Force chop and change for Highlanders

Editor

The Western Force have welcomed back into the side a host of players for their clash with the Highlanders in Perth on Saturday.

Tatafu Polota-Nau returns as the starting hooker after missing the Jaguares match last week. Jermaine Ainsley will start at tighthead prop after recovering from an elbow injury he suffered against the Crusaders in Round Five.

Brynard Stander is the only change in the back row, as the ferocious ball runner is set to start at openside flank.

Veteran Peter Grant will start at fly-half after an impressive performance in Buenos Aires last week. Jono Lance will miss the game with an injured hand.

Inside centre Bill Meakes will captain the side for the first time and becomes the 12th man to do so, as he lines up next to centre partner Curtis Rona.

In the back three, Luke Morahan returns from a fractured cheekbone and will start at full-back.

In the reserves, Anaru Rangi and Tetera Faulkner will look to bring plenty of impact off the bench, along with locks Lewis Carmichael and Matt Philip who makes his return from an injured foot.

Michael Ruru is the last inclusion in the reserves, returning from an ankle injury he suffered in Round 7 against the Kings.

Western Force head coach David Wessels says the endeavour shown in Argentina was pleasing, and just reward after a tough performance, but his side will need to be back on task against an in-form Highlanders side.

“Our performance in Argentina was built on the back of our intensity in our preparation. Our challenge is to match that again this week,” he said.

“We’re excited to be back at home in front of the Sea of Blue.”

Western Force: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Semisi Masirewa, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bill Meakes (c), 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Richard Hardwick, 7 Brynard Stander, 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Richie Arnold, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Pek Cowan
Replacements: 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Lewis Carmichael, 21 Isireli Naisarani, 22 Michael Ruru, 23 James Verity-Amm

Date: Saturday, May 20
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 21:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Shuhei Kubo
Assistant Referees: Ed Martin, Damon Murphy
TMO: Ian Smith