Jake Gordon suffers Achilles injury as Western Force beat Waratahs 31-25 in Perth

Wallabies scrumhalf Jake Gordon suffered a suspected Achilles tendon injury in the 39th minute of Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash at HBF Park, casting serious doubt over his availability for Australia’s Nations Championship campaign, which begins on July 4. The Western Force won the match 31-25, completing a remarkable comeback against the NSW Waratahs.

Gordon went down after taking a quick tap and managing only a couple of steps, and was carried from the field by two trainers. Former Wallabies scrumhalf Nic White, commentating on the match, described the moment as “gut-wrenching,” adding: “Poor Jake.”

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was visibly affected by the loss of his captain. “I’m shattered for Jake,” McKellar said. “No one cares about New South Wales and the Waratahs more than Jake, and just for him to do it in the last game of the season before the Test season’s about to begin — disappointing.”

Gordon’s injury was not the only concern on the night. NSW No.8 Pete Samu also left the field in the ninth minute after his knee twisted awkwardly on the wet turf while bracing for a tackle. Samu attempted to play through the pain before eventually being withdrawn, with the injury later confirmed as a medial ligament issue.

On the field, the Force trailed 20-7 after 30 minutes in slippery, rain-affected conditions before mounting an impressive fightback, scoring three consecutive tries to lead 24-20 by the 61st minute. Apolosi Ranawai restored the Waratahs’ advantage in the 67th minute, but Carlo Tizzano’s try four minutes later proved decisive, giving the Force a lead they would not relinquish.

The result means the Force finished seventh with a 7-7 record — their best campaign since a 9-7 season in 2014. “It’s awesome we could get the win and finish the season on a high,” Force captain Jeremy Williams said. “Although we haven’t made it to finals, which was our goal, we’ve really developed over the last couple of years and I’m really proud of the effort.”

The Waratahs, who end the season eighth with a 5-9 record, face a difficult off-season review after a star-studded squad consistently underperformed against expectations.