Ledington Returns as Force Name Side for Crucial Clash
The Western Force have named a settled side for this weekend's crucial Super Rugby Women's clash, with versatile back Nicole Ledington set to start at fullback and prop Alapeta Nguamo preparing to celebrate her 25th Super Rugby cap.
Stephens also returns to the back row after missing last week's fixture, adding experience and physicality to the forward pack. Freeman retains the starting flyhalf role, maintaining a crucial partnership with Sammy. Palelei has been rewarded for her strong performances off the bench with her first start of the 2026 campaign, and Nguamo reaches the milestone of 25 Super Rugby caps, highlighting her outstanding contribution to the club and competition.
Making up a solid front row, Hannah Palelei joins Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and milestone woman Alapeta Nguamo. Since making her debut, Nguamo has become a cornerstone of the Western Force forward pack, consistently bringing physicality, work rate, and leadership to the side
Locks Sera Naiqama and Michaela Leonard again partner in the second row to keep consistency; while Pia Tapsell, Anneka Stephens and Seina Saito complete the back row.
Samantha Wood starts at scrumhalf, with Freeman keeping to the No.10 jersey to maintain a crucial playmaking partnership. Cecilia Smith and Trilleen Pomare combine in the midfield, while Brooklyn Teki Joyce and Adi Vani Buleki line up on the wings. Nicole Ledington stepping in at fullback to complete the backline.
The impact squad features Jiowana Sauto, Allana Sikimeti, Zoe Elliott, Yuna Sato, Taylor Waterson, Ai Dickson, Atawhai Hotene and Halley Derera providing plenty of experience and versatility from the bench.
Sikimeti moves to the impacts after previous starting roles, while Halley makes the team for the first time this 2026 season giving the Force valuable finishing power in the closing stages of the contest.
With a finals berth on the line, the Force will be looking to produce another committed performance.
Western Force Team
Starting XV
- Hannah Palelei
- Hera Barb Malcolm Heke
- Alapeta Nguamo (25th Super Rugby cap)
- Sera Naiqama
- Michaela Leonard
- Pia Tapsell
- Anneka Stephens
- Seina Saito
- Samantha Wood
- Grace Freeman
- Brooklyn Teki Joyce
- Trilleen Pomare
- Cecilia Smith
- Adi Vani Buleki
- Nicole Ledington
Replacements
16. Jiowana Sauto
17. Allana Sikimeti
18. Zoe Elliott
19. Yuna Sato
20. Taylor Waterson
21. Ai Dickson
22. Atawhai Hotene
23. Halley Derera
Game Details
ACT Brumbies vs Western Force
Sunday 7 July
Kickoff 12.05 WST
Viking Park, Canberra
Live on StanSport
