Western Force flanker set for first Super Rugby match in 1,050 days

Backrower Kane Koteka will complete an unbelievable 1,050-day journey back to Super Rugby Pacific when the Western Force take on the Crusaders in Christchurch this weekend.

Koteka suffered an injury during the 11^th round of the 2022 season, and the Wests-Scarborough forward has had to wait a fair while for another opportunity in Force colours.

The former Nathan Sharpe medal winner, who has played 39 matches for the Force, will run out as the team’s staring openside flanker at Apollo Projects Stadium in round five.

Will Harris and former Maori All Blacks enforcer Reed Prinsep are the other staring backrowers. The other big talking point from the Force’ team naming is a debutant in the No. 22 jersey.

Fly-half Coby Miln is in line to debut for the Force after being named on the bench alongside the likes of one-Test England hooker Nic Dolly and former Australia U20 speedster Divad Palu.

Miln impressed for the Force during the club’s three-match tour of South Africa last October, and was the leading point scorer in the Shute Shield with Warringah Rats last season.

“If we’re serious about being successful this season, it’s important we use the depth of our squad,” coach Simon Cron said in a statement. “This is an exciting opportunity for a number of our key players to step forward.”

Wallaby Tom Robertson will play his 100^th Super Rugby match after being named in the starting front row. Marley Pearce and Brandon Paenga-Amosa are the others up front, while captain Jeremy Williams and Darcy Swain complete the tight five.

In the backs, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Mx Burey come into the First XV ahead of Wallabies Nic White and Ben Donaldson. Outside of the halves, Reesjan Pasitoa and Sio Tomkinson will line up in the team’s midfield.

George Poolman and Harry Potter are the two wingers, while Mac Grealy will start at fullback.

This match will get underway at 11:35 am WST / 4:35 pm NZST on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

39

26

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

Western Force team to play Crusaders 

Starting XV: Marley Pearce, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Will Harris, Kane Koteka, Reed Prinsep; Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, George Poolman, Reesjan Pasitoa, Sio Tomkinson, Harry Potter, Mac Grealy

Reserves: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Josh Thompson, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu