Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force return Vaiolini Ekuasi to line-up, but no Zac Lomax debut against Chiefs

Western Force have made just one change to their starting 15 for their crucial Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Chiefs, with in-form forward Vaiolini Ekuasi set to provide some added beef to their forward pack. As expected, cross-code convert Zac Lomax has been held back from a potential Force debut after coach Simon Cron flagged he would likely take some time to build the requisite match-fitness. While Force fans were hoping to see former New South Wales State of Origin star Lomax debut after he commenced training with the team this week, the coaching staff have opted to give him more time before bringing him into their side. Ekuasi, who was arguably the Force’s best player in their opening four games, returns after missing their loss to the Hurricanes with a quad contusion and joins Nick Champion de Crespigny and Carlo Tizzano in the back row. There are more changes on the bench however, with tighthead prop Misinale Epenisa, hooker Leonel Oviedo and utility back Divad Palu all returning at the expense of Marley Pearce, Nic Dolly and Taj Annan. Henry Robertson has retained his spot at scrum-half ahead of Nathan Hastie, while Cron will again field an experienced midfield as Kurtley Beale starts at inside centre following his impressive showing against the Hurricanes, partnering ex-All Black George Bridge. When he takes the field, Beale will line up for his 179th Super Rugby appearance, making him outright seventh in competition history for most caps, within one of Christian Leali’ifano (180) in sixth. With Beale at 12, Hamish Stewart will start on the bench for the second week in a row, while Max Burey starts his second straight game at full-back. Western Force XV vs Chiefs - March 28, 4.35pm at HBF Park Tom Robertson, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Harry Johnson-Holmes Jeremy Williams (c), Darcy Swain Nick Champion de Crespigny, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Carlo Tizzano Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson Kurtley Beale, George Bridge Bayley Kuenzle, Max Burey, Darby Lancaster Reserves: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Nathan Hastie, Hamish Stewart, Divad Palu.