Five changes for the team to take on Rebels

Wed, Apr 6, 2022, 6:58 AM
WM
by Western Force Media

Western Force head coach Tim Sampson has named his team to take on the Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park on Friday, April 8 with five changes made to the starting line-up.

After spending the better half of the week at Wallabies Camp Feleti Kaitu’u and Izack Rodda will both start on the bench.

Andrew Ready will play as starting hooker, with Fergus Lee-Warner moving to lock and Tim Anstee starting as flanker. After winning the fan-voted Player of the Match award last week, Kane Koteka will continue as flanker alongside Anstee.

Young flyhalf Reesjan Pasitoa will also return to the starting line-up with Jake McIntyre moving to the bench.

Winger Byron Ralston will start in the 14 jersey as Toni Pulu completes HIA protocols after a head knock against the Brumbies two weeks ago. 

Just two games shy of his 100th Super Rugby Appearance (set to play against the Waratahs next week), Kyle Godwin will be the run-on captain with former All Black lock Jeremy Thrush as vice-captain.

Western Australian talent Brad Lacey joins the team at number 23 for his first appearance of the season after missing most of last year due to injuries.

Team announcement Round 8 WESTERN FORCE

Share
White staying focused: 'We'll celebrate tonight but it's just one win'
Fantastic Force crush Crusaders to stay in top-eight hunt
'He brings confidence' - Cron excited for Beale debut, Rodda & Wells returns
Pomare proud in defeat: 'We were in it until the 80th minute'