2
Wed, Feb 21, 2024, 11:00 AM
by Ben Somerford
The Western Force have named five starters to make their Club debuts in Friday night’s Super Rugby Pacific season-opening clash with the Hurricanes at HBF Park.
Off-season recruits Tom Franklin, Will Harris, Nic White, Ben Donaldson and Harry Potter will earn their first caps for the Force having been named in the XV.
Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has also been named to play after a long-term foot problem in a major boost.
Ben Funnell, Lopeti Faifua and Tiaan Tauakipulu could also all make their Club debuts having been named as reserves.
Tighthead prop Tauakipulu comes into the Force squad as an injury replacement for Harry Hoopert.
Force captain Jeremy Williams is unavailable due to head injury protocols, so Michael Wells and White will lead the side as co-captains.
The game will be live on Stan Sport, while there will be regular updates @WesternForce on social media, with kick-off from 7pm.
The game will be preceded by the Force women against Tokyo Sankyu Phoenix in a pre-season trial game from 4:30pm as part of a double-header.
Western Force v Hurricanes
Friday 23 February, 7pm WST HBF Park Live on Stan Sport Tickets via Ticketmaster
Team list
1. Marley Pearce
2. Tom Horton
3. Santiago Medrano
4. Thomas Franklin
5. Izack Rodda
6. Michael Wells
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Will Harris
9. Nic White
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Chase Tiatia
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Sam Spink
14. Harry Potter
15. Max Burey
16. Ben Funnell
17. Charlie Hancock
18. Tiaan Tauakipulu
19. Lopeti Faifua
20. Tim Anstee
21. Ollie Callan
22. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
23. George Poolman
https://westernforce.rugby/news/west...ound-1-2024221