Force finish in style

Western Force finished of a disappointing campaign on a high note, beating the Highlanders 33-28 in Perth.

Both teams already had no chance of ending the Super 14 season in the top four having struggled throughout for consistency.

In the final reckoning only five points split the pair, though that had not been the case after a one-sided opening half. The Force flew out of the blocks and amassed 23 points without reply in the opening 40 minutes.

Matt Giteau was the star of the show as he marked his final game before joining the ACT Brumbies with a superb individual display.

The Wallaby was involved almost right from the kick off as he helped set up rugby league convert Ryan Cross to cross for the opening try inside 44 seconds.

Staniforth brace

Before the Highlanders had a chance to recover Scott Staniforth went over for the first of his brace, his second coming in the closing stages of the opening half.

Giteau also slotted over two penalties to set a new record for points scored in a campaign by a Force player.

The Highlanders threatened a comeback straight after the break when Ben Smith scored, though the visitors' joy proved to be short-lived.

Drew Mitchell, who, like Giteau, will join Australian rivals the Brumbies for next season, helped set up Haig Sare as the Force opened up a 33-7 lead before an hour was on the clock.

Smith raced in for his second and the hosts were looking a little concerned when try-scorer turned creator 60 seconds later, putting Tom Donnelly over.

Fetu'u Vainikolo touched down in the 70th minute but, just as the game seemed set for a thrilling finish, his effort was ruled out by referee Nathan Pearce for a forward pass in the build-up.

Jimmy Cowan dived over after the final siren to get the Highlanders a late consolation, though the day belonged to the Force and their departing stars.