mens
super-rugby-pacific
James O’Connor is among a host of internationally experienced players ready to answer for the western Force in the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final in Perth, as the home side look set to go one better after last season’s decider.
O’Connor was named on the Force bench and was joined in the 25-man matchday squad by Wallabies Tom Robertson, Kurtley Beale and Dylan Pietsch. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been selected in the latest Wallabies squad but remains an unrestricted prospect.
HSBC SVNS series stars Aden Ekanyake and Wallace Charlie will also be looking to make their mark as well Australia Representative Mac Grealy. One-Test England international Nic Dolly will lead his side in the final, which will be played at Scotch College Playing Fields on Saturday.
Robertson joins Dolly and Misinale Epenis up front, while Zak Healey and Will Harris round out the tight five as two locks. Kane Koteka and Jack Daly will line up on either side of the scrum as a flanker, while Jackson Iose wears the number 8 jersey.
Nathan Hsatie will partner McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves while Beale moves to inside centre. The 95-Test Wallaby joins Boston Fakafanua in midfield, with Charlie, Pietsch and Grealy making up the back three.
Admission to the Grand Final is free.
Western Force team for the Super Rugby AUS Grand Final
1. Tom Robertson
2. Nic Dolly (c)
3. Missionaries of Epenis
4. Zak Healey
5. Will Harris (vc)
6. Kane Selling
7. Jack Daly
8. Jackson Lose
9. Nathan Hastie
10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
11. Wallace Charlie
12. Kurtley Beale
13. Boston Poll
14. Dylan Pietsch
15. Mac Grealy (vc)
Substitutions
16. Albert Alcock, 17. Max Sawers, 18. Brad Kuhn, 19. Regin Pratt, 20. Aden Ekanayake, 21. Ronan Leahy, 22. Nate Gallagher, 23. Tim Sail, 24. Luke Aiken, 25. James O’Connor, 25. James O’Connor.
