Carter to debut as Force make two changes for Drua trip

[The InnFORCEr]

Wed, Mar 27, 2024, 10:57 AM
by Ben Somerford

The Western Force will welcome new signing Sam Carter in for his Club debut as part of the 23-member team list for Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Fijian Drua.

Former Wallabies lock Carter along with Wanneroo product Ollie Callan both come into the team for Saturday’s clash from 9:05am WST in Lautoka with two forced changes following injuries sustained in the 40-31 win over the Queensland Reds.

Captain Jeremy Williams is out due to a calf strain that will sideline him for 2-3 weeks while Will Harris is unavailable having entered head injury protocols after sustaining a concussion against the Reds. Nic White will lead the side as captain in Williams’ absence.

Impressive young lock Lopeti Faifua and experienced back-rower Reed Prinsep have been elevated from the reserves into the XV for Williams and Harris respectively.

Carter, who played 16 times for the Wallabies between 2014 and 2017, was unveiled as a new Force signing on Monday from Leicester Tigers, having arrived in Perth last week. The 34-year-old lock will be Force cap #256.

Saturday’s game kicks off at 9:05am WST and is part of a double-header with the Buildcorp Super Rugby Women’s game between the Force and Drua commencing from 11:35am WST.

The game will be live on Stan Sport, while there will be regular updates @WesternForce on social media.

Game details

Fijian Drua v Western Force

Churchill Park, Lautoka, 9:05am WST

Live on Stan Sport

Force:

1. Ryan Coxon
2. Tom Horton
3. Santiago Medrano
4. Thomas Franklin
5. Lopeti Faifua
6. Tim Anstee
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Reed Prinsep
9. Nic White (c)
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Chase Tiatia
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Sam Spink
14. Bayley Kuenzle
15. Harry Potter

16. Ben Funnell
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Tiaan Tauakipulu
19. Sam Carter*
20. Ollie Callan
21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
22. Max Burey
23. George Poolman

* Potential Force Debut

Drua:

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Mesake Doge
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Leone Rotuisolia
6. Etonia Waqa
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Epeli Momo
12. Apisalome Vota
13. Iosefo Masi
14. Selestino Ravutaumada
15. Ilaisa Droasese

16. Zuriel Togiatama
17. Livai Natave
18. Samuela Tawake
19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
20. Motikiai Murray
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Waqa Nalaga
23. Taniela Rakuro

https://westernforce.rugby/news/west...-debut-2024327

[Tazzmania]

With Williams and Harris out to injuries, just reward for Lopeti and Reed with starts due for their strong performances last week.

[andrewg]

Interesting that Harry Hoopert is filmed traveling with the squad.

[shasta]

Interesting that Harry Hoopert is filmed traveling with the squad.

Well spotted. Was supposed to be at least another few weeks away after surgery. Now if only Throbber is nearly on the way home.......

[The InnFORCEr]

We do get the Blues on the way home from Fiji so he might be ready for that match

[jargan83]

Bit wet in Fiji...

[shasta]

Phark. Set piece will be interesting.

[jargan83]

Fantastic start in the wet

[slomo]

This is a shit show!..no regard for player safety.... someone will get seriously injured here...

[jargan83]

Nic White in the middle of some push and shove.

It's always the person you most suspect.

[shasta]

This is a shit show!..no regard for player safety.... someone will get seriously injured here...

Tend to agree. The pitch isn't up to standard. Probably should not have started.

[GIGS20]

Hits are starting to sneak up

[jargan83]

That was the most brainless taking out someone without the ball I've ever seen.

[jargan83]

Last Fijian yellow upgraded to Red

[blueandblack]

Last Fijian yellow upgraded to Red

and off again