The Western Force have rounded out their Japan Tour with a win and a loss in Saturday’s final hybrid games against Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars and Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix.
In difficult conditions in Tokyo, the Force came from behind with Alapeta Ngauamo’s try earning them a 7-5 win over the Artemi-Stars in the first of the two 40-minute rotation games.
In the latter kick-off, the rain turned torrential impacting the quality of play, with the 2023-24 Japanese champions Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix triumphing thanks to a lone penalty try 7-0.
Across the two halves, there were huge defensive efforts but stand-outs were new recruit Loretta Mailangi and Australia A member Brooklyn Teki-Joyce.
The games conclude the Force’s two-and-a-half-week Japan tour, with the squad due to return to Australia on Sunday ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Women’s season.
The Force played one standalone game (27-24 loss to the Phoenix) and four hybrid 40-minute rotation games, with one win and three narrow defeats across the Japan Tour.
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
Game 1 rundown
The Force had to navigate an early onslaught against the Artemi-Stars who dominated territory with defensive highlights coming from Mailangi with a huge tackle along with a jackal from Teki-Joyce.
The WA side showed resolve to keep the Stars at bay but were warned for repeated penalties. Wests Scarborough newcomer Tizanae Kovacs produced a try-saving tackle among that.
However, the Stars would eventually score in the corner in the 11th minute from a pick and go, with the conversion missed.
The Japanese outfit continued to keep the Force on the back foot, with Grace Freeman’s clearance kick offering relief, while Tamika Jones won a penalty after a strong tackle from Wanneroo’s Ngamihi Monk.
The Force pack started to make a difference, winning scrums, allowing possession and territory. That advantage was turned into points when Michaela Leonard’s carry led to a pick-and-go try from Ngauamo. Freeman’s conversion was successful for a 7-5 lead on the half hour.
The momentum stayed with the Force in the final 10 minutes, who managed to play in their territory as the clock wound down.
Western Force 7
Tries: Ngauamo (28’)
Conversions: Freeman 1/1
Penalties: Nil
Yokogawa Musashino Artemi-Stars 5
Tries: 1
Conversions: 0/1
Penalties: Nil
Force 2025 Super Rugby Memberships are on sale NOW for seven home games + Super W games from $170 per adult, while there’s FREE Junior Force Memberships for one child under 15 with a paying adult.
Game 2 rundown
The rain poured upon kick-off in the second 40-minute rotation game, but the Phoenix still persisted with an edge-to-edge style like in last week’s 27-24 comeback win over the Force.
The wet conditions along with the excellent Force defence, with Teki-Joyce winning an early penalty, ensured it was an arm wrestle.
The Force had success stealing line-outs but the conditions made it tough to earn much relief with their kicking game.
Leilani Hills kick-chase led to a turnover in Force territory, before a strong carry from Teki-Joyce after the Force set the maul on the 22m. The Force earned a 5m lineout but despite plenty of phases, there was no score before a Phoenix penalty.
The Phoenix would take the lead in the 21st minute through a penalty try after a Force line-out was lost, allowing their winger to streak down the sideline.
The rain turned torrential, continuing to impact play with plenty of drops on either side, while the Force won the kick battle to gain territory in the 30th minute, only for handling errors to prevent further inroads.
In the dying moments, the Force attempted a long-range try with a scrum outside their attacking half, but the Japanese side won a penalty and almost scored from a maul only for fantastic defence to keep the score 7-0.
Western Force 0
Tries: Nil
Conversions: Nil
Penalties: Nil
Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix 7
Tries: Penalty try
Conversions: Nil
Penalties: Nil
Selected Western Force line-up
Starters; Braxton Walker, Loretta Mailangi, Alapeta Ngauamo, Michaela Leonard, Rosie Ebbage, Topaz Jean Porter, Nami Dickson, Brooklyn Teki-Joyce; Nicole Ledington, Grace Freeman (vc), Tizanae Kovacs, Ngamihi Monk, Ocean Tuhua, April Downey, Sheree Hume
Reserves; Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (c), Hannah Palelei, Allana Sikimeti, Zoe Elliott, Sera Naiqama, Tamika Jones, Georgia Cormick, Cecilia Smith, Leilani Hills
