The Western Force have made a raft of changes for Saturday’s third spring series game against the DHL Western Province XV starting from 9pm WST in Stellenbosch.
Scrum-half 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.
In total 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 29-24 loss to Emerging Ireland and last Wednesday’s encouraging 38-23 win over the Cheetahs.
Loosehead prop Harry Hoopert, back-rower 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 2024 Shute Shield top points scorer Coby Miln in the half-backs, while Mac Grealy shuffles from full-back 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.
Kick-off for Saturday’s game is 9pm WST with no live stream available. Follow @WesternForce on X (Twitter) for regular updates.
Western Force 23-player team list
Starters; Harry Hoopert, Tom Horton, Tiann Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Lopeti Faifua, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Dane Sawers, Will Harris, Henry Robertson (c), Coby Miln, Mac Grealy, Divad Palu, Ronan Leahy, George Poolman, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves; Albert Alcock, Marley Pearce, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Reed Prinsep (vc), Doug Philipson, Harry Potter, Justin Landman
Western Force v DHL Western Province XV
Saturday 12 October, 9pm WST
Stellenbosch - no live stream available
Follow @WesternForce on Twitter for updates and all social media channels
