The Western Force have named a 26-player team list for Saturday’s second pre-season trial game against the ACT Brumbies which doubles as the Club’s Fan Day at Revo Fitness Stadium.
From last week’s team that prevailed 21-19 over the Queensland Reds, forwards Feleti Kaitu’u, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua and Carlo Tizzano plus winger George Poolman all come into the starting XV.
Santiago Medrano and Jeremy Williams are both unavailable having entered head injury protocols after knocks sustained in the Reds’ game. Tom Horton and Harry Potter have been left out due to precaution due to minor niggles with a view to Round 1 availability, while Tim Anstee has made way for returning WA product Tizzano.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “Carlo Tizzano is back at openside flanker and he’ll bring energy and he’s a doer. He’ll put a lot of pressure on at the breakdown.
“Feleti and George both got good minutes last weekend and it’s another opportunity for them to press their claims for a starting spot. It’s a great opportunity for Tiaan to start at tighthead prop, while we love what Lopeti brings to our team and he gets the chance to start this week.”
The game is the Force’s final competitive tune-up prior to their Round 1 Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Hurricanes on Friday 23 February at HBF Park and head coach Simon Cron said there was plenty to gain.
"We now have the opportunity to work on combinations again after last week” Cron said. “The boys have given us some laser focus areas, in their positions, to help progress the team. We’re looking forward to giving them another chance to play.”
Siosifa Amone (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee), Felix Kalapu (hamstring), Campbell Parata (hamstring), Izack Rodda (foot), Papillon Sevele (knee), Angus Wagner (knee) and Nic White (shoulder) were not considered for selection due to injury, along with the aforementioned Medrano, Williams, Horton and Potter.
Play starts at 5pm, with gates open from 4pm for the club’s Fan Day with entry free to all patrons.
The Fan Day includes a raft of family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painters, food trucks, mascots, player signature and selfie opportunities and much more.
Due to the predicted hot weather, there will be drinks breaks at the 20-minute mark of both halves.
The game will not be streamed so fans are encouraged to attend with free entry or follow @WesternForce on Twitter for regular updates.
Super Rugby Pacific pre-season trial game
Western Force v ACT Brumbies
Saturday 10 February 5pm WST
Revo Fitness Stadium
Fan Day starts from 4pm WST, free entry
Team List
Marley Pearce, Feleti Kaitu’u, Tiann Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua, Tom Franklin, Michael Wells, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Ben Donaldson, Chase Tiatia, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, George Poolman, Max Burey; Albert Alcock, Charlie Hancock, Atu Moli, Regi Churchward, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Titi Nofogatotoa, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Henry O’Donnell, Ronan Leahy
