Former Mãori All Black to lead Western Force against Cheetahs

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Western Force has revealed their side for the opening round of the Cheetahs Challenge against the hosts on Wednesday, October 2.

Loose forward Reed Prinsep will wear the captain’s armband with former Wallaby lock Sam Carter being the vice-captain in the No.5 jersey after missing the clash against Perth Gold last week.

New signings Nic Dolly, Josh Thompson and Nick Champion de Crespigny all feature in the starting line-up with Justin Landman also getting a start at right wing.

Newcomers Mac Grealy, Sio Tompkinson and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-kneepkens will also get starting opportunities in the backline alongside Harry Potter, with Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Max Burey being the halfback pairing.

Props Marley Pearce and Tiaan Tauakipulu alongside hooker Nic Dolly will make up the front row with locks Josh Thompson and Sam Carter supported by loose forwards Nick Champion de Crespigny, captain Reed Prinsep and Will Harris who scored a hat-trick against Perth Gold last week completing the pack.

Former Brumbies and Wallaby lock Darcy Swain will gets an opportunity off the bench with newcomers Sila Titiuti, Coby Miln and Divad Palu also on the reserves bench alongside hooker Tom Horton, prop Harry Hoopert, loose forward Titi Nofoagatotoa and scrumhalf Henry Robertson.

Western Force: 15 Isaac Ratumaitavuki-kneepkens, 14 Justin Landman, 13 Harry Potter, 12 Sio Tompkinson, 11 Mac Grealy, 10 Max Burey, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Reed Prinsep (captain) ,7 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 6 Will Harris, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Josh Thompson, 3 Tiaan Tauakipulu, 2 Nic Dolly, 1 Marley Pearce.
Replacements: 16 Tom Horton, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Sila Titiuti, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Titi Nofoagatotoa, 21 Henry Robertson, 22 Coby Miln, 23 Divas Palu.

Date: Wednesday, October 2
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 19.00 SAST (1.00 AWST, Thursday, October 3)
Referee: Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Ashton Ockhuys (South Africa), Tiaan Engelbrecht (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)