South African leads the star-studded Force
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Former Sharks loose forward Brynard Stander will lead the Western Force out as run-on captain this Friday against the NSW Waratahs at Bankwest Stadium in Western Sydney.
Head Coach Tim Sampson has made nine changes to the squad for the club’s first away trip of the Super Rugby AU season.
Star Argentinian scrumhalf Tomás Cubelli and experienced Australian flyhalf Jake McIntyre are set to combine as the halves pairing in the Round 3 clash against the Waratahs for their first start in a Force jersey after impressive performances in Round 1.
In the forwards pack, former Australia Sevens representative Tim Anstee has been named to make his Super Rugby starting debut following a strong showing off the bench in the season opener.
Former Chiefs and Brumbies speedster Toni Pulu is set to make his first appearance for the club on the left wing, while Byron Ralston maintains his place at 14.
Hooker Andrew Ready returns to the matchday 23, with exciting young Argentinian flyhalf Domingo Miotti also named on the bench and poised to make his debut for the Force.
Sampson was full of praise for Stander, as the number eight prepares to captain the side for the first time in his eight years with the club.
“It’s nothing but 100% from Brynard. He trains exceptionally well, he’s a very passionate and loyal player,” the Head Coach explained.
“His contributions to the club from over the years have been outstanding. It’s a great achievement for Brynard to lead the team out this week.”
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Western Force: 15 Rob Kearney, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Tevita Kuridrani. 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Toni Pulu, 10 Jake McIntyre, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Brynard Stander (captain), 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Tom Anstee, 5 Fergus Lee-Warner, 4 Jeremy Trush, 3 Santiago Medrano, 2 Feleti Kaitu'u, 1 Tom Robertson.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Ready, 17 Angus Wagner, 18 Greg Holmes, 19 Ryan McCauley, 20 Tomas Lezana, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Domingo Miotti, 23 Marcel Brache.
Date: Friday, March 5
Venue: Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Kick-off: 19.45 (16.45 AWST, 08.45 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant referees: Amy Perrett & Jordan Way
TMO: Brett Cronan