Wallabies legend Kurtley Beale has given the Western Force a major boost after being named to return from injury.
Beale will start on Friday against the Blues at fullback after overcoming a long-term Achilles injury.
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The 95-cap Wallaby has been rehabbing at the Force since the start of the year after picking up the knock during a stint in the Shute Shield.
Beale’s return at fullback means Mac Grealy shuffles to the left wing, with Bayley Kuenzle moving to the centres.
"[He's] a great fella and great to have on tour with the lads," winger Harry Potter told reporters during the week.
"It's been good to have him and his awareness of the game, and chucking in his two cents when he can.”
It allows Beale to make a push for the British and Irish Lions tour, originally named in the Wallabies squad in 2024, with the Wallabies, AUNZ and First Nations Pasifika games prime targets for the 36-year-old.
In further changes, captain Jeremy Williams has been named after he was a late withdrawal following last week’s defeat to the Chiefs.
Williams partners Darcy Swain, with Reed Prinsep coming into number eight.
Hooker Albert Alcock is in line to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut, with Tom Horton ruled out with a concussion.
Nic White has been added to the bench after his concussion, with Henry Robertson retaining the starting spot.
Atu Moli and Josh Thompson are also added to the reserves as the Force look for their first win over the Blues since 2008.
For the Blues, Beauden Barrett comes into the starting side at flyhalf.
Barrett is one of several changes to the team that went down to the Reds, with the likes of Taufa Funaki and Xavi Taele back into the starting backline.
"The Blues certainly can't be taken lightly this season," Potter added.
"They're a seriously good team and Super Rugby champs. It would be special to win because the Western Force haven't won there. It's a pretty special one to be made if we can do a job this weekend.”
FORCE (1-15): Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Kurtley Beale
Replacements: Albert Alcock, Atu Moli, Josh Smith, Josh Thompson, Will Harris, Nic White, Max Burey, George Poolman
