Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa is in line for his Western Force debut after being named in the 23-player team list for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific Round 2 clash away to the ACT Brumbies.
Paenga-Amosa is one of four changes to the Force team that recorded a thrilling 45-44 come-from-behind win over Moana Pasifika in Perth last Saturday.
The Wallabies hooker, who joined the Force in the off-season after three years in France with Montpellier, is among the finishers.
Unrelenting back-rower Reed Prinsep and dashing Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch both come into the starting XV having played as reserves against Moana. Pietsch impressed as a finisher against Moana with a try on debut.
Darcy Swain has been named to take on his former club for the first time in Super Rugby, while Ben Donaldson has shaken off an ankle knock to start at fly-half after his game-winning try and conversion against Moana.
Front-rower Ryan Coxon, lock Sam Carter and winger George Poolman are also into the team, with all three starting as reserves. Divad Palu (shoulder) and Tiaan Tauakipulu (ribs) are unavailable following Round 1 knocks.
Vaiolini Ekuasi will miss the game to remain in Perth with his partner for the birth of their first child.
Kick-off for Saturday’s game is 4:35pm WST with the game live on 9GEM and Stan Sport.
Force team list
Starting XV; Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy
Reserves; Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
Game details
ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
Super Rugby Pacific Round 2
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Saturday 22 February 4:35pm WST
Live on Stan Sport and 9GEM
Unavailable list
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee)
Bayley Kuenzle (knee)
Harry Hoopert (knee)
Kane Koteka (ribs)
Divad Palu (shoulder)
Matt Proctor (shoulder)
Henry Robertson (ribs)
Papillon Sevele (knee)
Tiaan Tauakipulu (ribs)
