THREE CHANGES TO STARTING XV TO TAKE ON THE NSW WARATAHS

Apr 13 • Australia, General News, International, National, Super Rugby, Super Rugby News • 2031 Views • Comments Off on THREE CHANGES TO STARTING XV TO TAKE ON THE NSW WARATAHS

The Western Force has named three changes to the starting line-up for Saturday night’s Round 9 re-match with the NSW Waratahs at HBF Park.

Tim Sampson’s side is determined to bounce back in front of the Sea of Blue following consecutive one-point losses.

Captain Feleti Kaitu’u starts at hooker after entering the contest last week from the bench, while Ryan McCauley returns to the squad.

With McCauley at lock (4), the ever-present Fergus Lee-Warner moves to flanker (6) alongside Kane Koteka (7).

Milestone man Kyle Godwin is named at 13 alongside in-form Bayley Kuenzle in midfield. Godwin, who is enjoying a fantastic season with four tries, will be making his 100th Super Rugby appearance on Saturday after debuting for his hometown club in 2012 against the Reds in Perth.

Toni Pulu returns to the wing (14) having missed last week’s clash with the Melbourne Rebels while recovering from a head knock sustained against the Brumbies in Round 6

Jackson Pugh joins the matchday 23 and homegrown talent Michael McDonald is poised for his first appearance of the season off the bench. Former All-Black Richard Kahui will also return to the bench.

Full Team:
1.Harrison Lloyd, 2. Feleti Kaitu’u, 3. Santiago Medrano, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Ryan McCauley, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior 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. Jackson Pugh, 20. Ollie Callan, 21. Michael McDonald 22. Jake McIntyre, 23. Richard Kahui.