Western Force vs Brumbies: Super Rugby Next Gen Round 2 Team List & Details
- The Western Force has made significant changes to its starting lineup for Saturday’s Super Rugby Next Gen clash against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park in Perth.
- Coming off a tough loss to the NSW Waratahs in Round 1, the Force are looking to rebound with seven alterations to the team that took the field...
- Joshua Smith, a member of the Force’s Super Rugby Pacific squad, bolsters the front row, providing experience and physicality.
The Western Force has made significant changes to its starting lineup for Saturday’s Super Rugby Next Gen clash against the ACT Brumbies at HBF Park in Perth. The match, set to begin at 2:00 PM WST, serves as a curtain-raiser to a Super Rugby Pacific double-header.
Coming off a tough loss to the NSW Waratahs in Round 1, the Force are looking to rebound with seven alterations to the team that took the field in Sydney. The changes reflect a blend of opportunities for Academy players and reinforcement from the Super Rugby Pacific squad.
Joshua Smith, a member of the Force’s Super Rugby Pacific squad, bolsters the front row, providing experience and physicality. Alongside him, Luke Aiken steps into the scrum-half role, offering a fresh dynamic at nine. Academy graduate Justin Landman earns a starting position at fly-half, a clear indication of the Force’s commitment to developing emerging talent.
The backline also sees a reshuffle with the inclusion of Daniel Grant at back-row, Johan Becroft on the wing, Tama Anderson at full-back, and Fatani Fatanitavake in the midfield. Fatanitavake will be keen to replicate his Round 1 performance where he found the try line.
The reserves have also been strengthened with the addition of prop Bradley Kuhn and centre Jackson Ropata, both of whom have been training with the Super Rugby squad. Wests Scarborough lock Jackson Bridges and full-back Tom Lambo complete the bench reinforcements, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
The Force’s forward pack will be anchored by tighthead prop Smith, alongside Kalamunda loosehead Max Sawers and Associates hooker Luke Megson. Southern Lions’ William Crew and Academy’s Max Johnson will form the second-row partnership, providing a blend of experience and youthful energy.
South African flanker Daniel Grant will lead the back-row charge, supported by Academy duo Luke Holt-Brown and Nate Gallagher. The playmaking duties will fall to Aiken and Landman, while Evan Hooper, with ties to Rugby South Australia, and Academy centre Fatanitavake will form the midfield combination.
The back three will consist of Cottesloe winger Becroft, Joondalup’s Ryan McGloin, and Anderson, who previously trained with the Force’s 2025 Super Rugby AUS squad. This combination aims to provide both attacking flair and defensive solidity.
The coaching team, led by Jeremy Thrush, Jonno Lance, and Chris Heiberg, will be looking to instill a clear game plan and guide the team to a positive result against a strong Brumbies outfit. The coaching staff will be hoping to see the changes translate into improved performance on the field.
Tickets for the match are available via Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $28 for adults and $14 for children. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance to witness the next generation of Western Australian rugby talent in action.
Western Force Team List
1. Max Sawers
2. Luke Megson
3. Joshua Smith
4. Will Crew
5. Max Johnson
6. Daniel Grant
7. Luke Holt-Brown
8. Nate Gallagher
9. Luke Aiken
10. Justin Landman
11. Johan Becroft
12. Evan Hooper
13. Fatani Fatanitavake
14. Ryan McGloin
15. Tama Anderson
Reserves; 16. Ollie Barrett, 17. Zavier Hawira, 18. Brad Kuhn, 19. Ollie McGinnity, 20. Jackson Bridges, 21. Angus Cornish, 22. Jackson Ropata, 23. Tom Lambo
Game details
Western Force vs ACT Brumbies
, 2:00 PM WST
Super Rugby Next Gen, Round 2
HBF Park, Perth
Live stream on rugby.com.au’s YouTube channel