Force unchanged to front highlanders
The Western Force has maintained an unchanged squad to tackle the Highlanders at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday (15 March).
The Force will run out the identical 23-man line-up that defeated the Melbourne Rebels 32-7 in Perth last weekend.
It is the first time the Force has named the same squad in consecutive weeks since its Round 15 win over the Highlanders in 2013.
Winger Luke Morahan is in line to play his 50th Asteron Life Super Rugby match, after joining the Force from the Queensland Reds this season. The express-paced outside back – who forms a back three with Wallabies winger Nick Cummins and former Highlanders back, Jayden Hayward – crossed for his side’s second of four tries in the opening 27 minutes against the Rebels.
Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says it’s important for his side to make another early statement against the Highlanders.
“Our focus was to start the match strongly last weekend and it was pleasing to see the team do exactly that,” he said.
“Our second half execution wasn’t as precise. This week it’s important for us to back up with another strong start and look to improve on our execution into the second half.”
Matt Hodgson, who led the side out for his 100th Super Rugby cap last weekend, will again captain the side, packing down in the back row alongside in-form No.8 Ben McCalman and flanker Angus Cottrell, who crossed for his second Super Rugby try last weekend.
2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Five
Highlanders v Western Force
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Saturday, 15 March 2014
Kick-off: 7.35pm (local)/2.35pm (AWST)
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Sam Wykes
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Junior Rasolea
14. Luke Morahan
15. Jayden Hayward
Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. Adam Coleman
20. Brynard Stander
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Marcel Brache
