Ex-England hooker Nic Dolly named Western Force captain for Super Rugby AUS opener against Reds

Nic Dolly, the former England hooker, will captain Western Force in their Super Rugby AUS opening-round fixture against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 11:30 am WST.

Dolly earned a single England cap in 2021 and has since established himself across multiple Super Rugby Pacific campaigns with the Force. Mac Grealy and Will Harris have been named as vice-captains for the month-long tournament.

One of the more eye-catching selections is new signing Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, who will make his Force debut at fly-half after crossing from the Reds — setting up a direct duel with former teammate Tom Lynagh, who starts at No. 10 for Queensland. The back-row battle between ex-Reds teammates adds an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a rivalry fixture.

Perhaps the most talked-about selection, however, is Zac Lomax at inside centre. The former NRL star switched codes six months ago and will partner Boston Fakafaunua in the midfield, a combination that will be closely watched as Lomax continues his transition to the fifteen-man game.

Australia Sevens representative Wallace Charlie starts on the wing alongside Ronan Leahy and Grealy in the back three, with Nathan Hastie at scrum-half completing the backline. In the pack, Kane Koteka and Jack Daly flank Jackson Iose at No. 8, while Zak Healey and Harris lock the screw behind a front row of Max Sawers, Dolly, and Brad Kuhn.

Albert Alcock, Junior Passi, and veteran Kurtley Beale are among the replacements named on the bench.

Western Force XV to face Queensland Reds

1. Max Sawers, 2. Nic Dolly (c), 3. Brad Kuhn, 4. Will Harris (vc), 5. Zak Healey, 6. Kane Koteka, 7. Jack Daly, 8. Jackson Iose, 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 11. Wallace Charlie, 12. Boston Fakafaunua, 13. Zac Lomax, 14. Ronan Leahy, 15. Mac Grealy (vc)

Replacements: 16. Albert Alcock, 17. Junior Passi, 18. Regin Pratt, 19. Wil Taylor, 20. Seta Baker, 21. Tama Anderson, 22. Luke Aiken, 23. Tim Sail, 24. Kurtley Beale, 25. Sam Faoagali