The Western Force team for Friday night’s Toyota Challenge Game 3 against the Cheetahs has been confirmed with minimal changes from the Game 2 side.
Perth-Bayswater talent Faamanu Kalolo is elevated into the starting side at left flanker to replace Donny Freeman (thumb) in the only change to the XV.
Santiago Medrano returns to the side as a finisher, with Wests-Scarborough lock Reagan Leslie and Palmyra full-back/winger Rewita Biddle also set for opportunities off the bench.
From the squad that went to South Africa, Josh Thompson is out with a dislocated shoulder while Giovanni Leituala, Justin Landman and Regi Churchward have been released to play for Perth Gold.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “The objective of the tour remains the same, development of our players and creating depth for Super Rugby. As a result, it’s a relatively unchanged line-up from South Africa, with the only changes forced upon us due to injury.”
A number of players were unable to be considered due to injury or having had surgery post Super Rugby Pacific season.
Cron was excited by the inclusion of Kalolo, along with Fortescue Academy tight-head prop Tiaan Tauakipulu.
“We’re really enjoying his contribution to the team,” Cron said. “We also really want to create some depth at tight-head.”
Jeremy Williams and Max Burey will lead the team as co-captains.
Tickets are on sale for the Mandurah game via Ticketmaster from $15 for the general public and $10 for Force Members. Buy your tickets here.
Gates open at 5:30pm on Friday 29 September, with kick-off at 7pm.
The Force thanks the City of Mandurah for their support.
Game Details
Game 3, Western Force vs Cheetahs
Lane Group Stadium, Rushton Park, Mandurah
Friday 29 September 7pm AWST
Live on Stan Sport, follow @WesternForce on social media for updates
Force Team
Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jackson Pugh, Lopeti Faifua, Faamanu Kalolo, Carlo Tizzano, Jeremy Williams, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Ronan Leahy, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, George Poolman, Harry Potter; Ford Hemi, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Reagan Leslie, Albert Alcock, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Rewita Biddle
Cheetahs Team
Schalk Ferreira, Marnus van der Merwe, Laurance Victor, Rynier Bernardo, Victor Sekekete (c), Gideon van der Merwe, Sibabalo Qoma, Friedle Olivier, Rewan Kruger, Ruan Pienaar, Cohen Jasper, Reinhardt Fortuin, Robert Ebersohn, Daniel Kasende, Tapiwa Mafura; Marko Janse van Rensburg, Alulutho Tshakweni, Hencus van Wyk, Carl Wegner, Daniel Maartens, Jeandre Rudolph, Raegan Oranje, George Lourens
