Lacey latest Force debutant
Young local winger Brad Lacey is set to make his Western Force debut in tomorrow night’s Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders at nib Stadium.
Lacey, 21, who plays for Wests Scarborough, has come through the Force development system and played for Australia under-20 at the 2013 and 2014 Junior World Cups.
A former Canning Vale College student, Lacey will start from the reserves bench and is the 10th local player used by coach Michael Foley this season.
His inclusion is among several changes to the side that beat the Waratahs two weeks ago.
Marcel Brache starts at outside centre with Foley moving Kyle Godwin into No.12. Junior Rasolea is out after injuring his ankle against the Waratahs.
Dane Haylett-Petty has recovered from a groin injury and returns at full-back with Luke Morahan going back to the wing. Second-rower Sam Wykes is on the bench after being out for three weeks with a foot injury.
Meanwhile 15-Test winger Nick Cummins has been told by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika he needs to get more ball if he wants a World Cup jumper.
“It’s just going to come down to me and how hungry I am to chase the ball,” Cummins said.
“I’ve got to go hunting and get it to prove that I’m worth it.
“It was a little frustrating early on not getting as much ball. I tried to go chasing in defence, out of position to try and get some tackles.
“We’ve rectified a bit of that at training and I’ve got my hands on the ball a few more times.”
Cummins said the Force, coming off the bye last weekend, needed to play with the same attitude they had against NSW.
The Force will have their hands full against a big Highlanders back line where full-back Ben Smith will make his 100th appearance for the franchise. Flanker John Hardie will play his 50th game.
