The Western Force have made two changes to the starting XV for Saturday’s SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s clash away to the NSW Waratahs with Pia Tapsell and Haylee Hifo in to start.
Seven-cap Black Ferns forward Tapsell and Wests Scarborough winger Hifo come into the starting side to replace Wallaroo Michaela Leonard (injury) and Brooklyn Teki Joyce (head injury protocols).
The Force could also unleash two more debutants in Wanneroo teenager Ngamihi Monk and former Japan Olympic Sevens scrum-half Mio Yamanaka, who are among the Impact Squad.
Last season’s Force Rising Star Hannah Palelei also comes into the 23-player team among the finishers.
The Force started the Super W season with a 29-29 draw with the ACT Brumbies and will look to claim their first-ever win in Sydney against the Tahs, who are reigning champions.
Only a fortnight ago, the Force faced the Tahs in pre-season, going down 29-19 in a hard-fought trial game at UWA Sports Park in Perth.
Saturday’s game at Allianz Stadium will be broadcast live on 9GEM and Stan Sport, with kick-off at 2:05pm WST.
The game will be followed by the SMARTECH Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Waratahs and Force from 4:35pm WST, live on 9GEM and Stan Sport.
Force team list
Starting XV; Allana Sikimeti, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke, Braxton Walker, Sera Naiqama, Pia Tapsell, Tamika Jones, Anneka Stephens, Ashley Marsters, Georgia Cormick, Grace Freeman, Adi Vani Buleki, Trilleen Pomare (c), Cecilia Smith, Haylee Hifo, Sheree Hume
Reserves; Loretta Mailangi, Hannah Palelei, Alapeta Ngauamo, Libya Teepa, Rosie Ebbage, Mio Yamanaka, Nicole Ledington, Ngamihi Monk
Game details
NSW Waratahs vs Western Force
Saturday 8 March, 2:05pm WST
Allianz Stadium
SMARTECH Super Rugby Women’s Round
Live on 9GEM and Stan Sport
