SYDNEY - Former Queensland centre Junior Pelesasa has made an earlier than expected return from injury to be named to face the Blues in the Western Force's final pre-Super 14 rugby trial in Auckland on Thursday.
Pelesasa injured a shoulder playing club rugby in Brisbane before moving to Perth lastyear and was not expected to be available until March.
However a quicker than expected rehabilitation and strong performances at training have convinced coach John Mitchell to include the hard running midfielder in his travelling squad for Eden Park.
Pelesasa's return is timely given Mitchell is starting to narrow his selection options.
"The trials are about learning and getting us to the stage where we are competitive on February 10 (for their Super 14 debut against the Brumbies).
"Our challenge against the Blues, as it has been against the Cheetahs and the Crusaders, is to get consistency and develop our depth."
Reserve halfback Vitori Buatava will start with Wallaby Matt Henjak's understudy Chris O'Young still sidelined with a leg injury.
Henjak will play the second half.
Western Force (squad): Cameron Shepherd, James Hilgendorf, Scott Staniforth, Tajhon Mailata, Junior Pelesasa, Haig Sare, Josh Graham, Digby Ioane, Lachlan MacKay, Scott Daruda, Vitori Buatava, Matt Henjak, Scott Fava, Tim Davidson, Richard Brown, Matt Hodgson, Luke Doherty, Matt Windle, Nathan Sharpe (captain), David Pusey, Pat O'Connor, John Welborn, David Fitter, David Te Moana, Brendan Cannon, Tai McIsaac, Angus Scott, Gareth Hardy.
