Force change one for Rebels

Editor

Western Force head coach Michael Foley has made one change to his starting XV for Friday's clash with the Rebels in Perth.

Luke Burton will again start at fullback replacing Luke Morahan, who has succumbed to a hamstring strain.

On the bench, Adam Coleman is set to make a return from a hip injury that has seen him sidelined for the Force’s matches against the Hurricanes and Brumbies.

Winger Mitch Scott has also been reinstated in the Force’s matchday squad, after scoring his maiden Super Rugby try in his last appearance against the Hurricanes a fortnight ago.

Foley says his side is looking forward to returning to their home turf.

“We’re excited to be back at home,” he told the Western Force's official website.

“Friday provides us with an opportunity to play for our fans.

“Last week’s performance was a true reflection of what it means to us to play for each other and the jersey. With our attitude right, a number of areas within our game improved through the 80 minutes.

"We started to manipulate the defence and apply good pressure with ball in hand.

“It’s important that we take the Brumbies performance and build on it on Friday night.”

Western Force: 15 Luke Burton, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Sam Wykes (c), 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pekahou Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Oliver Hoskins, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Sias Ebersohn, 23 Mitchell Scott.

Date: Friday, March 13
Kick-off: 19.00 local (11.00 GMT, 22.00 NZST, 13.00 SAST)
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Assistant referees: Matt O'Brien (Australia), Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
Television match official: Peter Marshall (Australia)