Super Rugby Pacific 2025 | FloRugby's Player Of The Week | Ben Donaldson
Super Rugby Pacific 2025 | FloRugby's Player Of The Week | Ben Donaldson
Ben Donaldson's heroic 84th-minute try and 15-point haul led the Western Force to a stunning 34-31 comeback win over Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific.
Western Force flyhalf Ben Donaldson has been named FloRugby’s Player of the Week for Round 1 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition following his heroic performance in the Force’s thrilling 34-31 comeback victory over Moana Pasifika at HBF Park.
- Subscribe To FloRugby To Watch Super Rugby Pacific In 2024-25
- The 25 Best Rugby Clubs In The World On Feb. 12 | FloRugby Rankings
- 100 Best Rugby Players In The World: Here's The Full List
Donaldson delivered a match-winning display, contributing 15 points from the kicking tee, scoring a crucial try, and assisting another. The flyhalf made seven carries, broke the defensive line once, beat four defenders, and ran for an impressive 91 meters. His standout moment came in the 84th minute when he sliced through the Moana Pasifika defence, sprinting 50 meters to score the decisive try after a gruelling 26-phase movement that started deep inside the Force’s own territory. He then calmly converted his own try, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
“I can’t say enough about Ben’s resilience and leadership,” said Force head coach. “To battle through an injury for almost 40 minutes and still produce moments of brilliance like that—it speaks volumes about his character and commitment.”
The Force had trailed by 13 points with just 10 minutes left on the clock, but Donaldson’s composure and playmaking ability led a stunning late surge. After setting up Dylan Pietsch’s try to close the gap, he then seized the moment himself, securing one of the most dramatic victories in recent Super Rugby Pacific history.
Donaldson’s performance underscores his growing influence within the Force and Australian rugby. With his ability to step up under pressure, he is set to be a key figure as the Super Rugby Pacific season unfolds.
How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby
FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to:
FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays.