Heroic Hodgson back to face Reds

May 24 • General News, Super Rugby • 954 Views • Comments Off on Heroic Hodgson back to face Reds

The Road Safety Western Force have made several changes for their Round 14 Aussie derby with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, including the return of club legend Matt Hodgson.

Francois van Wyk and Heath Tessmann return to the starting front row as Pek Cowan and Tatafu Polota-Nau are set to provide impact off the bench.

Up and coming lock Matt Philip comes into the starting second row, after a strong showing off the bench last week.

Michael Ruru will start at scrumhalf after an impressive performance last week in his return from an ankle injury suffered in Round Nine against the Kings.

Future Force Foundation Member James Verity-Amm will start on the right wing, while Marcel Brache will marshal the troops from fullback in his return from a concussion.

Mitchell Short and Luke Burton have been included on the bench.

Road Safety Western Force Head Coach Dave Wessels says this match is huge in the context of the Australian conference and his men are up for the challenge.

“We were very disappointed with our performance against the Highlanders and irrespective of who we are playing it’s important that we respond with the same intensity that has been evident for the majority of our season so far.”

Road Safety Western Force vs Queensland Reds

Francois van Wyk
Heath Tessmann
Jermaine Ainsley
Matt Philip
Adam Coleman
Ross Haylett-Petty
Matt Hodgson (C)
Isireli Naisarani
Michael Ruru
Peter Grant
Alex Newsome
Bill Meakes
Curtis Rona
James Verity-Amm
Marcel Brache

Reserves

Tatafu Polota-Nau
Pek Cowan
Tetera Faulkner
Richie Arnold
Richard Hardwick
Mitchell Short
Luke Burton
Luke Morahan

Vodafone Super Rugby Round 14
Queensland Reds vs Road Safety Western Force
Friday, 26 May. Kick off 5:45 PM AWST
Suncorp Stadium Brisbane
LIVE on Fox Sports 501