WALLABIES RETURN FOR BATTLE WITH THE BLUES

Apr 27 • Australia, General News, International, National, Super Rugby, Super Rugby Fixtures, Super Rugby News • 2201 Views • Comments Off on WALLABIES RETURN FOR BATTLE WITH THE BLUES

Wallabies trio Feleti Kaitu’u, Izack Rodda, and Tom Robertson will make their return to the matchday 23 to take on the Blues for Armed Forces Round (Round 11) at HBF Park in Perth.

Captain Kaitu’u has fully recovered from a calf injury sustained at training a fortnight ago and is looking forward to leading the team against their first New Zealand opponent of the season.

Rodda returns as starting lock after missing the last two games due to injury and being a COVID-19 close contact, while prop Robertson joins the team for the first time since Round 4 where he sustained a calf injury against the Waratahs.

Bayley Kuenzle will pair up with Kyle Godwin in midfield after a late change ruled Kuenzle out from the Force’s last game against the Waratahs two weeks ago.

Former Chiefs player Toni Pulu will return to the starting side on the wing alongside Manasa Mataele.

Known for his quick thinking and speed, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa returns to the starting line-up at scrum-half, with Ian Prior moving to the bench.

Force Fortescue Academy back-rower Alex Masibaka is set to make a potential Force and Super Rugby debut after being named among the replacements. The Associates Rugby Club talent has represented WA at the 2021 Wallabies Camps and the U19s Rugby Championships in 2019, as well as being a part of the Australian Schools U18s team in 2019.

Full Team:
1.Tom Robertson, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Ryan McCauley, 5. Izack Rodda, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Ollie Callan, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa 10. Reesjan Pasitoa, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Bayley Kuenzle, 13.Kyle Godwin, 14. Toni Pulu, 15. Jake Strachan.

RESERVES:
16. Andrew Ready, 17. Bo Abra, 18. Greg Holmes, 19. Jeremy Thrush, 20. Tim Anstee, 21. Alex Masibaka, 22. Ian Prior, 23. Richard Kahui.