schmidt leaves Roosters-bound Nawaqanitawase out of Wallabies train-on squad

Rugby recruit Joseph Suaalii is playing State of Origin for NSW, but the man who will replace him at the Roosters has been left out of Joe Schmidt’s first Wallabies squad.

  • Iain Payten
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 31: Josh Nasser of the Reds is tackled during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium, on May 31, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Waratahs rebuild creates opportunities – and issues

Powering up the Waratahs scrum with Rebels stars could help NSW regain some lost ground. But it could also fuel one of the Tahs’ oldest problems.

  • Paul Cully
Darren Coleman

Waratahs are not the only problem child in Super Rugby’s dysfunctional family

Rugby Australia must be learning that centralisation means taking on the problems of the franchises, not magically making them disappear.

  • Paul Cully
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Tim Ryan of the Reds breaks away from the defence.

Wallabies stocks rise for rookie duo: Four things learned from Reds’ demolition

Two rising stars never would have considered themselves Wallabies chances heading into the season. Their star showings on Saturday night could change that.

  • Nick Wright
Western Force fullback Kurtley Beale.

Inside Beale’s obsession to get back in a Wallabies jersey

Kurtley Beale lines up against his old team the Waratahs on Saturday. Is an international comeback on the cards? Those close to the 95-Test stalwart believe so.

  • Tom Decent
Ben Donaldson kicked eight-from-eight for 23 points to guide Western Force to a Super Rugby win.

Donaldson scores 23 points as Force crush Drua

Western Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson has scored 23 points on the back of a perfect kicking display to lift his side to a crushing 48-10 win over Fijian Drua in Perth.

  • Justin Chadwick
The Waratahs opted out of the hard stuff in Wellington - and paid the price.

Waratahs hit rock bottom as resurgent Reds put hands up for Wallabies

Serious questions must be asked about the Waratahs’ effort in their heavy defeat to the Hurricanes, while Test coach Joe Schmidt will have been delighted at the Reds’ win over the Crusaders in Christchurch.

  • Paul Cully

Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/topic/force-5tg