The Western Force have injected five new faces into the starting 15 for Friday’s opening Rapid Rugby Asia Showcase Series game against the South China Tigers at HBF Park.
Hooker Andrew Ready will make his first start for the club after joining the Western Force in the off-season. The 25-year-old was impressive coming off the bench against the World XV last Friday and this week will have an opportunity to make his presence felt from the opening whistle. He’ll be joined by Harrison Lloyd as well as veteran Kieran Longbottom in an impressive looking front row combination.
In other moves to the forward pack, lock Leon Power will start alongside former All-Black Jeremy Thrush in the second row, while coach Tim Sampson has rewarded the efforts of his loose forward naming an unchanged back row of Henry Stowers, Chris Alcock and Brynard Stander.
The backs have been reshuffled with Rodney Iona starting at inside centre and Henry Taefu moving to the 13 jersey. After a brief appearance last Friday, Fijian heavyweight Masivesi Dakuqawa will start on the wing.
Scoring two of the four Force tries last match, Brad Lacey and Jack McGregor will resume their positions as left wing and full-back respectively, while captain Ian Prior and Andrew Deegan will again fill the primary playmaker positions.
First Start: Andrew Ready.
South China Tigers
Starting XV: 1. Tau KOLOMATANGI, 2. Alexander POST, 3. Grant KEMP, 4. Fin FIELD, 5. Callum MCCULLOUGH, 6. James CUNNINGHAM, 7. Josh DOWSING, 8. Josh HRSTICH, 9. Bryn PHILLIPS, 10. Glyn HUGHES, 11. Ma CHONG, 12. Matthew ROSSLEE, 13. Lewis WARNER, 14. Tom VARNDELL, 15. Nathan De THIERRY
Reserves: 16. Mitch ANDREWS, 17. Callum MCFEAT SMITH, 18. Jack PARFITT, 19. Michael PARFITT, 20. James SAWYER, 21. Ruan Du PLOOY, 22. Tom HILL, 23. Samisoni NASAGAVESI
