Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force scrum-half Nathan Hastie says they will continue to try push the pace

Western Force scrum-half Nathan Hastie says his side will still look to push the tempo despite coming unstuck in their Super Rugby Pacific opener. The northern suburbs product is hoping home comforts can inspire a quick turnaround in fortunes when the Force head north on Saturday to host the Blues in his backyard of Joondalup. After a first-up thrashing by the Brumbies, which saw them throw away an early 10-0 lead and collapse to lose 56-24, the Force need a quick reset ahead of the visit from the 2024 champions. The Force were excellent in the opening 20 minutes against the Brumbies, disappointing in the ensuing 20 minutes leading into half-time and then dug themselves a deeper hole as they attempted to chase the game. Half-back Hastie, who showed some nice signs alongside star five-eighth Ben Donaldson, said even though the Force made mistakes when they tried to speed up the game while trailing, they would not significantly slow down on Saturday. “The Blues are always a big, physical team, so we’re expecting a big battle up front. It will match our game style quite nicely,” Hastie said. “We showed some really good pictures and played some really good footy at times, but if we sustain that for the full 80, we’ll be in a really good spot against the Blues. “Going into this week, we’ll definitely still look to play fast, use the heat to our advantage, and try to run the big Blues pack around.” The 24-year-old may have made his Super Rugby debut for the Kiwi Highlanders, but Hastie is a proud WA product who attended Aranmore Catholic College before heading across the ditch to pursue a professional career. With HBF Park out of commission as the Asian Football Confederation readies the stadium to host the Women’s Asian Cup, the Force will host the Blues at HIF Health Insurance Oval. “I’m stoked we can take a game out to the community and take it the northern suburbs. I played my junior footy at Wanneroo, so hopefully we get a few supporters down there,” Hastie said. “I grew up in the Greenwood, Warwick area and then played my rugby at the Roodogs. “It’s a great area for rugby. There’s lots of Kiwis, lots of passionate rugby supporters around the area so hopefully we can get a few of them to the game on Saturday.” Having made his Highlanders debut in Perth against the Force, Hastie admitted to having a few nerves last weekend before he played his first competitive game for his hometown side. “It’s pretty surreal being back here playing for the Force. I grew up watching these guys, and (fellow homegrown teammate) Carlo Tizzano is a really good example of a role model for the younger generation. Hopefully, I can follow in those footsteps,” he said. “A lot of nerves, probably a day or two beforehand as well, but it was so cool and very exciting to put on the Jersey for the first time and run out with everyone.” Elsewhere, the Force have reportedly signed Northampton winger James Ramm, with the former Waratahs outside back set to return to Australia ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.