Wallaby in line for Western Force debut during blockbuster Aussie derby
Wallabies hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa is in line to potentially debut for the Western Force on Saturday evening in a blockbuster Australian derby against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.
Paenga-Amosa, 29, signed with the Force about 10 months ago after a strong three-year stint up north with French club Montpellier in the Top 14.
The Wallabies front rower came off the bench in both Bledisloe Cup Tests against the All Blacks in 2024, and later featured in all four Spring Tour matches which included two starts.
With plenty of experience, Paenga-Amosa’s inclusion comes as a big boost for the Force ahead of a big clash away to the Brumbies at their fortress, GIO Stadium.
Coach Simon Cron has made four changes to the Force side that won a thriller against Moana Pasifika last weekend, with individual magic from fly-half Ben Donaldson deciding the contest.
Former Maori All Blacks backrower Reed Prinsep comes into the backrow and Wallabies flyer Dylan Pietsch also gets a run in the starting side after impressing off the pine on Saturday.
Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly and Tom Robertson are the three front-rowers, while captain Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swan – who will face the Brumbies for the first time – round out the tight five.
Nick Champion de Crespigny retains his spot at blindside flanker as part of a formidable loose forward trio with Carlo Tizzano and Prinsep.
In the backs, Nic White joins Donaldson in the halves, while Hamish Stewart and Sio Tomkinson will line up in the midfield. Harry Potter, Pietsch and Mac Grealy are the three outside backs.
Ryan Coxon, Sam Carter and George Poolman have been named on the bench, while Divad Palu (shoulder) and Tiaan Tauakipulu (ribs) have been ruled out after a tough opening round.
Backrower Vaiolini Ekuasi will also miss the match, with his partner set to give birth to the couple’s first child.
Kick-off is at 4:35pm WST on Saturday.
Western Force team to take on ACT Brumbies
Starting XV; Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Reed Prinsep; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Dylan Pietsch, Mac Grealy
Reserves; Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman
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