With just three rounds remaining Super Rugby AU has four teams firmly in the race for a top-three finish. Just four points are separating first-placed Brumbies and the fourth-placed Rebels, with the Reds second on 16 points and Waratahs third on 15.
Head Coach Tim Sampson has made two changes to the starting line-up as the Western Force prepare to take on the Queensland Reds at Cbus Super Stadium on Friday 11:05 am SA time. The Western Force are still looking for their first win of the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition and lost 8-28 last weekend against the Waratahs.
Queensland-born hooker Andrew Ready has been promoted to the starting XV after some impressive performances off the bench in recent matches, including a try the last time the two sides met. This will be the former Reds player’s first start of the Super Rugby AU campaign.
Veteran hooker Heath Tessmann returns to the squad for the first time during the Super Rugby AU season.
The second change sees lock Ollie Atkins promoted to the starting line-up after being on the bench last week. Atkins replaces Fergus Lee-Warner who has been moved to flank in the place of Henry Stowers, who is being rested.
With Atkins at right lock and the luxury of moving the versatile Lee-Warner to the side of the scrum, the Force will have three primary jumpers and more lineout options. It will also ensure help at the breakdown with the hard-working Lee-Warner expected to bring his customary strong carrying game to the contest.
Jake Strachan maintains his spot at fullback following a fine Man of the Match display against the Waratahs in his Super Rugby AU debut.
Wallaby Nick Frisby returns to the matchday squad as reserve scrumhalf after missing last week’s match with a broken nose, while Henry Taefu is also back into the side.
FORCE: 1. Pek Cowan, 2. Andrew Ready, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Jeremy Thrush, 5. Ollie Atkins, 6. Fergus Lee-Warner, 7. Kane Koteka, 8. Brynard Stander, 9. Ian Prior (c), 10. Jono Lance, 11. Brad Lacey, 12. Richard Kahui, 13. Kyle Godwin, 14. Byron Ralston, 15. Jack Strachan. Replacements: 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Chris Heiberg, 18. Tom Sheminant, 19. Johan Bardoul, 20. Ollie Callan, 21. Nick Frisby, 22. Jack McGregor, 23. Henry Taefu.