Changes galore for Force to face WP XV

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has made a host of changes for Saturday’s third spring series game against the Western Province XV in Stellenbosch.

Scrumhalf and 2024 Rising Star Henry Robertson comes into the XV to captain the side for the clash, which marks the final game of the Force’s three-game South African tour.

There are 12 changes to the Force starting XV with the coaches eager to offer all deserving players on the tour an opportunity for game-time, following Sunday’s 24-29 loss to Emerging Ireland and last Wednesday’s encouraging 38-23 win over the Cheetahs.

Prop forward Harry Hoopert, Will Harris, and utility back Mac Grealy are the only starters from the Emerging Ireland game.

Hoopert will be on the front row alongside Tom Horton and Tiann Tauakipulu, with young duo Josh Thompson and Lopeti Faifua coming in as the locks, with Wallaby Darcy Swain moving to the reserves.

Kalamunda back-rower Dane Sawers comes into the starting line-up for his first minutes of the tour, alongside Titi Nofoagatotoa and Harris.

Robertson will partner with Coby Miln at flyhalf, while Mac Grealy shuffles from fullback to left wing, with Divad Palu, Ronan Leahy, George Poolman, and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens coming into the starting side.

Among the reserves, Fortescue Academy youngsters Doug Philipson and Albert Alcock will get their first taste of action for the tour.

Western Force: 15 Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, 14 George Poolman, 13 Ronan Leahy, 12 Divad Palu, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Coby Miln, 9 Henry Robertson (captain), 8 Will Harris, 7 Dane Sawers, 6 Titi Nofoagatotoa, 5 Lopeti Faifua, 4 Josh Thompson, 3 Tiann Tauakipulu, 2 Tom Horton, 1 Harry Hoopert,
Replacements: 16 Albert Alcock, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Reed Prinsep, 21 Doug Philipson, 22 Harry Potter, 23 Justin Landman