MCCALMAN RETURNS FOR FORCE SIDE TO FACE REDS
Wallaby No.8 Ben McCalman has been named on the bench in one of three changes to the Western Force team set to do battle with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, 5 March, with both sides on the hunt for their first win of the season.
Coming off a stint in the Japanese Top League following the Wallabies’ World Cup campaign McCalman was rested for the first round clash with the Rebels, but is fully fit and refreshed as the team make the journey to Suncorp.
Fijian-born flyer, Semisi Masirewa gets his first Asteron Life Super Rugby start after showing promise in 13-minutes off the bench on debut in Round One.
Coach Michael Foley said he is happy to have McCalman back in the side and is looking forward to seeing what Masirewa can do in his first start.
“It’s great to have Ben back he brings a lot of experience to our side,” he said. “As it is his first game back after a few weeks off after getting back from Japan we will look for him to provide us with impact off the bench.”
“Semisi was good for us in the trial matches and did well in his time off the bench last week. He is a determined guy and I’m sure he will be looking to make the most of his first opportunity in the run-on team.”
The front row remains unchanged with veteran loosehead Pek Cowan linking up with hooker Nathan Charles and Guy Millar at tighthead.
Steve Mafi and Adam Coleman will again partner in the second row. Coleman lead all comers in lineout takes in Round one and will again look to dominate come Saturday.
Rounding out the forward pack Matt Hodgson, Brynard Stander and Angus Cottrell will make up the backrow.
In the backline, scrumhalf Alby Mathewson will again look to provide quality service for Jono Lance at flyhalf. In the centres Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea comes in at No.12 to replace the injured Kyle Godwin while Ben Tapuai returns to Suncorp Stadium to face his old side for the first time. Masirewa, Luke Morahan and Dane Haylett-Petty will make up the back three.
Coming off the bench, Jermaine Ainsley will back up after and impressive performance on debut along with Peter Grant while Marcel Brache moves to the bench.
2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Two
Queensland Reds v Western Force
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Saturday, 5 March 2016
Kick-off: 4:45PM AWST (Fox Sports)
1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Guy Millar
4. Steve Mafi
5. Adam Coleman
6. Brynard Stander
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Angus Cottrell
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Jono Lance
11. Semisi Masirewa
12. Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Ross Haylett-Petty
20. Ben McCalman
21. Ian Prior
22. Peter Grant
23. Marcel Brache
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