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Crusaders
55
Match Complete
Western Force
33
| 76 |  | C. Miln | ||
| 76 |  | H. Potter | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 71 | ||
| W. Jordan | | 71 | ||
| 67 | | J. Williams | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 59 | ||
| M. Springer | | 58 | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 54 | ||
| M. Springer | | 53 | ||
| J. O'Connor | | 51 | ||
| M. Springer | | 50 | ||
| 44 |  | M. Burey | ||
| T. Kemara | | 42 | ||
| S. Reece | | 41 | ||
| S. Reece | | 37 | ||
| 33 | | M. Burey | ||
| 32 | | W. Harris | ||
| S. Reece | | 26 | ||
| 24 | | M. Burey | ||
| M. Springer | | 18 | ||
| 14 | | M. Grealy | ||
| M. Springer | | 12 | ||
| 1 | | M. Burey |
| 9 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 5 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 3 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Western Force coach Simon Cron has decided to rest several of his players for Saturday’s difficult assignment against the Crusaders in Christchurch (2.35pm AEDT). Join The Roar for live scores and updates.
Wallabies Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Hamish Stewart and Carlo Tizzano have all been managed for encounter, while Dylan Pietsch (knee) is injured.
Nick Champion de Crespigny (concussion) is also missing.
The decision likely has to do with Rugby Australia’s rest protocols, where players of national interest can’t play more than seven straight matches.
But the decision to stand down the quartet will raise eyebrows, particularly given it comes against a top-tier opponent and comes just a week after their disappointing 34-10 loss to the Waratahs.
Cron, however, said the decision to stand down several players was about giving his side the best opportunity to go deep in the competition.
“If we’re serious about being successful this season, it’s important we use the depth of our squad,” he said.
“This is an exciting opportunity for a number of our key players to step forward.”
Reesjan Pasitoa has returned to his preferred position at inside centre. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Cron’s tight-five remains the same, with four Wallabies included in the pack. But it’s also an area that the Crusaders will try target, especially after the Waratahs’ destroyed the Force at the scrum.
There’s two changes to the forwards, with Reed Prinsep replacing Champion de Crespigny while Kane Koteka will play his first Super Rugby match in 1050 days after serving his drug ban.
Koteka replacs Tizzano. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Max Burey replace regular halves White and Donaldson, while Reesjan Pasitoa comes in at inside centre for Stewart.
Warringah playmaker Coby Miln is in line to make his debut off the bench.
The other change in backline sees George Poolman replace Dylan Pietsch, who left the field early against the Waratahs last week.
There’s a healthy blend of experience and youth on the bench, with Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly and former Atu Moli giving the Force pack some strength.
Former Wallaby Sam Carter combines with Super Rugby rookie Josh Thompson, too.
Crusaders midfielder Braydon Ennor is back in action after missing the start of the season with a hand injury as Rob Penney made several changes after the big defeat of the Reds.
Chay Fihaki is replaced by Macca Springer, while openside flanker Tom Christie returns to the side to replace Ethan Blackadder, who moves to the bench.
Corey Kellow will start at No. 6 in place of injured Cullen Grace.
CRUSADERS (1-15): Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Antonio Shalfoon, Corey Kellow, Tom Christie, Christian Lio-Willie, Kyle Preston, Taha Kemara, Macca Springer, David Havili (c), Braydon Ennor, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan
Replacements: Ioane Moananu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Tahlor Cahill, Ethan Blackadder, Mitch Drummond, James O’Connor, Levi Aumua
FORCE (1-15): 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
Replacements: Ryan Coxon, Nic Dolly, Atu Moli, Sam Carter, Josh Thompson, Henry Robertson, Coby Miln, Divad Palu
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, George Myers
TMO: Brett Cronan
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.