The Western Force’s 23-player team list for the opening Toyota Challenge clash against the Cheetahs from 1am WST Thursday has been announced.
Back-rower Reed Prinsep will lead the side as skipper with vice-captain Sam Carter to start at lock after missing the game against Perth Gold last week.
New signings Nic Dolly, Josh Thompson and Nick Champion de Crespigny will all start for the Force, while Associates premiership winner Justin Landman starts at right wing.
Newcomers Mac Grealy, Sio Tomkinson and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens will also get opportunities in the backline of the starting XV alongside Harry Potter, with Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Max Burey the starting half-backs.
Joondalup Brothers prop Marley Pearce, Dolly and Tiaan Tauakipulu make up the starting front row, with locks Thompson and Carter supported by back-rower Will Harris following his hat-trick against Perth Gold along with Champion de Crespigny and Prinsep.
Wallabies lock Darcy Swain, who moved from the ACT Brumbies in the off-season, will start from the bench. Newcomers Sila Titiuti, Coby Miln and Divad Palu are also reserves, alongside hooker Tom Horton, prop Harry Hoopert, back-rower Titi Nofoagatotoa and scrum-half Henry Robertson.
Thursday’s game is part of the Toyota Challenge hosted by the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein, with Emerging Ireland and the Griffons also competing.
The Force will also face Emerging Ireland on Sunday from 7pm WST. Prize money is up for grabs in each game, with $AU25,000 per match.
The game will be streamed live on Stan Sport in conjunction with South African broadcaster SuperSport.
Western Force 23-player team list
Starters (1-15); Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Josh Thompson, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Reed Prinsep (c), Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Mac Grealy, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Justin Landman, Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves; Tom Horton, Harry Hoopert, Sila Titiuti, Darcy Swain, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu
Cheetahs v Western Force
Thursday 3 October, 1am WST
Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein
Live on Stan Sport
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