The Western Force will play a second preseason trial game tomorrow against the Brumbies, hoping to put some plans into action before the season begins.

It comes after their close call last week against the Queensland Reds, walking away with the win 21-19.

Western Force vice captain Nick Champion De Crespigny spoke to SportFM this morning to talk all things preparation heading into the 2026 Super Rugby season.

His leadership at the Force follows on from his call up to become the 92nd Wallabies captain last October in Japan.

“It was a surprise, but also a huge honour, and I was very privileged to have the support of the group,” he said.

“For me it meant everything, you know, as a young boy you sort of grow up idolizing the Wallabies and that’s first and foremost your dream – to represent your country.”

The back rower is big on speaking with his actions, and plans to take that into practice with the Force this year.

“I’ve found in the past the great leaders have always been authentic and true to themselves and have their own style of leadership.”

“I just try to do my part for the team and if it involves saying a few more things before the game or at half time or making decisions on the field then that’s fine.”

Their trial game saw months of hard work and planning come to life, with the Force hopeful for the 2026 season to bring lots of success.

“It was a great opportunity for a lot of guys to get some much needed game time and we saw a lot of the things we’ve been working on over the preseason come into place, how we were able to move the ball, our repeatability which has been a big focus of ours, and I think the boys were able to stick at it and come away with a win.”

“We’ve got some great depth in the squad… we’ve got Franco Molina from Argentina who’s an international lock. He’s come in to support Darcy Swain and Jeremy Williams who are both very strong there. We’ve got George Bridge, he was previously an All Black, who’s come in to fill in the midfield and we’ve got some great young guys coming through, Divad Palu on the Wing, and Max Burey as well.”

The Force take on the Reds tomorrow again at Scotch College, presenting another opportunity to bring to life the countless hours of hard work before the 2026 season kicks off.

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