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The Force are heading into their third clash in a row on New Zealand soil and it will not get easier against the red-hot Hurricanes in Wellington. Join The Roar for live scores and updates from 1.35pm AEST.
The Force on paper have done the small things right, won their own set-piece, tackled above 85% and have scored points when opportunities have presented themselves. But you only need to watch their game to see it is moving robotically as though everyone knows where they are going but if things change it is a huge spanner in the works.
Head coach Simon Cron will be hoping the time away together can build the cohesion needed to smoothen out the rough edges, he will see this as another opportunity to make a statement about his side’s trajectory.
The Force have not escaped the competitions injury run with Wallabies hooker Folau Fainga’a and Force captain Michael Wells ruled out of the side’s final match on tour.
Fainga’a is suffering from Achilles heel soreness hence ruling him out, while Ollie Callan returns at openside flanker with Tim Anstee and Rahboni Vosayaco forming the backrow. Wallaby Tom Robertson also returns at loose-head prop after his concussion against the Highlanders.
Englishman Gareth Simpson and young-gun Hamish Stewart will command a settled backline with journeyman Bryce Hegarty returning via the bench after a late withdrawal last week due to back spasms.
“We’ve been watching Gareth now for some time; one thing that was obvious in the ‘A’ games is that he’s an excellent leader,” coach Simon Cron said.
“We’ve had a lot of changes forced upon us through injury. Therefore, one of the things we’re trying to do this week is to keep as many combinations as we can together.”
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Hurricanes coach Jason Holland is expecting a physical battle.
“They always have massive intent and massive physicality, and I think with their coaching set up this year, they’re definitely playing a pretty good style of footy,” said Holland.
Holland has named a side with a few key names on the bench or having a well-earned rest. Exciting talent Bailyn Sullivan gets his first start of the season with fellow flyer Kini Naholo set to come off the bench. If things get tight at Sky Stadium expect Holland to bring on Peter Lakai and Cameron Roigard for some serious impact.
The Force will need to transition into their defensive shape much quicker than last week as try scoring machine Salesi Rayasi looms large.
Game information
Venue: Central Energy Trust Arena, Palmerston North Kick-off: 1.35pm (AEST) Streaming: Stan Sport Betting: Hurricanes $1.06, Force $10 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
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Hurricanes (1-15): Pouri Rakete-Stones, Dane Coles, Tyrel Lomax, James Blackwell, Dominic Bird, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Jamie Booth, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Jordie Barrett, Bailyn Sullivan, Daniel Sinkinson, Harry Godfrey.
Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Owen Franks, TK Howden, Peter Lakai, Cameron Roigard, Riley Higgins, Kini Naholo.
Force: Tom Robertson, Tom Horton, Santiago Medrano, Felix Kalapu, Jeremy Williams, Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson (c), Hamish Stewart, Toni Pulu, Bayley Kuenzle, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia
Replacements: Feleti Kaitu’u, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Ryan McCauley, Jackson Pugh, Issak Fines, Bryce Hegarty, George Poolman
