Share

Force change for 'huge' Reds derby

Brisbane - The Force have made several changes for their Australian derby with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday.

Kick-off is at 11:45 SA time.

Francois van Wyk and Heath Tessmann return to the starting front row as Pek Cowan and Tatafu Polota-Nau are set to provide impact off the bench. 

Up and coming lock Matt Philip comes into the starting second row after a strong showing off the bench last week. 

Michael Ruru will start at scrumhalf after an impressive performance last week in his return from an ankle injury suffered in Round 9 against the Kings. 

James Verity-Amm will start on the right wing, while Marcel Brache will marshal the troops from fullback in his return from concussion. 

Mitchell Short and Luke Burton have been included on the bench. 

Force head coach Dave Wessels says this match is huge in the context of the Australian Conference and his men are up for the challenge. 

“We were very disappointed with our performance against the Highlanders and irrespective of who we are playing it’s important that we respond with the same intensity that has been evident for the majority of our season so far,” said Wessels.

Teams:

Reds

15 Karmichael Hunt, 14 Chris Kuridrani, 13 Samu Kerevi (captain), 12 Duncan Paia'aua, 11 Eto Nabuli, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Nick Frisby, 8 Scott Higginbotham, 7 George Smith, 6 Hendrik Tui, 5 Lukhan Tui, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Sam Talakai, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sef Fa'agase

Substitutes: 16 Alex Mafi, 17 Kirwan Sanday, 18 Taniela Tupou, 19 Izack Rodda, 20 Adam Korczyk, 21 James Tuttle, 22 Jake McIntyre, 23 Lachlan Maranta

Force

15 Marcel Brache, 14 James Verity-Amm, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bill Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Isireli Naisarani, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Heath Tessmann, 1 Francois van Wyk

Substitutes: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Mitchell Short, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Luke Morahan

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE