WESTERN FORCE 10s SET TO TAKE ON MAURITIUS
By Fraser Smith
Entering a team in World Club 10s for the first time the Western Force 10s team consists of a mix of Asteron Life Super Rugby hardened players, developing players from the club Future Force Foundation and some of the most talented players in the local Premier Grade competition. The men from Western Australia will look to test themselves against some of the top sides in world rugby and with plenty power and pace across the squad will be aiming to take some big scalps on their quest to lift to trophy.
FORWARDS
Oliver Hoskins:
Standing 190cm and weighing in at 122kg 23-year-old prop Oliver Hoskins will to use his powerful frame and good athleticism around the park to make an impact this tournament. The former Australian Schoolboys and Australian Under 20’s representative recently signed on with London Irish and will be keen to perform in his time left with the Western Force.
Tom Sheminant:
A member of the Australian Under 20s preliminary squad for the World Championship young frontrower Tom Sheminant continues to develop into a promising propping prospect. As one of the youngest members of the Western Force 10s squad Sheminant will look to learn as much as he can against some world rugby heavyweights.
Mees Erasmus:
A member of the club’s Future Force Foundation, South African prop Mees Erasmus brings incredible grit and physicality to the contest each time he runs out. The 21-year-old has great footwork for a frontrower and is a hard man to miss on the field with fiery red hair and tipping the scales at 120kg.
Tom Sexton:
Former Leinster and Melbourne Rebels hooker Tom Sexton brings six seasons of world rugby experience to the Force 10s team in Mauritius. Having plied his trade in the Northern Hemisphere Sexton will look to match the physicality of the likes of English giants, Saracens, if they cross paths.
Riley Winter:
Former Australian Under 20s representative Riley Winter will look at the World Club 10s as a massive opportunity to push his case of selection for the Perth Spirit in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship this season. The Wests Scarborough and Future Force Foundation lock is a good ball runner and will enjoy the extra space 10s offers.
Rickus Van Der Heyden:
Pacey lock Rickus Van Der Heyden would be the quickest member of the Western Force forward pack and the lanky youngster will pose a real threat when offered space in Mauritius. A member of the Western Force Under 20s this season Van Der Heyden will be keen to put his best foot forward in seek of further opportunities.
Tevin Ferris:
Another promising young member of the Western Force 10s is backrower Tevin Ferris. The Western Force U20s player was a member of the preliminary squad for the Australian U20s after a strong Super 20s tournament. The Nedlands product will look to use his powerful running ability and good ball skills to exploit the 10s format.
Kane Koteka:
2015 Western Force Rookie of the Year Kane Koteka hasn’t taken to the field so far this Asteron Life Super Rugby be season but not due to a lack of form as the Wests Scarborough product has been in ripping form in the Pindan Premier Grade. Koteka will look at World Club 10s as a chance to prove his worth and show that he should be running around at Super Rugby level.
BACKS
Michael Ruru:
Nedlands scrumhalf Michael Ruru is a massive inclusion for the Western Force 10s team with the dynamic No.9 perfectly suited to the 10-a-side format. The 25-year-old New Zealander is undoubtedly one of the most dangerous players in the Pindan Premier Grade and will look stake his claim for a recall to the Spirit with a good performance in Mauritius.
Gus Taylor:
Wests Scarbrough and Future Force Foundation scrumhalf Angus Taylor has had breakout season in the Pindan Premier Grade so far this year and will look to carry it to the World Club 10s. Captain of the Western Force U20s, Taylor consistently provide quality service to his backs and looks to exploit gaps on the edge of the ruck.
Naude Wessels (Paarl Gim 2015):
Future Force Foundation flyhalf, Naude ‘Noddy’ Wessels will look to test himself against some of world rugby’s top side in Mauritius and the 18-year-old South African playmaker will be keen to prove himself. Wessels game is centered on his soft hands, ball skills, good special awareness and he prides himself on the more technical areas of the game.
Onehunga Havilli:
Tongan-born winger Onehunga Havili poses an imposing figure standing at 195cm and weighing in at 113kg. The 20-year-old was recruited as No.8 but his pure pace and power led to him quickly being moved to the wing. After starring for Palmyra in the Pindan Premier Grade has already gone on to represent the Perth Spirit and Western Force U20s.
Eric Vasukicacau:
Cottesloe powerhouse outside centre Eric Vasukicacau has been massive for the Gulls in the Premier Grade this season using his pace and strong skills with ball in hand to punish his opponents. Vasukicacau thrives in open space and will surely be threat in Mauritius as he looks to stake his claim for a call up to the Perth Spirit.
Ammmon Matuauto:
30-year-old centre Ammon Matuauto made his Western Force and Asteron Life Super Rugby debut this season against the Bulls in Perth after joining the Western Force’s Wider Training Group in 2015. Matuauto is the quintessential centre, blessed with explosive speed and power the 96kg New Zealander is a nightmare to tackle.
Jarome Leonard-Tekanawa:
Wests Scarborough fullback Jarome Leonard-Tekanawa has been tearing it up in the Pindan Premier Grade so far this season with his rapid footwork causing plenty of problems for his opponents. At just 19-years-old Leonard-Tekanawa is showing his worth for the Boars and his performance in Mauritius could be a stepping stone to the next level with the Perth Spirit.
Brad Lacey:
Western Force and Wests Scarborough winger Brad Lacey is an outstanding young outside back prospect, who has graduated from the local development pathway into the Western Force. The former Australian U20 representative is yet to feature at Super Rugby level and will be keen to show what he has to offer in order to push for an opportunity at the next level.
The Western Force 10s depart for Mauritius on Sunday before their first match against the Brumbies on June 18.
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