Western Force Suffer Blow as Nick Champion de Crespigny Ruled Out for Blues Encounter
In a significant setback for the Western Force, forward Nick Champion de Crespigny has been confirmed as unavailable for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific match against the Blues. The injury-enforced absence stems from a knee issue sustained during the team's opening round, forcing coach Simon Cron to make strategic adjustments to the lineup.
Injury Details and Team Reshuffle
Champion de Crespigny, who serves as the Force's vice-captain, went down late in the first half of their recent thrashing by the Brumbies. Although he initially remained on the field, he soon limped off and was replaced by Will Harris. This short-term knee problem has led to a reshuffle, with skipper Jeremy Williams moving into the back-row to accommodate former Wallabies lock Darcy Swain. Swain will partner Argentinian international Franco Molina in the second row, adding experience to the forward pack.
On the bench, lock Lopeti Faifua joins the reserves alongside Perth local Kane Koteka, providing depth for the clash at HIF Health Insurance Oval in Joondalup this Saturday at 4.35pm. Despite this change, coach Cron has maintained consistency elsewhere in the squad, with other key players retained after their performances against the Brumbies.
Key Players and Match Outlook
Franco Molina impressed on debut, while loose forward Vaioline Ekuasi was a menace on both sides of the ball. In the front row, Harry Johnson-Holmes will back up after rolling his ankle, demonstrating resilience. The midfield pairing of Hamish Stewart and George Bridge has been kept intact, although their influence waned as the previous game progressed.
The outside back trio of Bayley Kuenzle, Mac Grealy, and Divad Palu remains unchanged, with Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster still unavailable but nearing returns. This lineup aims to counter the Blues in what promises to be a challenging one-off clash, with the Force seeking to bounce back from their opening round defeat.
Western Force Starting XV vs Blues:- Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes
- Franco Molina, Darcy Swain
- Jeremy Williams, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano
- Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson
- Hamish Stewart, George Bridge
- Bayley Kuenzle, Mac Grealy, Divad Palu
Substitutes: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Kane Koteka, Henry Robertson, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale.
