PERTH, 21 February 2026 – The Western Force and the Auckland Blues meet today at Arena Joondalup for a critical Round 2 Super Rugby Pacific clash, with both sides desperate to secure their first win of the 2026 season. The match marks a historic occasion as the Force play their maiden Super Rugby fixture in Joondalup, moving north of their traditional HBF Park base.
Match Preview: Redemption on the Radar
Both teams enter this afternoon’s contest following disappointing opening-round results. The Western Force are looking to bounce back from a bruising 56-24 defeat at the hands of the ACT Brumbies last weekend. Despite being competitive for large periods of that match, a late surge by the Brumbies exposed defensive lapses that coach Simon Cron has spent the week addressing.
The Blues, meanwhile, are reeling from a narrow 19-15 home loss to the Chiefs. The Auckland-based side was at the centre of a post-match controversy this week after Super Rugby officials admitted a crucial Chiefs try should not have been awarded. Despite the officiating error, the Blues must now focus on clinical execution to avoid an 0-2 start to the campaign.
Team News and Tactical Shifts
Force coach Simon Cron has kept a relatively settled line-up, making only one change to the starting XV that faced the Brumbies. Wallabies lock Darcy Swain earns a start, providing much-needed height and aggression in the engine room to combat the Blues’ physical pack.
The Blues have opted for tactical rotations in their forward line. All Blacks prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi has been shifted to the bench, with Marcel Renata promoted to the starting front row. Laghlan McWhannell joins Josh Beehre in the second row, as the visitors look to dominate the set-piece and provide a platform for their dangerous backline.
Head-to-Head History
The Blues have historically dominated this fixture, including a convincing eight-try victory at Eden Park in 2024. However, the Force showed significant grit during the 2025 season, pushing top-tier teams to the limit in Perth. The move to Joondalup is expected to provide a compact, hostile atmosphere that could level the playing field.
| Category | Western Force | Auckland Blues |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Record | 0 Wins, 1 Loss | 0 Wins, 1 Loss |
| Last Result | Lost 24-56 vs Brumbies | Lost 15-19 vs Chiefs |
| Venue | Arena Joondalup, Perth | Arena Joondalup, Perth |
| Key Addition | Darcy Swain (Starting Lock) | Marcel Renata (Starting Prop) |
Public Insight and Atmosphere
Public sentiment in Perth is a mix of apprehension and excitement. While some fans expressed concern over the Round 1 defensive lapses, the “Joondalup experiment” has generated significant local buzz. In New Zealand, former All Black Jeff Wilson has criticised the high volume of kicking seen in the opening round, leading many to hope for a more expansive, running game from the Blues today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Force vs Blues match being played?
The match is being held at Arena Joondalup in Perth’s northern suburbs, marking the first time the Western Force have hosted a Super Rugby match at this venue.
What time does the game start?
The match is scheduled for Saturday, 21 February 2026. Local kick-off times and broadcast details are available via Stan Sport (Australia) and Sky Sport (New Zealand).
Why did the Blues lose their first game?
The Blues lost 15-19 to the Chiefs. Following the match, Super Rugby officials confirmed that a game-changing try awarded to the Chiefs should have been disallowed due to an officiating error.
Who is the referee for today’s match?
Match officials are appointed by Super Rugby Pacific; live updates on officiating decisions can be followed via the official match centre or live blogs.