Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force make eight changes to starting line-up for season-ending Waratahs clash
Western Force's finals hopes may be over, but they are determined to finish the season on a high against the Waratahs as seven crucial players return to the starting 15.
Carlo Tizzano, Nic White, Harry Potter, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Nick Champion de Crespigny and Hamish Stewart have all returned to the line-up to take on the Waratahs at HBF Park on Saturday evening.
Tizzano, Pietsch and Champion de Crespigny return after pectoral, quad and head injuries respectively, while White, Potter and Stewart were all rested to clear up minor niggles for the Force's loss against the Drua.
Donaldson came off the bench in the demoralising defeat in Fiji, and has regained the fly-half jersey with Alex Harford dropping to the bench.
With Ryan Coxon and Sio Tomkinson injured last week, adding two more bodies to the Force's lengthy injury list, Fatongia Paea has been given a starting debut at loosehead prop, while Stewart will partner Bayley Kuenzle in midfield.
Pietsch's addition means Mac Grealy drops into full-back while Kurtley Beale will start on the bench.
The Force needs a win over the Waratahs to boost their hopes of not just avoiding being the lowest-placed Australian side, but also to strengthen their chances of avoiding the wooden spoon.
Western Force vs Waratahs (5.35pm Saturday HBF Park)
Fatongia Paea, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson
Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain
Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny
Nic White, Ben Donaldson
Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle,
Dylan Pietsch, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy
Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale.
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