Former All Blacks second-rower Jeremy Thrush came out of retirement for the round one clash in Perth on Saturday, following an injury crisis within the Force squad.
Which sides from New Zealand and Australia will rise to the top during Super Rugby Pacific 2023, and which side will disappoint?
Super Rugby Pacific is set to return at the end of the month and five RugbyPass writers have gazed into the crystal ball to answer three questions about this year's crop of players.
New Western Force coach Simon Cron has set his sights on turning his side into one of the buffest teams in Super Rugby Pacific.
Western Force flanker Tim Anstee is eyeing off title success after becoming the latest player to re-sign for the Perth-based franchise.
The outgoing Western Force coach and three of their retiring former Test players got their perfect Super Rugby Pacific home send-off, but were ultimately left hoping for a big favour from one of their Australian rivals.
The Western Force have kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive with a dramatic 27-22 home win over the Hurricanes. A 74th-minute try to centre Byron Ralston and the successful conversion proved decisive after the Force trailed 22-20.
Western Force have kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive after snapping their losing streak with a key 48-28 win over Moana Pasifika.
Former All Blacks and Chiefs midfielder Richard Kahui could be set to line up against his former side at Waikato Stadium on Saturday.
Western Force star Richard Kahui will learn his fate on Tuesday evening when he faces a SANAZAAR judicial committee after receiving a red card last weekend.