The Western Force and Queensland Reds will have plenty to celebrate regardless of Saturday’s result as they welcome back a pair of returning stars from injury in Perth.
The Force have named Ressjan Pasitoa in their starting side, 1,007 days since his last appearance in Super Rugby.
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Pasitoa last donned the Force jersey in Round 15, 2022, after his promising career was derailed by an ACL (2023) and elbow/shoulder injury (2024).
“We’re all good now, it’s been up and down but I’ve had a really good pre-season and I’m in a good headspace right now,” Pasitoa told rugby.com.au in February.
“…Now my body’s in a good spot and I’m mentally tough. Not many boys realised how long I’ve been out until I played that exhibition game against the Cheetahs so I’m excited to get an opportunity to get back out there and show everyone potentially what they’ve missed out on these past two years.”
Whilst he burst onto the scene as a playmaker, Pasitoa has bulked up and been named at outside centre, partnering Hamish Stewart.
Pasitoa is one of two changes to their starting side alongside Sam Carter, with Sio Tomkinson and captain Jeremy Williams ruled out due to concussion protocols.
As for the Reds, the return of former Wallabies captain Liam Wright is a welcome boost.
Wright reached the pinnacle, captaining the Wallabies against Wales before a shoulder injury forced him out.
The back-rower initially hoped to be back for the Spring Tour before further complications delayed his return.
“It’s fantastic to see Liam Wright back to full fitness,” coach Les Kiss said.
“The value he adds to our game is immense and the lineout is just one element. His experience will be important at the backend of the game.”
He will start off the bench, with coach Kiss handing Wallabies Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr and Angus Blyth starts in the tight five.
20-year-old Dre Pakeho earns his maiden start after Hunter Paisami’s suspension after impressing against Wales and Tonga.
Kiwi recruit Heremaia Murray, who played three times for the Crusaders last year, replaces the injured Jock Campbell at fullback whilst Lachlan Anderson swaps with Tim Ryan.
“We had good things come through under pressure where we aimed up against Moana Pasifika last Friday night in our first game,” Kiss added.
“We know the Force have been impressive and are certainly showing the appetite to play for 80 minutes. They’ll be confident on home turf so it’s not going to be an easy road trip.
“It’s a challenge we are all looking forward to.”
FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Darcy Swain, Sam Carter, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep (co-c), Nic White (co-c), Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Reesjan Pasitoa, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
REDS (1-15): Sef Fa'agase, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (c), Tom Lynagh, Filipo Daugunu, Dre Pakeho, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson, Heremaia Murray
Replacements: Josh Nasser, George Blake, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Liam Wright, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan
