Get Newsletter

Force get big guns back

Tetera Faulkner comes back into the starting front row replacing Jermiane Ainsley who dislocated his elbow against the Crusaders last week. 

ADVERTISEMENT

After making his Super Rugby debut last week, Richie Arnold has been given his first start in the second row, while stalwart Matt Hodgson comes into the familiar No.7 jersey.

Inside centre Bill Meakes comes back into the squad in the No.12 jersey, after recovering from an ankle complaint, with Marcel Brache moving to outside centre. Curtis Rona is unavailable for the game after suffering a concussion against the Crusaders. 

Wallaby Dane Haylett-Petty returns to the fullback position and will look to pick up where he left against the Brumbies in Round Three.

On the bench, Anaru Rangi – another product of Perth's local club rugby – is set to play his first match of the season and Australian Under-20s sensation Shambeckler Vui is in-line to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Chance Peni, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Ben Daley. 

Replacements: 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Richard Hardwick, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Michael Ruru, 22 Ian Prior, 23 Robbie Coleman.

Date: Saturday, April 1

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 17.15 (12.15 AWST; 04.15 GMT)

Referee: Shuhei Kubo (Japan)

Assistant referees: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand), James Doleman (New Zealand)

TMO: Glenn Newman (New Zealand)

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Write A Comment