GODWIN, MORAHAN SET FOR RUGBY RETURN WITH SPIRIT

Aug 28 • Australia, General News • 1687 Views • Comments Off on GODWIN, MORAHAN SET FOR RUGBY RETURN WITH SPIRIT

Kyle Godwin and Luke Morahan will make their long awaited returns to the rugby field when the Perth Spirit host Brisbane City in round two of the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship on Sunday at McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont.

The Perth Spirit, which operates as part of the Western Force program, will feature a heavy Western Force contingent this weekend, as the Western Australian side continues to prepare for the 2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby season. Force players will continue to be rotated through the Spirit line-up throughout the tournament, while players from the local Pindan Premier Grade will be provided opportunities as means of broadening the state’s rugby player base.

The 22-year-old Godwin suffered a knee injury against the Cheetahs in Round 13 of the Asteron Life Super Rugby competition and has been named in his favoured inside centre position.

His return to fitness has also been heralded by Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie, who called him into the Wallabies squad yesterday for the upcoming Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks in Perth.

Morahan will make his Buildcorp NRC debut on the wing after a hamstring injury sidelined him for four months.

Godwin and Morahan have been named in a Perth Spirit side littered with Asteron Life Super Rugby experience including current Wallabies squad members, Pek Cowan and Matt Hodgson.

Cowan will pack down with Heath Tessmann, who kick-started a 10-point turnaround with his try last week, and Tetera Faulkner. Tessmann and Faulkner have also be included in the Wallabies training squad while the national team is in Perth.

Sam Wykes will captain the side this week, starting alongside fellow Standards Group member, Rory Walton, in the second row.

Hodgson and powerhouse Brynard Stander have been named on the flanks while Cottesloe and Australian Under 20, Ross Haylett-Petty will round out the forward pack at No. 8.

Dillyn Leyds was one of the try-scorers in last weekend’s victory over the Canberra Vikings in Round One and has moved into the playmaker role this week. He made his debut for the Western Force in 2014 against the Crusaders, having played the bulk of his season with Pindan Premier Grade side Palmyra this year.

Leyds will team up with Associates scrumhalf, Justin Turner in the halves.

In the backline, Marcel Brache and Junior Rasolea will join Morahan and Godwin on the wing and outside centre respectively.

Dane Haylett-Petty will play alongside his brother Ross for just the third time when he runs on at fullback.

On the bench, Robbie Abel, Francois van Wyk and Oliver Hoskins will back-up the front row while the UWA pairing of Corey Thomas and Richard Hardwick will provide coverage at lock and the back row. Zack Holmes will provide fresh legs from the bench after a solid effort in Round One, combining with Ian Prior in the halves. Powerful Palmyra outside back Va’a Mailei will also start off the bench.

Perth Spirit coach Kevin Foote said the team will be looking to build on last weekend’s win.

“The guys did a fantastic job last weekend against a strong Vikings line-up and now we have to keep that momentum going,” he said.

“The guys who got their opportunity last weekend showed a lot of spirit to wrestle back momentum in that game, and they’ve begun showing the depth of talent we have here in Western Australia.

“This weekend is an important match for a number of guys returning to the field from injury, while it also provides an opportunity to start honing some skills ahead of next year’s Super Rugby competition.

“While we have a large number of Force players returning this week, it’s really important that throughout the competition we’re still providing those playing opportunities for our local aspiring players, and we’re very committed to doing that.

2014 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship – Week Two
Perth Spirit v Brisbane City
McGillivray Oval, Mt Claremont
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Kick-off: 3.30pm (local)

1. Pek Cowan (Wests Scarborough)
2. Heath Tessmann (Nedlands)
3. Tetera Faulkner (Wanneroo)
4. Sam Wykes (Wests Scarborough)
5. Rory Walton (Wests Scarborough)
6. Brynard Stander (Nedlands)
7. Matt Hodgson (Wanneroo)
8. Ross Haylett-Petty (Cottesloe)
9. Justin Turner (Associates)
10. Dillyn Leyds (Palmyra)
11. Marcel Brache (Perth Bayswater)
12. Kyle Godwin (Associates)
13. Junior Rasolea (Cottesloe)
14. Luke Morahan (Kalamunda)
15. Dane Haylett-Petty (Cottesloe)

Reserves
16. Robbie Abel (Cottesloe)
17. Francois van Wyk (UWA)
18. Oliver Hoskins (Cottesloe)
19. Corey Thomas (UWA)
20. Richard Hardwick (UWA)
21. Ian Prior (Nedlands)
22. Zack Holmes (Associates)
23. Va’a Mailei (Palmyra)

Tickets and three-game ticket packages are available at ticketmaster.com.au