Leading into the Force’s last home game of the National Rugby Championship home-and-away season, head coach Tim Sampson has named a high-octane starting XV for the Force’s crunch clash against Brisbane City this Sunday.
The National Rugby Championship match-up against the fourth-placed Queenslanders has been tipped to be entertaining from the get-go with eight changes to the Force squad, including Pama Fou, Jack McGregor, Fergus Lee-Warner, Tom Sheminant, Harrison Lloyd and Carlo Tizzano called up to the starting line-up from the bench.
Pacy former Australian Seven’s representative Pama Fou will make his first run-on appearance for the Force coming in as the outside centre after debuting against NSW Country last week. WA product Nick Jooste will also return as inside centre, whilst Jack McGregor will play at full-back, fully recovered from an ankle injury sustained against the Fijian Drua in round two.
Harrison Lloyd and Tom Sheminant will bring in a fresh look to the front row, joining hooker Heath Tessmann. The forwards are shuffled further with youngster Carlo Tizzano and Fergus Lee-Warner elevated to the number seven and number four jerseys.
Captain Ian Prior warned of Brisbane City’s attacking prowess, highlighting Force’s need for strength in defence against the fourth-placed side. Sampson said he has full confidence in the player’s ability to manage and adapt to Sunday’s game.
“What’s important is all that we have been practising throughout the tournament and before is refined and executed, making sure we are doing the simple things well and consistently well,” Sampson said.
“There is no easy opposition in this game and every game has to be played to a high standard. We are really looking forward to getting out there on Sunday.”
The match is Brisbane City’s first visit to the West in over two-years when they fell to a heavy 34 point defeat to Perth Spirit at UWA Sports Park in 2017. The Queenslanders haven’t enjoyed victory in Perth since their five-point triumph over the Spirit in August 2014.
Despite Brisbane’s woes in the West, the visitors will be motivated to win, with local rivals Queensland Country chomping at the heel of their city counterparts. Fifth-placed Country trail just two points behind City, with the Brisbanites eyeing a finish higher than their current fourth-position on the NRC ladder.
The Force sit four points ahead of New South Wales Country Eagles at the summit of the championship with 19 points.
It’s set to be a thrilling match at UWA Sports Park, with activities from 12:30pm prior to kick-off at 3pm.
