LOUWRENS MAKES STARTING DEBUT FOR THE FORCE AGAINST BLUES
Scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens will make his Asteron Life Super Rugby run-on debut when the Western Force takes on the Auckland Blues at Eden Park on Saturday (2 May).
The 24-year-old Cottesloe half made an impressive tournament debut against the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend, and will wear the ‘9’ jersey in place of the injured Alby Mathewson (knee) and Ian Prior, who is serving a three-week suspension.
Louwrens’ promotion is the only change to the starting XV, while lock Adam Coleman has been bracketed with Wilhelm Steenkamp after sustaining a knock to his shoulder against the Chiefs.
On the bench, Associates scrumhalf Justin Turner has been recalled to the Western Force squad following his strong form in the Pindan Premier Grade. Turner has previously played 11 matches with the Western Australian club, after being a member of the senior squad between 2009 and 2012, before returning to the club’s Wider Training Group last year after a series of knee injuries.
Prop Guy Millar, a member of the Force’s Wider Training Group, is set to make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut from the bench, replacing Oliver Hoskins, who has succumbed to an ankle injury, while Ross Haylett-Petty has been listed for a potential return to the squad from the bench.
Head Coach Michael Foley says Louwrens’ run-on debut is a testament to his perseverance after returning from a knee reconstruction in 2014.
“This week is a great opportunity for Ryan,” he said. “After missing the majority of last season with a knee injury, he was thrown in the deep end against the Chiefs. In challenging circumstances, he performed with exceptional composure, which will give him confidence to rip in again this week.
“There was some good improvement in our ability to identify and take opportunities against the Chiefs. This week we take on an experienced Blues side that contains a number of dangerous ball runners. To that end, while maintaining our attack is a focus, our defence will be the foundation of a good performance.”
Tickets are available for the Western Force’s next home match against the NSW Waratahs at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday, 9 May. Tickets are available from ticketmaster.com.au.
2015 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week 12
Blues v Western Force
Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 5.30pm (local)/1.30pm (AWST)
1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Steve Mafi
5. Adam Coleman/Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Ryan Louwrens
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Luke Burton
13. Kyle Godwin
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Guy Millar
19. Wilhelm Steenkamp/Ross Haylett-Petty
20. Kane Koteka
21. Justin Turner
22. Marcel Brache
23. Junior Rasolea
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