FORCE SIDE NAMED FOR SHOWDOWN WITH WARATAHS

Apr 21 • General News, Super Rugby • 1071 Views • Comments Off on FORCE SIDE NAMED FOR SHOWDOWN WITH WARATAHS

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The Western Force have named a strong 23-man squad for Saturday night’s clash with the NSW Waratahs on ANZAC weekend as the men from the west aim for their fourth consecutive win over the Sydney-based heavyweights.

The Western Force have made two changes to the starting XV with Francois van Wyk stepping into loosehead prop to replace the injured Pek Cowan while Marcel Brache returns to man the right wing replacing Luke Morahan who misses the contest with soreness.

Brynard Stander and Chris Heiberg return to the bench while Future Force Foundation hooker Harry Scoble could make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut after being named in the reserves.

Coming off the bye Western Force head coach Michael Foley said the side is well rested and looking forward to the challenge the Waratahs pose.

“We took some time to recover during the first part of the bye week and began preparing for this match last Thursday,” he said.

“The break has allowed us to address some key areas that we’re looking to improve for the next three games before our next bye. While the Waratahs have a number of strike weapons that we need to pressure, we’re looking forward to the challenge of playing one of the leading teams in the competition.”

In the front row Tetera Faulkner will run on at tighthead in what will be his 50^th appearance for the Western Australian club and will link up with hooker Heath Tessman with Van Wyk to pack down at loosehead.

Sitiveni (Steve) Mafi and Adam Coleman once again partner in the second row with sights set on controlling the set-piece.

The backrow remains unchanged with Angus Cottrell looking to continue his strong form at blindside, skipper Matt Hodgson at openside and Ben McCalman rounding at the forward pack in the No.8 jersey.

The experienced pairing of Alby Mathewson and Peter Grant continue their solid partnership in the halves and will look to get the Force on the front foot against a strong Waratahs defensive unit.

Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea and Ben Tapuai will once again bring their strong ball running presence to the side’s midfield named at inside and outside centre respectively.

Brache is the only change to the back three with Semisi Masirewa to fill the left wing while Dane Haylett-Petty will command the back in the No.15 jersey.

Coming off the bench, scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens will again look to spark the Force’s attack when the opportunity presents itself while fully fit Kyle Godwin and Brynard Stander will look to make an impact when called upon.