The Western Force has welcomed back Irish legend Rob Kearney as they get set to face the Chiefs at HBF Park.
Kearney was a late withdrawal from their Round Ten clash with the Reds as he battles an adductor injury, eventually ruled out of their Qualifying Final loss to the Brumbies.
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Force coach Tim Sampson has also opted to change flyhalves, selecting Jake McIntyre to start, shifting Domingo Miotti to the bench.
Henry Taefu comes into the centres with Toni Pulu (suspended) ruled out, causing Richard Kauhi to shift to the wings as he prepares to face his old side.
Sitaleki Timani has also been ruled out, with Fergus Lee-Warner returning to the starting side at lock.
After their Super Rugby Aotearoa Final defeat, coach Clayton McMillan has opted to move Damian McKenzie back to flyhalf.
This pushes Bryn Gatland to the bench, with Chase Tiatia slotting in at fullback.
“We are excited for the opportunity to get back on the road again and play our counterparts over in Australia," McMillan said in a statement.
"We are disappointed we did not get the job done last weekend in Christchurch against the Crusaders. However, we are fortunate that this competition allows us to jump right back into work.
"It will test our environment and challenge us as a team to bounce back and deliver on the field once again this weekend in Perth. We trust that the team we have selected will do this.”
After a string of injuries in their locks, Josh Lord comes into the starting side, partnering Tupou Vaa’i whilst Nathan Harris will start at hooker.
Chiefs and All Blacks legend Liam Messam comes onto the bench, joined by young halfback Xavier Roe and Joe Apikotoa.
FORCE (1-15): Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu'u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tim Anstee, Kane Koteka, Brynard Stander, Tomas Cubelli, Jake McIntyre, Jordan Olowofela, Henry Taefu, Kyle Godwin (c), Richard Kahui, Rob Kearney
Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Warner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Ollie Callan, Ian Prior, Domingo Miotti, Jake Strachan
INs: Rob Kearney, Jake McIntyre, Ollie Callan
OUTs: Toni Pulu, Sitaleki Timani, Jack McGregor
CHIEFS (1-15): Aiden Ross, Nathan Harris, Angus Ta'avao, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa'i, Pita Gus Sowakula, Lachlan Boshier, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber (c), Damian McKenzie, Jonah Lowe, Alex Nankivell, Anton Lienert-Brown, Shaun Stevenson, Chase Tiatia
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris, Joe Apikotoa, Zane Kapeli, Liam Messam, Xavier Roe, Bryn Gatland, Bailyn Sullivan
INs: Shaun Stevenson, Liam Messam, Xavier Roe, Nathan Harris, Josh Lord, Joe Apikotoa, Bailyn Sullivan
OUTs: Bradley Slater, Mitchell Brown, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Sione Mafileo, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Rameka Poihipi, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
