KOTEKA EARNS FIRST START FOR THE FORCE AGAINST THE BULLS

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Flanker Kane Koteka will make his starting debut when the Western Force takes on the Bulls at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night (21 March).

Koteka, the first player to graduate to Asteron Life Super Rugby from the club’s Future Force academy program, will run on for his fourth provincial cap having made his debut against the Wellington Hurricanes in Week Three.

The 21-year-old Wests Scarborough product will start as part of a new-look back row alongside blindside flanker Steve Mafi and No.8 Ben McCalman.

In the second row, Adam Coleman completes his comeback from a hip injury with his return to the starting XV, packing down alongside captain Sam Wykes.

South African-born playmaker Sias Ebersohn makes his return to the run-on side at flyhalf and will start inside the new midfield pairing of Luke Burton (inside centre) and Kyle Godwin (outside centre).

Luke Morahan will resume his place at his at fullback after recovering from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for last week’s match against the Melbourne Rebels.

On the bench, former Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp is set to make his first appearance back at Loftus Versfeld since leaving Pretoria to join the Western Force ahead of the 2014 season.

Prop Guy Millar may be in line for his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut after being bracketed with Oliver Hoskins, while Angus Cottrell will start from the reserves list after missing the past two matches with an ankle injury.

Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to Saturday’s challenge against the Bulls.

“While we’ve shown elements of what we’re capable of through the first part of the competition, it’s important we extend those moments through 80-minute performances,” he said.

“To a man, we all recognise that if we play from the start of matches with the same intensity and urgency we’ve seen as we’ve fought our way back into games in the last two weeks, the results will follow.”

Foley says Koteka’s starting debut is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

“Kane has risen to each challenge he’s been presented with and Saturday night provides him with another exciting opportunity,” he said. “While it’s great to see another local player progressing to Super Rugby, he’s earned each opportunity he’s been given and his performances to date should provide him with confidence.”

Tickets are available for the Western Force’s next home match against the Cheetahs at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday, 11 April. Tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au.

2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Six
Bulls v Western Force
Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 21 March 2015
Kick-off: 5.05pm (local)/11.05pm (AWST)

1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Sam Wykes (c)
5. Adam Coleman
6. Steve Mafi
7. Kane Koteka
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Luke Burton
13. Kyle Godwin
14. Marcel Brache
15. Luke Morahan

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Oliver Hoskins/Guy Millar
19. Wilhelm Steenkamp
20. Angus Cottrell
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Solomoni Jnr Rasolea

Force KOTEKA EARNS FIRST START AGAINST THE BULLS Superugby