Carlo Tizzano among host of Wallabies back for Force’s clash with Tahs

Western Force coach Simon Cron has welcomed a handful of Wallabies back into the starting lineup ahead of this weekend’s clash with the NSW Waratahs in Perth. After a disappointing loss to the Fijian Drua, the Force are looking to end their season on a positive note.

In-form flanker Carlo Tizzano and winger Dylan Pietsch are both back in the side after long injury lay-offs, with the duo out with pectoral and quad injuries, respectively. Nick Champion de Crespigny is also back after one week on the sidelines.

Wallabies Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart and Nic White are also back in the mix after coach Cron rested the trio for the Drua match. Ben Donaldson is another key figure who returns to the starting lineup, joining White in the halves.

Fatongia Paea joins one-Test England international Nic Dolly and Tom Robertson in the front row, while captain Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain are the two locks. Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano and Nick Champion de Crespigny will form a formidable loose forwards trio.

In the backs, outside the halves pairing of White and Donaldson, Stewart will start in the midfield along with Bayley Kuenzle, who has been impressive since returning from injury earlier this season.

Pietsch returns to Super Rugby Pacific on the Force’s left wing, with Potter on the right, and Mac Grealy named at fullback. 95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale will look to provide impact, with coach Cron naming the highly experienced outside back in the reserves.

The match at Perth’s HBF Park will get underway at 5:35 pm WST on Saturday evening. This fixture is about five weeks before the Force host the British & Irish Lions at Optus Stadium, which kicks off the highly anticipated tour in late June.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

19

28

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

60%

Western Force team to take on NSW Waratahs

Starting XV: Fatongia Paea, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Carlo Tizzano, Nick Champion de Crespigny; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Hamish Stewart, Bayley Kuenzle, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Reserves: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Ryan Coxon, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Titi Nofoagatotoa, Henry Robertson, Alex Harford, Kurtley Beale

Unavailable list

Vaiolini Ekuasi (shoulder)
Lopeti Faifua (calf)
Harry Johnson-Holmes (knee)
Harry Hoopert (knee)
Atu Moli (head injury protocols)
Divad Palu (shoulder)
Marley Pearce (shoulder)
Matt Proctor (shoulder)
Mitch Watts (ankle)