The Wests rugby team will benefit from the return of Fijian wingers Suliasi Vunivalu and Henry Speight for their major semi-final against Brothers on Saturday. Vunivalu is coming back from a knee injury, while Speight has recovered from a minor hamstring issue.
Both players are set to take the field against the reigning champions Brothers at the GPS Rugby Club, marking a significant match in the StoreLocal Hospital Cup. The Bulldogs have made adjustments to their backline due to the absence of Moses Sorovi, who has been called up to the Fijian Test squad and will play at halfback. In his place, Mason Gordon will shift from fullback to No.10, and Mosese Dawai will move from wing to fullback.
Wests coach Elwee Prinsloo expressed confidence in Mason’s abilities at flyhalf, noting that the team was able to practice the changes ahead of the game. The Bulldogs are entering the finals riding a seven-game winning streak, but Prinsloo emphasized that this season is different from the regular season.
“We had a nice win (39-12) over Brothers in July, but that has zero relevance because finals are a new competition,” Prinsloo remarked. He acknowledged Brothers’ status as the benchmark team in the league, highlighting the respect they command from other clubs.
Brothers also have adjustments in their lineup. James O’Connor is set to return at No.10 after clearing his return-to-play protocols following a head injury sustained in a match against Tonga. Paddy James will move to fullback, and Bas Hanna will take Tim Ryan’s place on the wing due to Ryan’s injury. The front row will see Wallabies lock Ryan Smith starting, while Hamish Muller transitions from lock to flanker, with Noah Nielsen available from the bench.
Brothers coach Ben McCormack has observed a noticeable shift in his team’s mentality as they prepare for the finals. “With so many players having been to finals in recent seasons, there’s definitely been a change in attitude and focus now the finals are here,” he said. McCormack recognized Wests’ past performance against his team but remains focused on the new challenges ahead.