Western Force Super Rugby AUS head coach Damian Steele says he’s rapt to welcome a string of Wallabies into his team this weekend, but it’s his newcomers who’ve got him really excited.
The Force takes on the ACT Brumbies at North Coast Sharks RUFC in Butler from 1:30pm on Sunday, with entry free for all patrons.
The WA side have been bolstered by the additions of international forwards Tom Robertson and Nick Champion de Crespigny, while 95-cap Wallaby Kurtley Beale comes in at 10. Experienced utility back James O’Connor is added to the replacements for his first Force appearance in 15 years.
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But Steele was quick to praise the 11 club debutants who represented the side last week in the 29-28 win away to the Queensland Reds.
Among them was Cottesloe lock Zak Healey who was named in the rugby.com.au Team of the Week, having recently won the Fortescue Premier Grade premiership with the Seagulls.
Wests Scarborough back-rower Seta Baker was another one impressed at Ballymore with his powerful carries, capped by a second-half try after coming off the bench.
“Internally we knew, although we had 11 debutants, we were comfortable with where they were physically,” Steele said.
“They weren’t green. Our debutants weren’t young guys. We were really stoked with Zak Healey. He got player of the year for his club, Cottesloe, they won the comp. Stoked for him to get the reward.
“Seta has been really dominant over here for the last couple of years in club rugby. He’s a dynamic carrier. For him to get out there and have that impact, we were really excited.
“Jackson Iose and Wil Taylor had some really good involvements as well.”
The Force will be without Harry McLaughlin-Phillips this week having been called into Wallabies camp, which commences in Perth on Friday.
Beale comes into the starting XV to replace him at fly-half, with O’Connor among the reserves. Steele revealed the latter would likely play at 10 or 12.
“He’s been here for a couple of weeks and has made a really positive influence to our group, in the way he trains and preps but also with how he is around everybody around him,” Steele said about O’Connor.
“He’s raring to go. He’s smart and wily enough to avoid places if he is cooked. We should be able to get a good 30-40 out of him, if we need to.”
The addition of Robertson at loosehead prop and Champion de Crespigny at blindside flanker adds vast experience, size and muscle to the forward pack, with Steele admitting it was a “little bit harsh” on Kane Koteka to move to the reserves.
“They’re big ins,” Steele said. “Throbba has been around the group the last few weeks while he’s been rehabbing.
“Crep just got back on the weekend. Crep being Crep, he loves the building, he loves the boys. He needed the freshen up but he’s the better for it.
“They’ll add a physical presence no doubt. They’re huge contributors to our club. They’ll be great to have out there.”
Sunday’s game at North Coast Sharks RUFC 1:30pm WST, live on Stan Sport and rugby.com.au’s Youtube channel. Follow Force social media channels for updates.
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Match details
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
Sunday 20 September, 1:30pm WST
North Coast Sharks RUFC, Butler
Free entry
Live on Stan Sport & rugby.com.au’s Youtube channel
