FORCE SIDE NAMED FOR CLASH WITH IN-FORM HIGHLANDERS

Mar 30 • General News, Super Rugby • 1663 Views • Comments Off on FORCE SIDE NAMED FOR CLASH WITH IN-FORM HIGHLANDERS

The Western Force have made two changes to their run on side for the clash with last year’s champions the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, 1 April.

Wallaby Ben McCalman comes back into the fold at No. 8 and Luke Morahan returns to the right wing, after missing the first two games of the New Zealand tour with a foot injury.

Head Coach Michael Foley says a full ground defensive effort is needed against the current Asteron Life Super Rugby champions.

“The Highlanders play tough, smart rugby. Last week, they had one line break, but scored 4 tries, which is an indicator of how they vary their attack with ball in hand and kicking,” he said. “The key for us is to consistently apply pressure across 80 minutes.”

“We asked good questions in the first half last week and created some good scoring opportunities, but we need to ensure we put ourselves in a position to keep attacking for the full game.”

An unchanged front row will look to carry momentum from a solid set piece performance last week when they lock horns with a powerful Highlanders front row.

Ross Haylett-Petty and Adam Coleman will again partner in the second row, after good performances from both men.

While Ben McCalman comes back in to the backrow alongside skipper Matt Hodgson and Angus Cottrell will start at blindside flanker.

Alby Mathewson will start at scrumhalf after one of his strongest performances of the year last weekend and veteran Peter Grant will martial the troops at flyhalf.

Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea will again start at inside centre and Ben Tapuai will look to continue his good form in the number 13 jersey.

Electrifying winger Luke Morahan races back into the team and will be keen to pick up where he left off against the Brumbies. Semisi Masirewa will man the left wing after a strong match in attack and Dane Haylett-Petty rounds out the starting XV.

Big man Steve Mafi will look to bring some energy from the bench, while Future Force product Richard Hardwick is set to make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut.

Ryan Louwrens will again come off the bench and hope to play his second match of the season. Ian Prior was strong off the bench last week and will look to do the same again, while Albert Nikoro will want to spark the attack if given the opportunity.

2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Six

Highlanders v Western Force

Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Friday, 1 April 2016

Kick-off: 2:35PM AWST (Fox Sports)

1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Ross Haylett-Petty
5. Adam Coleman
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (C)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Peter Grant
11. Semisi Masirewa
12. Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Sitiveni (Steve) Mafi
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Ryan Louwrens
22. Ian Prior
23. Albert Nikoro