The Western Force has made a range of changes for their Round 2 Super Rugby Next Gen clash with the ACT Brumbies as part of Saturday’s HBF Park double-header from 2pm.
The Force is looking to bounce back after being humbled by the NSW Waratahs in Sydney in Round 1, making seven changes to the starting XV from last weekend.
Force Super Rugby Pacific squad member Joshua Smith reinforces the front row, while Academy scrum-half Luke Aiken comes in at nine.
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Academy graduate Justin Landman is drafted into the squad and named in the run-on side at fly-half.
Back-rower Daniel Grant, winger Johan Becroft, full-back Tama Anderson and midfielder Fatani Fatanitavake – fresh from scoring in Round 1 – are also added to the starting XV.
The reserves are reinforced by the inclusion of prop Bradley Kuhn and centre Jackson Ropata – who have been training with the Super Rugby squad – along with Wests Scarborough lock Jackson Bridges and full-back Tom Lambo.
Tighthead prop Smith lines up alongside Kalamunda loosehead Max Sawers and Associates hooker Luke Megson on the front row, with Southern Lions’ William Crew and Academy’s Max Johnson in the locks.
South African blindside flanker Daniel Grant starts in the back row, with Academy duo Luke Holt-Brown and Nate Gallagher.
Aiken and Landman start as playmakers, with Evan Hooper – who’s with the Force via the Club’s Rugby South Australia connection – and Academy centre Fatanitavake in the midfield.
Cottesloe winger Becroft and Joondalup’s McGloin will start on the wings, with Anderson – who trained with the Force’s 2025 Super Rugby AUS squad – in at full-back.
The Force will be coached by Jeremy Thrush, Jonno Lance and Chris Heiberg.
Secure your Round 1 tickets NOW via Ticketmaster. Tickets from $28 for adults & $14 for children.
Western Force team list
1. Max Sawers
2. Luke Megson
3. Joshua Smith
4. Will Crew
5. Max Johnson
6. Daniel Grant
7. Luke Holt-Brown
8. Nate Gallagher
9. Luke Aiken
10. Justin Landman
11. Johan Becroft
12. Evan Hooper
13. Fatani Fatanitavake
14. Ryan McGloin
15. Tama Anderson
Reserves; 16. Ollie Barrett, 17. Zavier Hawira, 18. Brad Kuhn, 19. Ollie McGinnity, 20. Jackson Bridges, 21. Angus Cornish, 22. Jackson Ropata, 23. Tom Lambo
Game details
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
Saturday 14 February, 2pm WST
Super Rugby Next Gen, Round 2
HBF Park, Perth
Live stream on rugby.com.au’s YouTube channel
Secure your Round 1 tickets NOW via Ticketmaster. Tickets from $28 for adults & $14 for children.
