Western Force star Dane Haylett-Petty is excited by the prospect of his side unleashing their unproven new-look big backline in Saturday's Super Rugby first-round clash with the NSW Waratahs.
The revamped Force backs include Curtis Rona and Chance Peni, two players who have returned to the code from rugby league after cutting their union teeth in WA.
Rona is listed to play at outside centre opposite Israel Folau, the most-successful league convert of recent times.
"They (Rona and Peni) are both big bodies, fast, powerful and it's the sort of style we want to play," Force fullback and acting vice-captain Haylett-Petty told AAP on Friday.
"We've got a quite a big backline, all with good skills to pass and kick and catch.
"We feel like they really fit the mould and the style we want to play.
"Obviously, two of those 'leagueies' are debuting (in Super Rugby), but we feel like there's a good mix of experience around them to help them through the challenge tomorrow."
He said the new Force coaching group, headed by David Wessels, had come up with good ideas and done a great job of recruiting young talent.
"There's probably more depth than we've ever had in the past," Haylett-Petty said.
"We're keen to play an exciting brand and a slightly different attacking style.
"We haven't had too many opportunities. We've had the one (trial) game against the Rebels, so it will be great to see it all together tomorrow."
With Waratahs and Wallaby five-eighth Bernard Foley ruled out of the Sydney clash with concussion, Haylett-Petty made it clear the Force would target his replacement Bryce Hegarty.
"It's probably a good thing for us that Foley is out. We'll be wanting to put pressure on Hegarty and (halfback Nick) Phipps all night," Haylett-Petty said.
"But they are a physical pack so a big job probably starts with our forwards stepping up and taking it to their forward pack."
Injuries have deprived the Force of two of their leading forwards, captain Ben McCalman and former skipper and fellow back-rower Matt Hodgson.
The Force have a decent record of three wins and a draw from seven clashes with NSW in Sydney.
"We do enjoy playing the Tahs - we always seem to step up," Haylett-Petty said.
Share
