SUPER RUGBY – WEEK 6: WESTERN FORCE V CHIEFS
The Western Force returns home to the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) this Saturday (22 March) to take on the reigning Asteron Life Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs.
A big crowd is building for Saturday night’s clash following the Western Australians’ consecutive bonus point wins in their last two outings and the side is looking to continue that momentum against the unbeaten Chiefs.
Just a solitary point separated them the last time the two sides met, with the Chiefs prevailing 22-21 in Pukekohe in Round 13 last year. Force winger Patrick Dellit crossed for a double but it was the goal-kicking of Chiefs flyhalf Aaron Cruden that got his side home with the All Black pivot nailing five penalty kicks and one conversion from as many attempts.
This week, the Force welcomes back Wallaby forward Hugh McMeniman from a back injury, who returns at blindside flanker. Angus Cottrell shifts to the back of the scrum in place of Wallaby No.8 Ben McCalman, who will miss the match after being suspended for a dangerous tackle against the Highlanders.
The Chiefs have made a number of changes to the side that defeated the Stormers last weekend, with lock Mike Fitzgerald and flanker Sam Cane named in the forward pack, while winger Asaeli Tikoirotuma, utility Tim Nanai-Williams and club legend Mils Muliaina help to form a new-look backline.
Spectators at Saturday’s match will be involved in the ultimate 360-degree fan photo of the entire stadium. The photo will be available from 7pm (AWST) on Sunday, 23 March at westernforce.com/fanpic
Western Force fans will again be encouraged to take part in the club’s ‘WELCOME’ at Claisebrook Train Station and at the entrances to the ground before the game. Supporters will be welcomed by Force representatives with giveaways prior to the match.
Members will have access to ‘The Corner Post’ members alfresco members area prior to and following the match. The area features food and bar facilities, as well as the presentation of the Haigh & Hasting Man of the Match award.
Tickets to Saturday’s match against the Chiefs are still available through Ticketmaster – visit ticketmaster.com.au.
Western Force v Chiefs
The ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Saturday, 22 March, 2014
Time: 7pm
Gates Open: 5.30pm
Coverage: Live on 990am (WA listeners).
Weather Forecast: Min: 16C Max: 29C Cloudy. Winds south-easterly 25 to 35 km/h.
Official Twitter hashtag: #FORvCHI
Live match updates available on Twitter (@westernforce) with half-time/full-time scores available on Facebook (facebook.com/westernforce)
Last Meeting: Chiefs 22 def Western Force 21 in (2013)
Head to head: Played 7 – Western Force 1; Chiefs 6
In Perth: Played 4 – Western Force 1; Chiefs 3
Biggest win: Western Force 22 def Chiefs 21 in Perth (2008)
Biggest loss: Chiefs 64 def Western Force 36 in Hamilton (2007)
2014 record:
Western Force: Played 4; Won 2, Lost 2; 10pts (7th)
Chiefs: Played 3; Won 3, Lost: 0; 13pts (2nd)
Western Force: 1. Pek Cowan, 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Sam Wykes, 5. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 6. Hugh McMeniman, 7. Matt Hodgson (c), 8. Angus Cottrell, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Sias Ebersohn, 11. Nick Cummins, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Junior Rasolea, 14. Luke Morahan, 15. Jayden Hayward. Res: 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Tetera Faulkner, 18. Ollie Hoskins, 19. Adam Coleman, 20. Brynard Stander, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Zack Holmes, 23. Marcel Brache.
Chiefs: 1. Jamie Mackintosh, 2. Mahonri Schwalger, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Michael Fitzgerald, 5. Brodie Retallick, 6. Liam Messam, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Liam Squire, 9. Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 10. Aaron Cruden (c), 11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma, 12. Tom Marshall, 13. Tim Nanai-Williams, 14. Mils Muliaina, 15. Gareth Anscombe. Res: 16. Rhys Marshall, 17. Pauliasi Manu, 18. Josh Hohneck, 19. Kane Thompson, 20. Tanerau Latimer, 21. Augustine Pulu, 22. Andrew Horrell, 23. Anton Lienert-Brown.
Referee: Lourens van der Merwe
Curtain Raiser
Kick-off: 5.50pm
The next generation of Western Force stars will be on show on Saturday when a selection of the Under 8 to Under 11s from
Wanneroo, Wests Scarborough, Southern Lions, Bunbury Barbarians, Kwinana, Nedlands, North Coast and Associates take to the field prior to the Western Force v Chiefs main game.
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