The Western Force have received a timely boost as a host of Wallabies return for Saturday’s match against the NSW Waratahs at HBF Park.
Meanwhile, coach Dan McKellar has made many changes, including recalling Taniela Tupou to the starting side and naming Lawson Creighton at fullback.
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Force coach Simon Cron will welcome back five Wallabies to the starting side, headlined by injured duo Carlo Tizzano and Dylan Pietsch.
Tizzano has made a rapid return from a pectoral injury, and Pietsch has been cleared of a quad injury that has sidelined him since Round Eight.
Stand-out flanker Nick Champion de Crespigny also joins Tizzano in the starting pack after he was cleared from HIA protocols.
Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, and Nic White return after being rested last week in the side's loss to the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
The Western Force is out of contention for finals, with the club set for a final-round bye.
Meanwhile, the Waratahs are still in mathematical contention despite their crushing defeat to the Crusaders.
Coach Dan McKellar has responded to the tough loss with the elevation of Tupou into the starting side for the first time since Round Seven.
“His last two weeks have produced good signs, both at set-piece and with his movement and speed,” McKellar said.
“We’re starting to see signs of the old ‘Nela, which is really encouraging.”
Creighton also returns in the surprise position of fullback, allowing Andrew Kellaway to shift to the wing.
Hugh Sinclair moves to flanker after an ankle injury to Rob Leota, whilst Lalakai Foketi replaces Henry O’Donnell in the centres.
“We were disappointed with our first forty minutes against the Crusaders last week,” McKellar said. “We have got to be better. It is as simple as that.
“We always need to review the performance and review it honestly, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent. We did that, like we always do on Monday and we move on.”
FORCE (1-15): Fatongia Paea, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, David Porecki, Taniela Tupou, Fergus Lee-Warner, Miles Amatosero, Hugh Sinclair, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Triston Reilly, Joey Walton, Lalakai Foketi, Andrew Kellaway, Lawson Creighton
Replacements: Mahe Vailanu, Tom Lambert, Daniel Botha, Ben Grant, Jamie Adamson, Teddy Wilson, Jack Bowen, Darby Lancaster
