2023 Super Rugby Pacific R15

COMING UP...

SPRING TOUR

First GAME

AUGUST BLOEMFONTEIN

The Western Force is thrilled to announce the addition of an annual Spring Series, kicking off with the Cheetahs in late August. The Cheetahs hometown of Bloemfontein will host two matches, followed by two games in Perth in September/October. Venues to be confirmed.

WHAT’s on AROUND THE GROUNDS?

6:30PM ALL GATES OPEN

Member South Marquee, Member Lounge BBQ Terrace and Cygnet Lounge Opens GATE 1 FAMILY FUN ZONE

Don’t forget to join us at Gate 1 from 6.30pm – 7.15pm for a chat and photos with Force players!

7:40PM PRE-GAME ENTERTAINMENT

Make your way to your seats to watch the entertainment from upcoming theatre show We Will Rock You. Throughout the game we will be saying THANK YOU to all of you, our loyal Members celebrating our Member thank-you round.

8:00PM KICK-OFF RD 15 SUPER RUGBY VS CHIEFS

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Dear Western Force Members, Supporters, and Family,

Tonight in our final home game of the season we honour our Members, our loyal Sea of Blue. You have backed us each and every time this season, getting us over the line in five entertaining matches at home.

To the loyal Members I have been fortunate enough to speak with, it is you that keep our club going. The sprit, passion, and devotion you have for this great club is what makes rugby a level above. We value you and welcome you back for an exciting 2024 season.

Here, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you along with our supporters and sponsors, who have also inspired us throughout the season. The buzz around HQ and belief in this pack is true. The squad is determined to finish strong and go seven straight at home tonight, smashing the Western Force record for straight wins at home. There is still plenty of homework to be done before next season, but I would like to acknowledge the performances and revamped style of rugby head coach Simon Cron is playing this year. We have enjoyed

brilliant performances with ball in hand and superb tries, I will never forget Marley Pearce’s celebration with family after his first Super Rugby Pacific try at HBF Park in Round 13.

I love your passion and guarantee we are all working hard to ensure future success. See you on the club grounds this season to get behind the Force when they take on the Cheetahs in September/October.

As you always do, I ask you to cheer loudly tonight and be proud. Yours in rugby,

& JACOB

How long have you been a Member and what does it mean to you?

We have been members for 10 years. It’s a massive privilege for us to be part of the Sea of Blue family. To help grow and support Rugby in Western Australia. Jacob and I love game day. It’s our time

together. We get to share special memories that we will treasure for ever as father and son. What has been your favourite moment whilst being a Member?

Honey Badger’s Triple meat never forget that! Thrush coming out of retirement and scoring a try!

Julie

JOHN

WESTERN FORCE

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK!

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WESTERN

STARTING XV

1 Angus Wagner

2 Folau Fainga’a

Santiago Medrano

Jeremy Williams

Izack Rodda

Michael Wells (C)

Carlo Tizzano

Rahboni Vosayaco

Gareth Simpson

Max Burey

Manasa Mataele

Hamish Stewart

Sam Spink

Zach Kibirige

Chase Tiatia

FINISHERS

Marley Pearce

Tom Horton

Siosifa Amone

Felix Kalapu

Tim Anstee

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

George Poolman

Toni Pulu

Match PREVIEW

THANKS TO The Rugby Wrap podcast

Three changes for our final home clash against the Chiefs.

In our final home clash of the season, the team is looking to go seven straight, smashing the at home record.

In the final fixture of Round 15 the Force is chasing a must-win to claim a spot in the finals, with Saturday night shaping up as an exciting clash let’s Pack the Park in our final home match of the season.

the Force is chasing a must-win to claim a spot in the finals

Facing up against minor premiers the formidable Chiefs, head coach Simon Cron has made three changes to his starting XV.

Argentinian Puma Santiago Medrano returns to the pack after a stint on the sideline with a sternum injury. The powerful prop brings size and aggression against an experienced front row. His presence at set piece time and dominance around the park is welcomed in the season’s final hurrah at home.

Towering lock, 26-year-old Izack Rodda gets his first start of the Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season, after his first 35 minutes off the bench in Round 14.

Round 14, Super Rugby Pacific, FMG Stadium Waikato, 2022

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa moves to the finishers, with Gareth Simpson earning his fourth start this season. Simpson returns from a strained quad injury ruled out in Round 10 against the Reds.

Scoring two tries last weekend, impressive centre Sam Spink teams up once again with 84-capped Hamish Stewart, evolving in their mid-field combination.

The back three remains unchanged for the sixth straight week, including Manasa Mataele, Zach Kibirige and Chase Tiatia, with Toni Pulu named on the bench.

Wilhelm Steenkamp celebrates after a team’s win. Round 6 Super Rugby, nib Stadium, 2014

Brynard Stander with Matt Matt Hodgson, Ian Prior and Heath Tessman looking on. Round 9 Super Rugby, nib Stadium, 2017

Tim Astee dodges a tackle. Super Rugby Trans-Tasman, HBF Park, 2021

WESTERN FORCE ACADEMY RAISING JUNIOR WALLABIES

Junior Wallabies and Western Force Fortescue Academy products Jy Legg, Ned Slack Smith and Ronan Leahy have taken their first Test win of their two-game series against the New Zealand U20s finishing 34-26 in Wellington.

The win was built off the back of a dominant performance at set-piece time and a hat-trick from winger Ronan Leahy, who was called into the squad late.

The Junior Wallabies’ forward pack monstered their Kiwi counterparts in the scrums, eventually earning a penalty try to open the scoring.

General Manger of Academy Chris Goodman comments, “It was great to see Jhy, Ned and Ronan representing the Western Force in the Junior Wallabies on Monday.

Jhy’s leadership at line out time is a testament to the hard work he has

put in to excel in this area. Ned was, as usual, a work horse around the park and his natural leadership would have provided the calm and composed voice the team needed.

Ronan is an exciting young prospect for not only the Western Force, but Australian rugby. He got himself into some great positions to finish off three tries and we are looking forward to seeing him excel in the coming years.”

The Junior Wallabies will take on New Zealand’s under-20 side on Saturday, before heading to South Africa for the under-20s World Cup next month.

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TOM ROBERTSON

RE-SIGNING

Force and Rugby

Australia re-sign

Ox-forward Robertson

The Western Force and Rugby Australia are thrilled to announce the re-signing of Tom Robertson through to 2025, with a sabbatical year studying at Oxford University in 2024.

The versatile prop has been a constant figure in the international arena, having played 31 games for the Wallabies since his debut in the gold jersey in 2016. Last year Robertson was capped in four of the five Spring Tour internationals and scored his first Test try against Italy in Florence.

Robertson is a prominent piece in the Force’s front row, notching up 33 caps in the West over the last three seasons, clocking up 95 overall in Super Rugby.

The 28-year-old is currently rehabilitating an ACL injury he suffered against the ACT Brumbies in Round 13 of Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific this year and hopes to return to play in mid 2024.

Some say Robertson is the most educated prop in rugby, holding Bachelor of Medical Science, Master of Public Health and a Master of

Philosophy-Medicine. Aiming to further his knowledge at the oldest University in the English-speaking world, Oxford University, Robertson admits he is living a lifelong dream.

“I would like to thank the Western Force and Rugby Australia for allowing me to have this sabbatical, it’s not every day people come together and allow you to miss half a year of rugby,” Robertson said.

“It’s been a dream of mine to go to Oxford for a while now to study, it’s really exciting, and I am incredibly appreciative to the Monash Foundation for helping fund this opportunity.

I have shown throughout my career how much it means to me. It’s all about the experience, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

PLAYER SNAPSHOTS

Born Lismore, NSW

What was your junior rugby club?

Ballina Seagulls and then Lismore City

What are some of your career goals?

Win Super Rugby and win a Rugby World Cup. Plus achieve 100 tests for Australia.

What does your game day ritual look like?

Sleep in, stretch, cook breakfast, stretch again, and go in for power up. At the field I always listen to Metallica. Who inspired you to play rugby?

My family told me to try it out and I did and fell in love.

What’s your signature dish? Pasta or Pizza

Born Brisbane, QLD

What was your junior rugby club?

Sunnybank Dragons

What are some of your career goals?

Play for the Wallabies and provide for my family.

What does your game day ritual look like?

I have to have a midday nap, otherwise just family time until it’s time to go to the fields and that’s when I start switching on.

Who inspired you to play rugby?

My Dad - he’s always been so passionate. Loves the All Blacks, so footy has always been in my family

What’s your signature dish? Chicken Alfredo

Born Cronulla, NSW

What was your junior rugby club?

Burraneer Dolphins

What are some of your career goals?

Win Super Rugby and a World Cup, and be a world-class Wallaby.

What does your game day ritual look like?

Brekky burger and coffee in the morning, chill until lunch. Have pancakes for pre-game meal and stretch and listen to music before I head out.

Who inspired you to play rugby? My Dad

What’s your signature dish? Prawn linguine

Jake Strachan

Bayley Kuenzle

Izack Rodda

Hosted by Nathan Charles 11 nights 4 star accommodation and coach touring

LAST GAME LAST CHANCE!

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