In the final Round of Super Rugby AU, there is still everything to play for as teams look to secure the third and final spot in the finals.
To kick off ANZAC Round, the Force will look to wrap up a maiden finals appearance with a win over the Reds on Friday at HBF Park.
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Meanwhile, the Rebels will travel to Sydney to face the Waratahs at Bankwest Stadium, with a win and a Force loss booking their spot in the Qualifying Final against the Brumbies.
All the team news here from 5pm AEST.
Friday 23 April 7:45pm AEST – Western Force v Queensland Reds at HBF Park,ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
Want to get to the game? Make sure you’ve got your tickets beforehand!
Irish legend Rob Kearney is a welcome return for the Force at fullback after overcoming a hamstring injury suffered in their previous clash with the Reds.
He is joined in the starting line-up by Toni Pulu, which pushes Richard Kahui and Jack McGregor back to the bench.
Along with this, Greg Holmes comes back into the starting side for Santiago Medrano as he prepares to once again face his old team.
Meanwhile, the Reds will be boosted by the return of centre Hunter Paisami, who missed their clash with the Brumbies due to a calf injury.
Thorn said Paisami (calf) had proved his fitness and was ready to be a threat with ball in hand or making his trademark dominant tackles.
Winger Jock Campbell has been left out to nurse a groin niggle.
Thorn's high regard for the energy and non-stop workrate of Angus Scott-Young meant finding a pack spot for him even away from the now-crowded backrow where Liam Wright returns as captain.
Scott-Young is at lock while two players who have filled that position this season, Seru Uru and Ryan Smith, are on the bench.
Thorn explained that recalled winger Filipo Daugunu had tidied up his game after being guilty of too many errors.
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Greg Holmes, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Tomas Cubelli, Domingo Miotti, Jordan Olowofela, Kyle Godwin (c), Tevita Kuridrani, Toni Pulu, Rob Kearney
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Santiago Medrano, Ryan McCauley, Fergus Lee-Warner, Ian Prior, Richard Kahui, Jack McGregor
INs: Toni Pulu, Rob Kearney
OUTs: Grason Makara, Jake Strachan
REDS(1-15): Feao Fotuaika, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Taniela Tupou, Angus Scott-Young, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Liam Wright (c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, James O'Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Bryce Hegarty
Reserves: Alex Mafi, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Josh Flook, Ilaisa Droasese
INs: Hunter Paisami, Ilaisa Droasese
OUTs: Jock Campbell, Lawson Creighton
Saturday 24 April 7:45 pm AEST – Waratahs v Melbourne Rebels at Bankwest Stadium, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport and simulcast on 9Gem
Want to get to the game? Make sure you’ve got your tickets beforehand!
The Waratahs have named an unchanged starting line-up to the side that was narrowly defeated by the Force.
The only changes come on the bench, with Joe Cotton and Michael Wood replacing Tom Horton (hamstring) and Sam Caird.
Ben Donaldson retains the starting spot at flyhalf after an impressive performance.
As for the Rebels, they earlier confirmed in a major finals blow, Trevor Hosea (suspension) will be missing for the next two weeks.
Isi Naisarani's headlines a new-look back-row, joined by Michael Wells and Brad Wilkin.
This pushes Josh Kemeny and Richard Hardwick to the bench, despite their strong starts to the season.
Meanwhile, Jordan Uelese and Cameron Orr have been elevated to the starting line-up as Dave Wessels looks to bolster their pack.
WARATAHS (1-15): Angus Bell, Dave Porecki, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Hugh Sinclair, Max Douglas, Lachlan Swinton, Carlo Tizzano, Will Harris, Jake Gordon (c), Ben Donaldson, James Ramm, Lalakai Foketi, Izaia Perese, Alex Newsome, Jack Maddocks
Reserves: Joe Cotton, Tetera Faulkner, Darcy Breen, Jeremy Williams, Michael Wood, Charlie Gamble, Jack Grant, Tane Edmed
INs: Joe Cotton, Micahel Wood
OUTs: Tom Horton, Sam Caird
REBELS (1-15): Cameron Orr, Jordan Uelese, Cabous Eloff, Rob Leota, Ross Haylett-Petty, Michael Wells, Brad Wilkin, Isi Naisarani, Joe Powell, Matt To'omua (c), Marika Koroibete, Campbell Magnay, Stacey Ili, Frank Lomani, Tom Pincus
Reserves: James Hanson, Matt Gibbon, Pone Fa'amausili, Steve Cummins, Richard Hardwick, Josh Kemeny, Carter Gordon, George Worth
INs: Carter Gordon, George Worth, Steve Cummins
OUTs: Trevor Hosea, Lewis Holland, Glen Vaihu
MORE:
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