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O'Connor named for 100th match as Australian sides unveil opening week line-ups
Western Force recruits Reesjan Pasitoa and Bayley Kuenzle will be aiming to take down their former side when they play the Brumbies in Canberra on Sunday.
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Pasitoa spent two seasons at the Brumbies before making the move to the Force for the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The 20-year-old has been thrust straight into the No.10 jersey for the Force’s season opener, and he’ll be joined by former Brumbies utility back Kuenzle, who was named at inside centre.
Force coach Tim Sampson is excited to see what Pasitoa will produce.
“There’s certain players you’ve just got to let them off the leash, let them be natural footy players, and he’s certainly one of those,” Sampson said.
The Force signed four former Brumbies during the off-season, and Sampson said that could prove to be an advantage heading into Sunday’s game.
“The bonus we have is these guys know how the Brumbies are going to play and what certain individuals do,” he said.
“Importantly as well is they’re comfortable at the stadium.”
Wallabies lock Izack Rodda will make his Force debut, while Fiji winger Manasa Mataele was also named in the starting side.
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The Brumbies, who lost to Queensland 19-16 in last year’s Super Rugby AU grand final, have opted for stability in their season opener.
Halfback Nic White and flyhalf Noah Lolesio will reignite their partnership, while Allan Alaalatoa will again captain the side.
Alaalatoa will be joined by James Slipper and hooker Folau Fainga’a in a powerful front row.
Irae Simone and Len Ikitau combine in the centres, with Tom Banks at fullback.
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NSW Waratahs coach Darren Coleman has named three debutants for Friday night’s clash with Fijian Drua in Sydney, with lock Geoff Cridge and winger Dylan Pietsch handed starts, while Welsh international Jamie Roberts is set to come off the bench.
There is just one change to the starting XV that impressed against the Reds in Roma last weekend, with Dave Porecki joining Angus Bell and Harry Johnson-Holmes in the front-row and Tom Horton moving to the bench.
Wallabies and Waratahs star Michael Hooper will miss the early rounds of the season as part of a contractually-negotiated rest period.
Flyhalf Tate McDermott will make his Queensland Reds captaincy debut in Saturday night’s encounter with the Melbourne Rebels at Suncorp Stadium, while flyhalf James O’Connor will notch his 100-game Super Rugby milestone.
Utility back Lawson Creighton and scrumhalf Spencer Jeans, who impressed in Saturday’s trial loss to the Waratahs, could debut off the bench as coach Brad Thorn turns to fresh blood to back up Test stars McDermott and O’Connor.
Star centre Hunter Paisami was named on the bench after recovering from his recent COVID-19 infection, while fellow Wallaby Fraser McReight was squeezed out of a quality second row.
Queenslander Sam Wallis will make his starting Super Rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels after being named at left flanker, while Sef Fa’agase, Tamati Ioane and Ray Nu’u could all debut off the bench.
Wallabies duo Rob Leota and Andrew Kellaway are set to return to the side in the coming weeks, along with Pone Fa’amausili.
Lock Trevor Hosea will be sidelined for the next three-months following a foot injury.
– Justin Chadwick
Comments on RugbyPass
Some thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
11 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to comments