Powerhouse Samoan test capped forward Henry Stowers makes a welcome return to the Western Force squad ahead of the club’s clash against reigning NRC champions Fijian Drua on Saturday in Suva.
An excellent Global Rapid Rugby season for the Western Force saw Stowers selected in the Manu Samoa Pacific Nations Cup campaign where he earned his first national team jersey, playing alongside Force teammates AJ Alitimu and Henry Taefu.
Stowers is one of five changes to the starting forward pack, along with prop Harrison Lloyd, hooker Heath Tessmann, lock Fergus Lee-Warner and loose forward Tevin Ferris.
WA prop Dom Hardman retains his starting post after a last-minute change that saw him run out at tighthead in the club’s win against Queensland Country in round one.
After strong debuts last week, Byron Ralston and former Fijian Warrior, Kiti Ratu, will start again. Coach Tim Sampson has put his faith in his starting backs with no changes, Andrew Deegan again captaining the side.
After recovering well from a calf injury Feleti Kaitu’u returns to the matchday squad as does Chris Heiberg who was a late withdrawal in round one due to illness.
Future Force centre Grason Makara has been named on the bench. The Wanneroo Rugby Club product showed his versatility last weekend when he filled in as a flanker in the second half against Queensland Country.
In: Feleti Kaitu’u, Henry Stowers, Chris Heiberg
Out: Chris Alcock, Andrew Ready, Tukiterangi Raimona
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