Brisbane is the destination Saturday as the Western Force prepare to face the Queensland Reds in a crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash. For Force coach Simon Cron, the match represents more than just a contest for competition points; it’s an opportunity to unleash a new wave of talent, including former NRL star Zac Lomax and promising openside flanker Jack Daly. The team is navigating key injuries, but Cron is confident in the depth of his squad and the readiness of those stepping up. This game, at 4:35pm WST at Suncorp Stadium, will be broadcast live on Stan Sport.
Lomax, a State of Origin representative in the National Rugby League, has been training with the Force as he transitions to the 15-man game. Although acknowledging the adjustments Lomax is making – particularly around the breakdown and tackling rules – Cron expressed satisfaction with his progress. “He’s very confident he’s ready,” Cron said, adding that Lomax will approach off the bench to ease him into the contest. The difference in tackle continuation between the two codes is a key focus, with rugby league tackles ending phases while rugby continues play. The Force are hoping Lomax’s explosive running and finishing ability will translate well to Super Rugby.
Debutants Set to Make Impact
Alongside Lomax, Jack Daly is poised for his Super Rugby debut. The Munster-trained flanker joins the Force after playing for the UWA in Fortescue Premier Grade. Daly’s opportunity arises due to an injury to regular flanker Carlo Tizzano, who sustained a knee injury in the Force’s recent loss to the Chiefs. Cron praised Daly’s dedication during training, stating, “Jack’s trained really hard and we’ve been big on making sure that We find people in behind our top squad who can play.” This commitment to developing depth within the squad is a clear priority for Cron.
The Force aren’t just introducing new faces; they’re too welcoming back experienced players. Winger Dylan Pietsch returns from injury, adding much-needed pace and finishing ability to the backline. Misinale Epenisa will also make his first start at tighthead prop, bolstering the Force’s scrum. A further shift sees Bayley Kuenzle move to inside centre, a position Cron believes suits his skillset. “At 12 he’s a good ball player and it gives him an opportunity to get some ball carries and set a bit of size into our midfield,” Cron explained.
Navigating Injuries and Key Departures
The Force face challenges beyond just integrating new players. Captain Jeremy Williams is sidelined due to head injury protocols, and Tizzano’s knee injury adds to the team’s injury concerns. Although, Cron emphasized the importance of focusing on the players who are available and preparing them to perform.
Looking ahead, the Force are also grappling with the impending departure of No. 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi to French side US Montauban. Cron expressed his disappointment at losing a key player, acknowledging the financial realities that often drive these moves. “We’re upset about it and it’s one of the challenges of being where we are, around having the dollars to be able to keep guys like Vai in the system,” he said. He highlighted the broader issue of Australian rugby losing talent to leagues with greater financial resources, a concern echoed by many within the sport. Rugby.com.au reported on the growing trend of players moving overseas for financial gain.
The Importance of 80-Minute Performance
Cron stressed the need for a significant shift in mentality for the team. “We’ve got to start to fight for 83 minutes rather than just 55-65,” he stated. He acknowledged the team’s potential but emphasized the importance of consistency and maintaining intensity throughout the entire match. The return of the Wallabies trio of Carter Gordon, Josh Flook, and Kalani Thomas to the Reds’ lineup adds another layer of complexity to the challenge, but Cron remains focused on the Force’s own performance.
The Western Force starting side features Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny (captain), Jack Daly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson (vice-captain), Darby Lancaster, Bayley Kuenzle, George Bridge, Dylan Pietsch, and Mac Grealy. The reserves include Nic Dolly, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Kurtley Beale, and Zac Lomax. The Reds will field Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (captain), Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, Carter Gordon, Treyvon Pritchard, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Filipo Daugunu, and Jock Campbell, with Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Zane Nonggorr, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and Tim Ryan on the bench.
The match against the Reds is a critical one for the Western Force as they look to build momentum in Super Rugby Pacific. Cron and his team are focused on executing their game plan and delivering an 80-minute performance. The introduction of fresh talent and the return of key players provide a boost, but the team knows they must be at their best to overcome a strong Reds side.
Following Saturday’s match against the Reds, the Western Force will return to HBF Park in Perth to face the Crusaders on April 18th at 7:55pm WST. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the upcoming match and the Force’s season so far in the comments below.
