A potential spot in the Super Rugby U16s final awaits the winner for the match between the Western Force and the Queensland Reds at Southern Lions Rugby Union Football Club.
The Force come into the clash fresh off their second win of the season, defeating the Brumbies 29-19 in Canberra, while the Reds came from a 40-7 deficit at halftime to nearly clinch victory over ladder leaders the Waratahs, eventually going down 54-45.
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The Force have made five changes to the side that won in Canberra, with Joondalup Brothers quartet Elia Vodovodo, Leeson Tiakia, Johan Oosthuizen, and Iarlaith Flaherty, along with Kalamunda’s Kobi Treffery-Koenders, all come into the starting XV.
Rockingham’s Elijah Leilua, Joondalup’s Logan Grant, Kalamunda’s Eyzirie Koro, and Nedlands’ Zion Matenga will provide impact off the bench.
The Reds, meanwhile, have made three key changes to their side, as Mitch Wallis and Fraser Boakes join the set piece, with the former bringing 110kg of bulk. Chilli Tonelli-Smith, the son of Wallaby Brian Smith, slots into the starting side at fullback.
Victory is vital for both sides. The Force hold a 2-1 record, while the Reds (1-1) look to close the gap following their Round 1 bye, and the winner of this match will be in the box seat to join NSW in the big dance.
FORCE (1-15): Elia Vodovodo, Jamie Mackenzie, Arawa Metekingi-Pu-Tamainu, Enzo Kyle, Oscar Sio, Leeson Tiakia, Lachlan Ilott, Bareek Kleine-Deters Ausage (c) Johan Oosthuizen, Longoatu Jr Vaka, Kobi Treffery-Koenders, Tini Sauea, Iarlaith Flaherty, Tyrese Wainohu, Kaiawha Heke
Reserves: Tamati Tawhitapou, Reuben Bouwer, Elijah Leilua, Logan Grant, TiakiTutengaehe Turner, Eyzirie Koro, Zion Matenga, Robbie Noema
REDS (1-15): Jeremiah Kite (c), Mitch Wallis, James Tulikaki, Nathan Van Huyssteen, Denver Bradford, Fraser Boakes, Matti Gill, Dylan Goodwin, Harry Dowling, Charlie Meredith, Will Robinson, James Smith, Sangwani Chinula, Mitch Durrheim, Chilli Tonelli-Smith
Reserves: Noah Gaffney, Moses Faleafa, Harry O’Hare, Nate Kerin-Bird, Ryker Smith, Tristan Cook, Seth Chapman, Iverson Anitema
