The Force and Reds have named their lineups for Friday’s Super Rugby AU encounter on the Gold Coast.
Western Force coach Tim Sampson has made minor changes to his side that was beaten by the Waratahs last week.
In the back row, Fergus Lee-Warner gives the Force some extra height at the lineout by shifting from the second row to blindside flank for Henry Stowers.
Ollie Atkins has been promoted to the starting side and joins former All Black Jeremy Thrush in the second row.
Up front, former Red Andrew Ready has too been promoted to the starting side and forms a strong front row alongside Pek Cowan and Kieran Longbottom.
Sampson has opted to go with an unchanged backline, hoping that some much-needed continuity helps settle the side.
Former captain Heath Tessmann has been named on the bench for what will be hist first appearance this season.
Meanwhile, an injury to Hunter Paisami forced Reds coach Brad Thorn bring in Josh Flook at outside centre with Jordan Petaia remaining on the right wing and Jock Campbell in his preferred position at fullback.
It’s an unchanged forward pack with Thorn rewarding his big men for their outstanding defensive effort during last weekend’s 19-3 win over the Rebels.
On the bench, Josh Nasser acts as the reserve hooker while prop Harry Hoopert returns after his injury absence.
Halfback Moses Sorovi comes on to the bench with Scott Malolua dropping out of the squad.
Force – 15 Jake Strachan, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Richard Kahui, 11 Brad Lacey, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Brynard Stander, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Fergus Lee-Warner, 5 Ollie Atkins, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Andrew Ready, 1 Pek Cowan.
Subs: 16 Heath Tessman, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Tom Sheminant, 19 Johan Bardoul, 20 Ollie Callan, 21 Nick Frisby, 22 Jack McGregor, 23 Henry Taefu.
Reds – 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Jordan Petaia, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hamish Stewart, 11 Filipo Daugunu, 10 James O’Connor, 9 Tate McDermott, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Liam Wright, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Lolo, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Jack Straker.
Subs: 16 Josh Nasser, 17 Harry Hoopert, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 20 Angus Scott-Young, 21 Moses Sorovi, 22 Bryce Hegarty, 23 Jack Hardy.
Photo: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
