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Western Force rocked by injuries to key players as Super Rugby season draws to a close against Blues

Nick TaylorThe West Australian
Western Force’s Michael McDonald is set to make his Super Rugby debut against the Blues.
Camera IconWestern Force’s Michael McDonald is set to make his Super Rugby debut against the Blues. Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Western Force have been rocked by the loss of international scrum-half Tomas Cubelli as they bring their trans-Tasman Super Rugby season to a close on Saturday against ladder leaders Blues in Auckland.

The Argentinian Test star broke a toe in the disappointing loss to the Crusaders and joins dynamic winger Tony Pulu (ankle) and Australian 7s star Tim Anstee (shoulder) on the injury list.

The loss of Cubelli opens the door on a Force Super Rugby debut for local product and junior Wallaby Michael McDonald.

McDonald, 21, who plays for Palmyra in the RugbyWA competition, returned to the Force this season after a spell with the Waratahs but has not played this season because of a foot injury.

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He went through the Future Force program and played for the Force in Global Rapid Rugby.

Coach Tim Sampson has brought McDonald onto the bench with captain Ian Prior back in the starting role.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19:  Tomas Cubelli of the Force   passes the ball during the round one Super RugbyAU match between the Western Force and the Brumbies at HBF Park, on February 19, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
Camera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Tomas Cubelli of the Force passes the ball during the round one Super RugbyAU match between the Western Force and the Brumbies at HBF Park, on February 19, 2021, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images) Credit: Will Russell/Getty Images

“It’s great for Macca,” Sampson said.

“He’s had a hard slog returning from injury but he’s in really good nick.

“It’s a good story for us, another young player coming through our pathways to get an opportunity to play against the Blues.”

Prior will partner Jake McIntyre in the halves while Jake Strachan retains the full-back role with Irish legend Rob Kearney on the bench after recovering from a head-knock that saw him miss the Crusaders game.

The only other change to the starting side is Jordan Olowofela replacing Pulu on the wing.

“Ian and Jake will give good clear direction on how we want to play the game, provide us with good direct footy and straighten our attack up,” Sampson said.

“We are pretty happy with how Jake (Strachan) went last week.

“Hopefully he can get more ball and create opportunities.

“He’s dangerous, one of those players that when he gets the ball you wait for the opportunity that he’s going to create.

“Other players feed off that.”

Sampson said the side was “gutted” by the 29-21 loss to reigning Super champions Crusaders.

“We don’t like to walk off the field and say we put in a strong performance but lost,” he said.

“It’s about winning.

“A couple of poor decisions around discipline cost us dearly which it does against quality opposition.

“We’re looking for a win to finish this competition.

“The Blues can mix the game up pretty well. They can play a pretty attractive attacking style with ball in hand.

“They can play a territorial game and kick a lot, the second-half they try and catch teams napping when defensively they fade out.”

Western Force starting side: Tom Robertson, Feleti Kaitu’u, Santiago Medrano, Jeremy Thrush, Sitaleki Timani, Fergus Lee-Warner, Kane Koteka, Ollie Callan, Ian Prior, Jake McIntyre, Jordan Olowofela, Kyle Godwin, Tevita Kuridrani, Richard Kahui, Jake Strachan. Reserves: Andrew Ready, Angus Wagner, Greg Holmes, Ryan McCauley, Brynard Stander, Michael McDonald, Domingo Miotti, Rob Kearney.

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