Skipper Hodgson bolsters Force

The Western Force have made several changes for their Aussie derby with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Francois van Wyk and Heath Tessmann return to the starting front row as Pek Cowan and Tatafu Polota-Nau are set to provide impact off the bench.

Up and coming lock Matt Philip comes into the starting second row, after a strong showing off the bench last week.

Michael Ruru will start at scrum-half after an impressive performance last week in his return from an ankle injury suffered in Round Nine against the Kings.

James Verity-Amm will start on the right wing, while Marcel Brache will marshal the troops from full-back in his return from concussion.

Mitchell Short and Luke Burton have been included on the bench.

Western Force Head Coach Dave Wessels says this match is huge in the context of the Australian conference and his men are up for the challenge.

“We were very disappointed with our performance against the Highlanders and irrespective of who we are playing it’s important that we respond with the same intensity that has been evident for the majority of our season so far.”

Force: 15 Marcel Brache, 14 James Verity-Amm, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bill Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Isireli Naisarani, 7 Matt Hodgson (c), 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Heath Tessmann, 1 Francois van Wyk
Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Richie Arnold, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Mitchell Short, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Luke Morahan

Date: Friday, May 26
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick-off: 19:45 local (09:45 GMT)
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees: Rohan Hoffmann, Jordam Way
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore