Western Force Face Early Season Test with Key Wingers Ruled Out
The Western Force will begin their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a significant challenge, as first-choice wingers Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster have been ruled out of Saturday's season opener against the Brumbies. This development puts the team's wing depth to an immediate test, forcing coach Ben Smith to reshuffle his backline for the highly anticipated home clash at HBF Park.
Injury Blow Forces Backline Reshuffle
Wallabies representative Dylan Pietsch is sidelined with a foot injury, while off-season recruit Darby Lancaster is nursing a thigh complaint. Both players are considered short-term absences, but their unavailability for the opening round has prompted significant changes to the starting lineup.
In their absence, the reliable Bayley Kuenzle will start on the left wing, with young talent Divad Palu earning his opportunity on the right flank. This unexpected pairing will need to gel quickly against a Brumbies side that has traditionally been one of Australia's strongest Super Rugby franchises.
Seven Debutants Named for Force
Despite the injury setbacks, the Force will field a strong lineup featuring seven debutants who are eager to make their mark in the competition. Former All Black George Bridge headlines the new arrivals, joining Argentinian lock Franco Molina, Perth-born scrum-half Nathan Hastie, and prop Harry Johnson-Holmes in the starting fifteen.
Johnson-Holmes returns to competitive rugby after missing the entire 2025 season with a torn ACL, adding valuable experience to the forward pack. The bench will feature three more debutants: Argentinian hooker Leonel Oviedo, former Queensland prop Sef Fa'agase, and recently-signed Misinale Epenisa.
Forward Pack Takes Shape
The Force forward pack shows several interesting tactical adjustments. Reigning Nathan Sharpe Medallist Tom Robertson returns to his preferred loosehead prop position to accommodate Johnson-Holmes at tighthead. Hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa starts despite his partner giving birth mid-week, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
In the second row, pre-season standout Franco Molina partners captain Jeremy Williams, while Darcy Swain has overcome his own pre-season injury to secure a spot on the bench. The loose forward trio of Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny, and Vaiolini Ekuasi promises to provide both physicality and mobility around the park.
Backline Structure and Brumbies Challenge
The halves combination sees Nathan Hastie partnering Ben Donaldson, while George Bridge teams up with the dependable Hamish Stewart in the centres. At fullback, Mac Grealy looks to continue the strong form he displayed throughout the 2025 season.
The Brumbies present a formidable challenge despite undergoing significant changes during the off-season. The Canberra-based side has lost Wallabies Len Ikitau, Tom Hooper, and Noah Lolesio to overseas clubs, while captain Allan Alaalatoa and fullback Tom Wright will both miss the start of the season through injury.
Western Force Matchday Squad
Starting XV: Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams (c), Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Bayley Kuenzle, Mac Grealy, Divad Palu
Replacements: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa'agase, Misinale Epenisa, Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale
The stage is set for an intriguing opening round encounter that will test the Western Force's depth and resilience from the very first whistle of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
