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Western Force
19
Match Complete
Chiefs
43
| M. Burey |  | 74 | ||
| 65 |  | R. Poihipi | ||
| 64 | | P. G. Sowakula | ||
| M. Burey | | 56 | ||
| T. Anstee | | 55 | ||
| 48 | | R. Poihipi | ||
| 47 | | T. T. Tahuriorangi | ||
| 39 |  | R. Poihipi | ||
| 34 | | R. Poihipi | ||
| 33 | | S. Finau | ||
| M. Burey | | 29 | ||
| C. Tizzano | | 28 | ||
| 20 | | R. Poihipi | ||
| 19 | | L. Coombes-Fabling | ||
| 15 | | A. Lienert-Brown | ||
| 8 | | R. Poihipi | ||
| 7 | | L. McWhannell |
| 3 | Tries | 6 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 5 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Simon Cron has named one of his strongest sides in months, with Tom Robertson the only big-name absentee. Needing to topple the ladder-leading Chiefs to stand a chance of qualifying for the final eight, Cron has recalled three of his best. Join The Roar for live updates from 10pm AEST.
The team has been given a boost with the Chiefs’ decision to make 13 changes from the starting team that beat the Brumbies last week to secure top spot.
Santiago Medrano’s return is a big boost for the Force, with the Argentine tight-head crucial at the set-piece after the Force’s scrum was monstered last week.
Having made his return from injury via the bench, Wallabies lock Izack Rodda has also been named for his first start of the year. His return to the second-row comes just in the nick of time.
Izack Rodda will start for the first time in 2023 in the Force’s must-win match against the Chiefs in Perth. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Halfback Gareth Simpson, who captain the Force in the early stages of the competition with Michael Wells sidelined, also returns at halfback for the first time in more than a month. His return sees livewire halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa drop back to the bench and his pace will be crucial in the second half.
Cron at last has some depth to call on in the second half, with regular first-choice players Felix Kalapu and Tim Anstee to add some punch while Toni Pulu has also been included on the bench.
Strong performances throughout the season have secured home playoffs for the Chiefs, allowing Clayton McMillan the chance to freshen some players and trial others this weekend.
In total, there are 11 new faces to the run-on side and 12 positional changes with only lock Laghlan McWhannell, centre Alex Nankivell and winger Etene Nanai-Seturo in the same spots as last week. While Rameka Poihipi moves from inside centre to fly-half.
Big names Samisoni Taukei’aho, lock Brodie Retallick, flanker Sam Cane and playmaker Damian McKenzie have all been left out.
“We are looking forward to playing the Western Force who have proven to be a difficult team to beat in Perth,” McMillan said.
“They are well-coached, play with flair and passion, and in front of a home crowd will be a fierce challenge.
“Clearly, we have taken the opportunity this week to freshen up some frontline players, which is purely a strategic decision. We have played some incredibly physical games over the last few weeks, and this along with the travel to and from Perth and a short turn-around to the quarterfinal, resting them became a bit of a no-brainer.”
Game information
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick off time: 10pm AEST
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Force $2.30 Chiefs $1.63 – Odds via PlayUp
Force (1-15): Angus Wagner, Folau Fainga’a, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Williams, Izack Rodda, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Gareth Simpson, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirige, Chase Tiatia
Replacements: Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, George Poolman, Toni Pulu
Chiefs: Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, John Ryan, Laghlan McWhannell, Tupou Vaa’i, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Simon Parker, Samipeni Finau, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Alex Nankivell, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Bradley Slater, Jared Proffit, Atunaisa Moli, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Rivez Reihana, Lalomilo Lalomilo
Referee: Nic Berry
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.