In the final leg of the three-week New Zealand tour, the Western Force has named six changes to the starting line-up for the Round 6 clash with the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.
Captain Wells and Wallaby Fainga'a have both been ruled out of Sunday's match due to prolonged Achilles concerns and will return home to recover.
Simon Cron's side is determined to bounce back for their final run across the Tasman, enlisting youth to lead the team. Scrum-half Gareth Simpson has been named matchday captain, with emerging leaders Stewart and Williams call-up as vice-captains.
Cron attests to Simpson's leadership qualities displayed across the ditch, complimenting his communication capabilities.
"We've been watching Gareth now for some time; one thing that was obvious in the 'A' games is that he's an excellent leader. He's got clear, precise communication; he focuses on the game and sits in a position where he can connect to both the backs and forwards. So we do want a lot of communication out of Gareth. All those things add up to the fact that he's the perfect captain for us this weekend. He's excited, the boys are excited and have got behind him. So an overall really good opportunity for him," Cron claims.
"We've had a lot of changes forced upon us through injury. Therefore, one of the things we're trying to do this week is to keep as many combinations as we can together."
Tom Robertson returns to the front row having missed last week's clash with the Blues while recovering from a head knock sustained against the Highlanders in Round 4. Tom Horton starts at hooker with Marley Pearce possibly earning his possible second cap after his debut match last Sunday. Cron states the competition in the front row is needed and is excited to see what Pearce can produce in his second hit out.
"Wagner was really good last week. He came on after ten minutes against the Highlanders and then effectively played a large number of minutes again in Auckland. I thought he was outstanding. But at the moment, what we've decided to do is give Marley another touch of Super Rugby. There are a couple of aspects that he's working on from the last game that we're excited to see. So that gives Wags a small break and Marley an opportunity to run on from the bench."
Hamish Stewart regains his role at flyhalf after a late withdrawal saw Hegarty sidelined last match with back spasms. Hegarty has been cleared and will come on at 22.
After being named in the finishers last match, Kuenzle to is set to start in the midfield (12) and Wanneroo product Ollie Callan will line up in the back row at openside flanker.
Feleti Kaitu'u joins the matchday 23, and homegrown talent Jackson Pugh is poised for his return in the number 20 jersey.
Don't miss out on the crucial clash watch all the action live on Stan Sport.
