Thrush to make first Force start

Thu, Jun 21, 2018, 7:31 AM
Jeremy Thrush will make his first start for the Force on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images
Jeremy Thrush will make his first start for the Force on Saturday. Photo: Getty Images

Former All Black Jeremy Thrush will make his Force debut on Friday, one of three changes to the starting XV for the clash against the Crusaders.

Thrush will start ahead of Johan Bardoul in the second row, while former New Zealand U20s flanker Henry Stowers has earned a nod at blindside ahead of Tevin Ferris.

There is a backline shuffle triggered by the inclusion of Masivesi Dakuwaqa on the right wing, Brad Lacey shifting to outside centre.

Cameron Orr will provide prop cover ahead of Markus Vanzati, George Pisi dropping off the extended bench due to a shoulder injury in place of Taefu and Clay Uyen.

The Force face the Crusaders at nib Stadium on Friday night, kicking off at 6pm local, 8pm AEST, broadcast live on Channel 7 in WA and FOX SPORTS nationwide.

TEAM

Force team to face the Crusaders

1. Harrison Lloyd

2. Heath Tessmann

3. Chris Heiberg

4. Fergus Lee-Warner

5. Jeremy Thrush

6. Henry Stowers

7. Chris Alcock

8. Brynard Stander

9. Ian Prior (C)

10. Andrew Deegan

11. Rod Davies

12. AJ Alatimu

13. Brad Lacey

14. Masivesi Dakuwaqa

15. Peter Grant

Reserves

16. Feleti Kaitu’u

17. Cameron Orr

18. Tom Sheminant

19. Leon Power

20. Johan Bardoul

21. Tevin Ferris

22. Harrison Orr

23. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

24. Henry Taefu

25. Clay Uyen

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