Wallabies star James O'Connor is one of four prominent Western Force backs ruled out of Friday's Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Palmerston North.
Scrum half Brett Sheehan, fly half Willie Ripia and center Gene Fairbanks will also miss the trip across the Tasman due to injury, leaving the struggling Force to field a makeshift backline.
Meanwhile, Conrad Smith and Cory Jane are back from injury to boost the Hurricanes.
Their return gives the Hurricanes backline a better balance after some major patch ups in recent weeks.
The Hurricanes and Force match kicks off at 7:35pm on Friday.
Story by: Selina Navuso
[Source: TVNZ]
Force to miss key foursome
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