Hamara Watan Sports National and international
RugbySports

Williams returns & Lomax in line for debut as Force face Drua

Williams is back in the second row following a head knock that saw him miss the 42-19 win over the Queensland Reds.

Sef Fa’agase comes into the starting XV at loosehead prop to replace Wallaby Tom Robertson who has returned to Perth due to a head knock sustained against the Reds.

Hamish Stewart is also added to the run-on side at outside-centre as George Bridge shuffles to the wing, with Darby Lancaster ruled out with an ankle injury sustained while scoring against the Reds. Williams comes in at lock to replace Darcy Swain who is unavailable due to illness.

Force Academy product and loosehead prop Marley Pearce along with new signing Zac Lomax, who was a late withdrawal for his debut last round due to hamstring tightness, are added to the reserves.

Fa’agase starts on the front row alongside Wallaby Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Misinale Epenisa, with a second row of Franco Molina, fresh from a hat-trick against the Reds, partnering Williams.

Western Force full-back Mac Grealy spoke to the media after penning a contract extension and ahead of the Round 9 clash with the Fijian Drua.

In the back row are Champion de Crespigny, Daly – who impressed on debut last round – and Vaiolini Ekuasi.

Scrum-half Henry Robertson and fly-half Ben Donaldson will team up again, supported by Bayley Kuenzle and Stewart in the midfield.

Dylan Pietsch and George Bridge will start on the wings, with the back three rounded out by Mac Grealy, fresh from extending his stay at the Force until 2028.

Nic Dolly, Pearce, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Beale and Lomax are the reserves.

If he plays, Beale will notch up his 181th Super Rugby game, equaling Sam Whitelock in joint fifth in competition history.

Kick-off for Saturday’s game is 12:35pm WST live on Stan Sport.

Western Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny spoke to the ABC Radio Extra-Time team following the side’s win over the Queensland Reds and ahead of the trip to face the Fijian Drua.

Game details

Fijian Drua vs Western Force

Saturday 11 April, 12:35pm WST

Churchill Park, Lautoka

Live on Stan Sport

Western Force team list

1 Sef Fa’agase

2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa

3 Misinale Epenisa

4 Franco Molina

5 Jeremy Williams (c)

6 Nick Champion de Crespigny (vc)

7 Jack Daly

8 Vaiolini Ekuasi

9 Henry Robertson

10 Ben Donaldson (vc)

11 Dylan Pietsch

12 Bayley Kuenzle

13 Hamish Stewart

14 George Bridge

15 Mac Grealy

Reserves; 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Will Harris, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Zac Lomax

Mac Grealy’s 40′ Try in the Western Force clash with Queensland Reds #SuperRugbyPacific

SKG Radiology Unavailable List

Tom Robertson (head injury) – return to play protocols

Albert Alcock (quad) – short term

Feao Fotuaika (foot) – short term

Nathan Hastie (ribs) – short term

Darcy Swain (illness) – short term

Carlo Tizzano (knee) – short term

Ronan Leahy (knee) – medium term

Doug Philipson (knee) – medium term

Alex Harford (shoulder) – long term

Darby Lancaster (ankle) – TBC

Related posts

Electric Crow returns, key Hawk in, big Lion back

M.Naveed

Unreal experience’: Strong push for women’s All Stars showcase

M.Naveed

Instant impact: The off-season moves that paid off in 2025

M.Naveed

Leave a Comment