Western Force head coach, Simon Cron has made three changes to his starting XV to face the Queensland Reds in Cultural Round of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Charlie Hancock makes a welcome return from a hamstring injury starting at loosehead prop. Weighting in at a beastly 118kg, Hancock is known for his aggressive, competitive nature dominating the breakdown. He steps in for Tom Robertson, who pulled up with a calf strain in the winning match at HBF Park last Saturday.
The scare to Ollie Callan's neck in the opening seconds of Round 9's match against the Highlanders has also ruled him out of this week's clash with the Reds. Callan will aim to play at the back end of the season.
Local product Force #186, Carlo Tizzano is named at flanker, making his return after three years apart from the blue jersey. The 23-year-old got his first taste of the Force during Global Rapid Rugby in 2019, before spending the next three seasons at the Waratahs. He has returned from Ealing Trailfinders Rugby Club in England, with added experience and size, an asset to the Force stocks.
Zach Kibirige returns to the starting side on the right wing after resting his hamstring after the Waratahs match in Round 8. Toni Pulu will remain unavailable undertaking HIA protocols.
Versatile Tom Horton partners with ever consistent Argentinian Prop Santiago Medrano in the front row, with locking duo, Jeremy Williams and Felix Kalapu backing it up in the second.
Cron has once again chosen a traditional five-three split for his finishers. After his late call-up as 24th man against the Highlanders, Fortescue Academy product Marley Pearce will wear the #17 jersey. Angus Wagner remains unavailable with a hamstring injury.
Gareth Simpson also returns to the mix, having recovered from a quad strain; he will have an impact as reserve scrum half for Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.
Round 9 player of the match, Bryce Hegarty starts at fly-half teaming up with fellow Reds teammate Hamish Stewart in the centre, their first match back at Suncorp since their departure.
Don’t miss a minute of the action, watch the Force battle it out at Suncorp Stadium at 5:35pm only on Stan Sport and 9GEM
