Grace Freeman has been named to start at 10 in a critical Swyftx Super W fourth round match against the reigning champion NSW Waratahs.
The 25-year-old made an immediate impact coming off the bench in the Force’s thrilling come from behind victory over the Reds last Saturday and will replace the injured Nicole Ledington.
Experienced lock Sera Naiqama returns to the starting lineup to face her old side while Brooklyn Teki Joyce also returns on the wing.
Nami Dickson is elevated to start at open side flanker replacing injured star veteran Anneka Stephens.
The Force have three potential debutants named as finishers. Former Fijian 7s player Jiowana Sauto, UWA product and former national representative for New Zealand in touch rugby Atawhai Hotene and exciting Wanneroo teenager Teiana Mainwaring have been named in the squad.
Ngamihi Monk has been shifted from her wing position to full back while Taylor Waterson has been brought back into the squad.
The matchup pits the second placed Waratahs who have two wins from their first two games against the Force which sit third with a one win, one loss record.
The Waratahs are coming off a bye, following their 29-17 win over the Brumbies while the Force will look to build off the momentum of their 21-17 fightback victory over the Reds.
Kick-off for the game is 2:05pm WST Saturday, live on Stan Sport.
Follow Western Force social media channels for updates.
Game details
Western Force vs Western Force
Saturday 20 June, 2:05pm WST
Palmyra Rugby Club, Tompkins Park
Live on Stan Sport (TV)
Western Force team list
1 Allana Sikimeti
2 Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke
3 Alapeta Ngauamo
4 Sera Naiqama
5 Michaela Leonard (vc)
6 Pia Tapsell
7 Nami Dickson
8 Seina Saito
9 Samantha Wood (cc)
10 Grace Freeman
11 Brooklyn Teki-Joyce
12 Trilleen Pomare (cc)
13 Cecilia Smith
14 Adi Vani Buleki
15 Ngamihi Monk
Reserves; 16 Jiowana Sauto, 17 Hannah Palelei, 18 Zoe Elliott, 19 Yuna Sato, 20 Taylor Waterson 21 Ai Dickson, 22 Atawhai Hotene, 23 Teiana Mainwaring
