Force v Moana Rd 1 2025, Feb 15 6:35pm

[Sully]

Moana do the big road trip to Perth straight out of the gate this year. A couple of punters have predicted a tough year for the Force so jere is their first chance to prove them wrong.

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Couldn’t have asked for a better round 1 fixture for the force, they need to take advantage of it and start well with a win, which has been an issue for years.

Force squad looks stronger on paper but that is also the case for the other Aussie teams

 

[Yoda]

Force have a strong 23, but as all teams it depends on injuries and their depth isn’t too deep. I’m tipping Moana … Ardie inspired.

 

[Tazzmania]

Force team list

Starting XV; Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Divad Palu, Mac Grealy

Reserves; Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch

 

[Sully]

Saturday 15 February 7:35 pm AEDT – Western Force v Moana Pasifika at HBF Park, Perth, ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport

FORCE (1-15): Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi; Nic White, Ben Donaldson, Harry Potter, Hamish Stewart, Sio Tomkinson, Divad Palu, Mac Grealy

Replacements: Tom Horton, Atu Moli, Tiaan Tauakipulu, Reed Prinsep, Will Harris, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Dylan Pietsch

PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Feteleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Samuel Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Sione Havili Talitui, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Ola Tauelangi, Semisi Tupou Tailoa, Melani Matavo, Danny Toala

Referee: Jordan Way

Assistant Referees: George Myers & Jordan Kaminski

TMO: James Leckie

 

[Spamnoodle]

BPA not selected, any intel? I don't think it's injury related.

 

[TSR]

There is a comment on the Brumbies v Drua page that some of the Wallabies have playing restrictions and that sitting out the first game makes them available for all other games. Maybe it’s the same for BPA

 

[Spamnoodle]

I thought that was just a call by Larkham going by the press release.
A bit of a strange one for BPA, he only started 2 tests last year I think, along with coming in late to the squad.
I would have thought the Force would come out all guns blazing, especially with two frontline props down.

 

[Derpus]

Pietsch on the bench seems a big call given he was pretty strong for the Wallabies. Coming back from injury?

 

[Wilson]

There is a comment on the Brumbies v Drua page that some of the Wallabies have playing restrictions and that sitting out the first game makes them available for all other games. Maybe it’s the same for BPA

That works for the Brumbies because of the timing of their bye. Sitting out this game will still see a force player with required wallaby rest need to miss one other game before their first bye, based on the "maximum 6 games in a row" policy that has been reported.

 

[Dctarget]

Not advocating for any of their inclusions but do we know about the eligibility of Moli, Prinseep, Tomkinson? Any Aussie grandmas hiding around? I understand Dolly is eligible and has Ekuasi reset or still progressing?

 

[Wilson]

I think Ekuasi's time in the NPC last year has reset his eligibility.

I'm not aware of any links for the others and it's generally been pretty well reported when there is a parent/grandparent so it's unlikely. Prinsep and Tomkinson are uncapped though, so could still get there on residency (very unlikely given their ages though).

 

[Thalium]

I thought that was just a call by Larkham going by the press release.
A bit of a strange one for BPA, he only started 2 tests last year I think, along with coming in late to the squad.
I would have thought the Force would come out all guns blazing, especially with two frontline props down.

Might be that Hoopert and HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) were his props at training so best to sit him out and run with the front rows that have been training together

 

[Thalium]

Big question is can Nick CdC and Ekuasi successfully shutdown Ardie Savea? Moana being a big confidence team if he comes out firing and isnt shut down their whole team will lift off the back of his energy

 

[Thalium]

Pietsch on the bench seems a big call given he was pretty strong for the Wallabies. Coming back from injury?

Did his calf during england game and returned to Aus immediately. Suspect the bench spot is to manage minutes on his first game back

 

[Mr Pilfer]

Yes seems Pietsch and BPA returning from injury so easing back in.

Losing HJH (Harry Johnson-Holmes) and Hoopert for the season is going to hurt as not confident Moli will last long. We don’t have enough depth to cover many of these losses.

Was keen to see Pasitoa this year but guessing he didn’t impress in the Brumbies game

 

[Yoda]

Yes. Tough for both of those guys and the team. Interesting to see how the Force scrum holds up against Moana.

 

[Sully]

But not unexpected? Given their history.

 

[Tazzmania]

Pietsch on the bench seems a big call given he was pretty strong for the Wallabies. Coming back from injury?

Yes, he injured his hand in pre season and is yet to play, so being eased in off the bench

 

[Equalizer]

I'm tipping the Force will.be cherry ripe for this one. Some new faces in new places but Cron will bring them together. Nice warm afternoon in Perth so conditions will be great. Go You Force!