Rising Star winner Albert Alcock and former Nathan Sharpe medallist Kane Koteka will return to the starting XV for the Western Force’s Super Rugby AUS Grand Final against the NSW Waratahs at Wanneroo Rugby Club on Sunday.
Palmyra winger Viliami Fine is elevated back to the starting side from the reserves as the final of three changes from the Force XV that went down to the Queensland Reds last round.
Hooker Alcock and loose forward Koteka both missed the Reds’ clash after impressing in the opening two games and are welcome additions.
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Darcy Swain will again lead the side as captain for Sunday’s clash which kicks off at 1pm WST with entry free for all patrons.
Force 50-gamer and 2019 Nathan Sharpe medal winner Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will start among the finishers in his farewell appearance for the Club.
Associates outside back Justin Landman returns where he’ll look to impact off the bench, with hooker Ollie Barrett, Irishman Jack Daly and winger Henry Palmer missing out after their maiden appearances in Force blue against the Reds.
Joondalup Brothers loosehead prop Marley Pearce will start on the front row alongside Palmyra hooker Alcock and Tiaan Tauakipulu.
Mitch Watts will team up with skipper Swain in the locks, with Will Harris and Vaiolini Ekuasi alongside returning Wests Scarborough openside flanker Koteka.
The Force back line is fairly settled, with Ben Donaldson selected at fly-half beside Henry Robertson at scrum-half. Experienced Wallaby Kurtley Beale will run on at inside-centre alongside George Poolman at outside-centre.
Mac Grealy and Fine will start on the wings, with in-form Max Burey rounding out the back three at full-back.
The Force have a 5-3 split bench, with Wes Thomas, Max Sawers, Sean Paranihi, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Fines-Leleiwasa, Landman and Boston Fakafanua.
Saturday’s game kicks off at 1pm WST at Wanneroo Rugby Club. Entry is free as part of a bumper weekend of rugby in WA, including the Bledisloe Cup at a sold-out Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
The Grand Final will also be live on rugby.com.au’s YouTube channel and Stan Sport.
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Western Force team list
Starting XV; Marley Pearce, Albert Alcock, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Mitch Watts, Darcy Swain (c), Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Kurtley Beale, George Poolman, Viliami Fine, Max Burey
Reserves; Wes Thomas, Max Sawers, Sean Paranihi, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Justin Landman, Boston Fakafanua
Game details
Western Force vs NSW Waratahs
Sunday 5 October, 1pm WST
Kingsway Regional Sporting Complex, Wanneroo Rugby Club
Free entry
Live on rugby.com.au’s YouTube channel & Stan Sport
