The Western Force have named an unchanged starting XV for Game 4 of the Toyota Challenge against the Cheetahs at Claremont’s Revo Fitness Stadium from 3pm Saturday, but Santiago Medrano has been ruled out from the reserves due to injury.
Argentine prop Medrano, who finished third in last season’s Nathan Sharpe medal voting, came off the bench for last Friday’s 30-27 Game 3 victory over the South African Currie Cup champions in Mandurah.
The Force medical team update said: “Santiago underwent surgery on Wednesday after tearing his left biceps in last Friday night’s game against the Cheetahs.
“The surgery went well but Santiago will require an extended period of rehabilitation, ruling him out of a return to play for four months minimum with a view to returning to Force training in pre-season.”
UWA prop Regi Churchward comes into the Force team on the bench for Medrano, while young loose forward Titi Nofogatotoa gets an opportunity. Albert Alcock steps up as reserve hooker in the reserves.
Force head coach Simon Cron said: “Obviously we’re really disappointed for Santi to suffer an injury to rule him out of this game and the upcoming months. He’s taken the news really well and we look forward to seeing him make a full recovery soon.”
The Cheetahs lead the series 2-1, having won both games last month in Bloemfontein and Cron was looking forward to the Toyota Challenge finale after last Friday’s momentum-building triumph.
“We’re happy to maintain the same starting side from last Friday. It will give them opportunities to learn and grow from last week’s performance,” Cron said.
“Developing depth and cohesion continue to be key focus areas. A number of players have made improvements and we’re hoping to continue to build on that in Game 4 on Saturday.”
Tickets for Game 4 at Revo Fitness Stadium are on sale now via this link.
Match Details
Western Force v Cheetahs
Revo Fitness Stadium, Claremont
Kick-off 3pm, Gates Open 1:30pm
Live on Stan Sport, follow @WesternForce on social media for updates
Force Team List
Marley Pearce, Tom Horton, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Jackson Pugh, Lopeti Faifua, Faamanu Kalolo, Carlo Tizzano, Jeremy Williams (cc), Henry Robertson, Max Burey (cc), Ronan Leahy, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, George Poolman, Harry Potter; Albert Alcock, Angus Wagner, Reginald Churchward, Reagan Leslie, Titi Nofogatotoa, Ian Prior, Reesjan Pasitoa, Rewita Biddle
Cheetahs team list
Schalk Ferreira, Marnus van der Merwe, Laurence Victor, Rynier Bernardo, Victor Sekekete (c), Gideon van der Merwe, Friedle Olivier, Jeandre Rudolph, Rewan Kruger, Ruan Pienaar, Cohen Jasper, Reinhardt Fortuin, Evardi Boshoff, Daniel Kasende, Tapiwa Mafura; Marko Janse van Rensburg, Alulutho Tshakweni, Hencus van Wyk, Carl Wegner, Daniel Maartens, George Lourens, Abner van Reenen, Robert Ebersohn
How To Get Tickets?
Tickets are available online via this link or on the gate.
Members can purchase GA Tickets at a discounted rate of $10 per game through their Membership renewal or new Membership purchase as add on at the checkout.
GA Tickets to the public can be purchased via the link for $15 per game. GA Tickets at the gate will be $20. Purchase your tickets now via this link.
