Western Force Shuffle Line-Up with Kurtley Beale at Centre as Vaiolini Ekuasi Sidelined
In a critical move for their Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the Western Force have announced five significant changes to their starting XV ahead of their pivotal clash against the Hurricanes in Napier. With their season hanging in the balance after just five games, the Force are banking on the experience of Kurtley Beale, who has been named at inside centre following an impressive performance in last week's narrow 39-31 defeat to the Highlanders.
Key Absence and Debut Potential
The Force will face the Hurricanes without one of their standout performers this season, Vaiolini Ekuasi, who has been ruled out due to a quad contusion. Ekuasi has been a dominant force, leading the league in carries with 57 and ranking third in tackles with 64, making his absence a substantial blow to the team's forward momentum. Will Harris steps in to replace him at flanker, with Nick Champion de Crespigny shifting to the No.8 position.
Adding to the intrigue, former Queensland Red Taj Annan could make his Force debut, having been named on the bench. This marks Annan's first Super Rugby Pacific appearance since a brief stint with the NRL's Newcastle Knights, offering a fresh option in the backline if called upon.
Backline Rejig and Forward Adjustments
Force coach Simon Cron has implemented four changes to the backline, headlined by Beale's promotion to partner former All Black George Bridge in the midfield. This move sees the reliable Hamish Stewart drop to the bench, while Henry Robertson takes over at scrum-half in place of Nathan Hastie. On the wings, Bayley Kunzle returns to the starting line-up, and Max Burey earns a start, with Mac Grealy omitted from the squad altogether.
In the forward pack, Perth product Marley Pearce is set to make his season debut off the bench as the back-up loosehead prop, providing additional depth in the front row. The starting XV features Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, and Harry Johnson-Holmes in the front row, with Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain in the second row.
Match Details and Team List
The Western Force will take on the Hurricanes on March 13 at 2.05pm at McLean Park. The full team list is as follows:
- Starting XV: Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Jeremy Williams, Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Kurtley Beale, George Bridge, Bayley Kuenzle, Max Burey, Darby Lancaster.
- Reserves: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Lopeti Faifua, Nathan Hastie, Taj Annan, Hamish Stewart.
With the Hurricanes coming off a commanding victory over the Waratahs, the Force face a daunting challenge. However, the inclusion of Beale and other strategic adjustments could provide the spark needed to pull off an upset and revive their season hopes.
