Spirit resist pull of the Force
Underdogs Perth Spirit will need the experience of halves Zack Holmes and Justin Turner to steer them through tomorrow's tough National Rugby Championship clash with NSW Country Eagles in Dubbo.
Despite needing a bonus-point win to guarantee a semi-final spot, the Spirit have not named a Western Force-stacked side, staying instead with the policy of using the NRC to develop local players.
Playmaker Holmes and No.9 Turner are the only starting players with much Super Rugby experience.
The Spirit have made a number of changes, including veteran Cook Islands IRB and Commonwealth Sevens speedster Koiatu Koiatu making his debut on the left wing.
Back-rower Cian O'Connor and prop Kaisa Reidy are set to earn their first caps.
In other changes, Christian Joubert moves to full-back, Va'a Mailei is on the right wing where he will face Andrew Kellaway, the competition's top tryscorer, and Ammon Matuauto returns to the centres.
Prop Chris Heiberg replaces Tetera Faulkner, who is in the Wallabies squad, Corey Thomas moves into the second row and Richard Hardwick to the bench.
Coach Kevin Foote said the side was focused on writing its own destiny.
“While we have a lot to play for this week our focus is on our own game,” Foote said.
“While we have had players succumb to injury we have been able to bring in some very capable replacements from our local player base and we look forward to seeing them get their opportunity.”
The Eagles, who need a bonus point win to secure a home semi-final, have brought Waratahs No.8 Stephen Hoiles and playmaker Brendan McKibbin into the side.
Perth Spirit: Joe Savage (capt), Robbie Abel, Chris Heiberg, Corey Thomas, Brent Murphy, Richard Hardwick, Kane Koteka, Al Rovira, Justin Turner, Zack Holmes, Koiatu Koiatu, Luke Burton, Ammon Matuauto, Va'a Mailei, Christian Joubert. Reserves: Harry Scoble, Oliver Hoskins, Kaisa Reidy, Kieran Stringer, Cian O'Connor, Michael Ruru, Davis Tavita, Nili Fielea
NSW Country Eagles: Duncan Chubb, Billy Johnston, Jake Ilnicki, Ben Matwijow, Rich Stanford, Tala Gray, Will Miller, Stephen Hoiles, Brendan McKibbin, Sam Windsor, Andrew Kellaway, Apukuki Ma'afu, Samu Wara, Joel Brooks, Darcy Etrich. Reserves: Ben Suisala, Will Weeks, Michael Alaalatoa, Cam Treloar, Pauli Tuala, Mick Snowden, Sam Croke, Malakai Watene-Zelezniak
