Force Second Trial Squad 2024

[Burgs]

Sorry folks, particularly Tazz, was trying to consolidate two threads and appear to have f*cked it up...

Force v Brumbies

1. Marley Pearce
2. Feleti Kaitu’u
3. Tiann Tauakipulu
4. Lopeti Faifua
5. Tom Franklin
6. Michael Wells
7. Carlo Tizzano
8. Will Harris
9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
10. Ben Donaldson
11. Chase Tiatia
12. Hamish Stewart
13. Sam Spink
14. George Poolman
15. Max Burey

16. Albert Alcock
17. Charlie Hancock
18. Atu Moli
19. Regi Churchward
20. Tim Anstee
21. Ollie Callan
22. Titi Nofogatotoa
23. Ian Prior
24. Reesjan Pasitoa
25. Henry O’Donnell
26. Ronan Leahy

Force team list named for Saturday's Brumbies pre-season trial clash on Fan Day

Fri, Feb 9, 2024, 10:55 AM
by Ben Somerford

The Western Force have named a 26-player team list for Saturday’s second pre-season trial game against the ACT Brumbies which doubles as the Club’s Fan Day at Revo Fitness Stadium.

From last week’s team that prevailed 21-19 over the Queensland Reds, forwards Feleti Kaitu’u, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Lopeti Faifua and Carlo Tizzano plus winger George Poolman all come into the starting XV.

Santiago Medrano and Jeremy Williams are both unavailable having entered head injury protocols after knocks sustained in the Reds’ game. Tom Horton and Harry Potter have been left out due to precaution due to minor niggles with a view to Round 1 availability, while Tim Anstee has made way for returning WA product Tizzano.

Force head coach Simon Cron said: “Carlo Tizzano is back at openside flanker and he’ll bring energy and he’s a doer. He’ll put a lot of pressure on at the breakdown.

“Feleti and George both got good minutes last weekend and it’s another opportunity for them to press their claims for a starting spot. It’s a great opportunity for Tiaan to start at tighthead prop, while we love what Lopeti brings to our team and he gets the chance to start this week.”

The game is the Force’s final competitive tune-up prior to their Round 1 Super Rugby Pacific opener against the Hurricanes on Friday 23 February at HBF Park and head coach Simon Cron said there was plenty to gain.

"We now have the opportunity to work on combinations again after last week” Cron said. “The boys have given us some laser focus areas, in their positions, to help progress the team. We’re looking forward to giving them another chance to play.”

Siosifa Amone (knee), Harry Hoopert (knee), Felix Kalapu (hamstring), Campbell Parata (hamstring), Izack Rodda (foot), Papillon Sevele (knee), Angus Wagner (knee) and Nic White (shoulder) were not considered for selection due to injury, along with the aforementioned Medrano, Williams, Horton and Potter.

Play starts at 5pm, with gates open from 4pm for the club’s Fan Day with entry free to all patrons.

The Fan Day includes a raft of family-friendly activities including inflatables, face painters, food trucks, mascots, player signature and selfie opportunities and much more.

The game will not be streamed so fans are encouraged to attend with free entry or follow @WesternForce on Twitter for regular updates.

Super Rugby Pacific pre-season trial game

Western Force v ACT Brumbies

Saturday 10 February 5pm WST

Revo Fitness Stadium

Fan Day starts from 4pm WST, free entry

[Burgs]

Gigs and Tazz were talking Backrow/Lock etc...

I think Anstee's position in selector preference order is 6-7-8-4.
Last week he had one or two scrums as 4 after Wells departed, with Williams moving to 6.
I didn't notice the scrum after Williams unplanned sub, I think Anstee may also have been benched by the time there was another scrum.
He has been quite effective in lineouts as well and shows natural leadership.
In every aspect of the previous about Anstee above, he is in front of Wells for mine.

[Tazzmania]

Agree as above, just for this match with no genuine lock on the bench I suspect that is the position he will cover for this match.

[Garry Owen]

Agree as above, just for this match with no genuine lock on the bench I suspect that is the position he will cover for this match.

Is Williams going to be good for round 1? Can’t afford to be without him especially if no Rodda. Also where is Kalapu?

[Burgs]

Is Williams going to be good for round 1? Can’t afford to be without him especially if no Rodda. Also where is Kalapu?

There was no obvious on field concussion, so would suggest it is at the lower end.
Plus he played some pretty big minutes that day (60 odd in heat) so possibly not a bad thing in the circumstances.
Kalapu listed as "hamstring", didn't know Locks had hamstrings...

[Darren]

If the heat was keeping you away, the sea breeze has kicked in and things are much more comfortable for this hit out

[wholetruth]

If the heat was keeping you away, the sea breeze has kicked in and things are much more comfortable for this hit out

Why not use a local rugby ground, a rectangle, not an oval.
If they were worried about the standard of grounds and facilities, local clubs were good enough for World Rugby 7s training so surely they are good enough for a Force trial game.
It's not the heat that has kept me away but other matters so for those like me why no streaming?
If STAN couldn't be bothered why didn't they use a local company like they have done in the past.
An opportunity missed.

[brokendown gunfighter]

If the heat was keeping you away, the sea breeze has kicked in and things are much more comfortable for this hit out

going to keep us updated on scores,coach?

[shasta]

didn't know Locks had hamstrings...

They do - very long ones. You're thinking of the front three, who very rarely stretch out far enough to tear one.

At my age I'm in danger of rupturing one just getting out of the car.

[shasta]

going to keep us updated on scores,coach?

Yes please, Boss.

[SNOB]

Update’s available on twitter X

[wholetruth]

Update’s available on twitter X

Very poor updates - or perhaps nothing is happening.

[SNOB]

10-5 to the force

[wholetruth]

Guess I'll watch the Reds v Tahs.

[wholetruth]

Very poor updates - or perhaps nothing is happening.

The Force that is not you guys.