The Western Force have become just the second Australian team to post a win over a New Zealand opponent this season after beating the Highlanders 30-17 in Perth.

The Force ran in three first-half tries to lead 24-3 at the break of Saturday night's match, and they withheld a short-lived second-half fightback to secure the vital victory in front of 8293 fans.

The Brumbies' win over the Blues in Melbourne in round two had been the only Australian win over a New Zealand side this Super Rugby Pacific season.

But the Force ensured the record now stands at 2-13 for the Australians following their impressive display against the Highlanders.

The result snapped a four-match losing run and catapulted the Force (3-5) from 11th to equal eighth on the ladder with six matches remaining.

It also meant the Force are a perfect three from three at home this season.

Force captain Michael Wells said the win wasn't any more special than victory over an Australian side.

"A win is a win, and you've got to treat every team on their merits," Wells said.

"It's not a Kiwi win is better than an Australian win.

"It's a win because we performed well, it doesn't matter who the opposition is."

The Force are sweating on the health of flanker Ollie Callan, who was taken to hospital after injuring his neck in a tackle during the opening minute.

Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody rued his side's ill discipline.

"It was a tough game to watch," he said.

"There was a lack of discipline in the first half, and a lack of execution in the second half when we started to get momentum."

Force winger Toni Pulu set up the first try in the fifth minute when his fast break allowed Bryce Hegarty to cross.

But Pulu's night was over in the 13th minute due to concussion when his head slammed into the turn after being brought down in a tackle.

The Highlanders were down to 13 men when lock Pari Pari Parkinson and prop Ethan de Groot were shown yellow cards within the space of a minute of each other.

The Force were frustrated for much of the next 10 minutes as the Highlanders held firm, but a series of swift passes allowed winger Manasa Mataele to burst over in the 31st minute.

The home side were awarded a penalty try shortly before halftime, giving the Force a 21-point lead at the break.

The Highlanders came out firing in the second half, with tries to Connor Garden-Bachop and Andrew Makalio either side of a yellow card to Force hooker Tom Horton.

The damage would have been even more if it wasn't for Mataele, who produced a brilliant try-saver by holding up Highlanders No.8 Marino Mikaele-Tu'u over the line.

The Force regained momentum, and they won a vital scrum penalty in the dying minutes to ice the win.