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 |
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
ScottD
Roar Guru
Depth as a 10 and backup 15.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Mate we didn’t have a competitive front row for the last three games. The scrums were being marched backwards and as a consequence the backline never got clean ball on the font foot. I challenge any backline to outperform when the ball they are getting is constantly poor. That’s why we are saying that our key need is in the front row, without that stable platform next year we can’t use the backline. Plus, we erred in bringing Fines on late. We looked a whole different backline with his quicker ball in the second half.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
Maybe so Scott, but to balance the equation the Chiefs side was playing with a few changes in the backline, not sure if Poihipi has even played at 10 before. Other than the loss of Kiribige and the change at half back for round 15, it’s the same backline since. So I’m unsure how it could have been so unsettled.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Yep, our backline this year was put together in the last two weeks.Half the backline had never even played a practice match together. By the end of the season it was matching it with most opposition’s but the forwards were unable to provide a stable platform due to injury. Fix the forwards and provide the backs with better ball and the backline will deliver.
Malotru
Roar Rookie
'A backline group of Fines, Pasitoa, Kuenzle, Spinks, Mataele, Potter, TiaTia, Burey, Strachan, Pulu, Stewart, Donaldson (maybe), White, Poolman with a couple of the academy players coming in for experience will get the job done next year.' Really Scott? Your crystal balls must be better than mine!!
Malotru
Roar Rookie
So far this year Donaldson has been somewhat average. Not sure why the Force went for him.
piru
Roar Rookie
Technically speaking his English is more English than ours
piru
Roar Rookie
Refs as well
robel
Roar Pro
OK, explains a bit.
I’ve been a real fan of Burey and he has shown composure and plenty of grit in his starts so far. Donaldson will bring some depth and maybe Cron might be able to use him differently. I think the amount they spent on him plus wallaby top up will likely mean he plays more than he should but for next season a Burey/Spink/Potter at 10/12/13 would be a good watch.
ScottD
Roar Guru
I think it was about 10,600
ScottD
Roar Guru
Late withdrawal due to the same injury.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Burey has been very good for a guy that couldn't get a SR game. However, I do get it if Donaldson does move to the Force. A fringe Wallaby who can play 10 or 15 does provide us depth. If he comes or doesn't come will be comfortable. A backline group of Fines, Pasitoa, Kuenzle, Spinks, Mataele, Potter, TiaTia, Burey, Strachan, Pulu, Stewart, Donaldson (maybe), White, Poolman with a couple of the academy players coming in for experience will get the job done next year. I am more concerned about the depth of the front row. We have the young guys but need a couple of experienced probs in their mid 20's to plug the gap.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Whatever. Good year, a lot of upcoming players got exposed to Superugby. I would like to see us playing one more game in the finals, but whoever is meeting the Chiefs next week will struggle.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
Marley Pearce played well again from the bench. I think he just need experience. Young props will get better with time but we need at least 3 experienced props as well.
WEST
Roar Guru
Getting back to form, making tackle busting breaks.. Even if he doesn’t bust through he has an ability to free his arms to get a nice offload happening :thumbup:
JD Kiwi
Roar Rookie
Winning the playoffs isn't assured, but we've shown that we're better than them.
Perthstayer
Roar Rookie
I dont get the call for Donaldson. Spend money on our weaknesses
Chivas
Roar Rookie
Mate we have seen our fair share of false dawns.. losing holds no fear for us. What is worse is showing weakness and doubt when the team is performing well... we are no. 1 and at the end of this season we will still be no. 1 :happy:
I’ll be pretty miffed if Donaldson starts over Burey next season assuming current form is the same