Scottish lock gets his chance with Force
Ross Haylett-Petty moves from blindside flank back into the second row and will partner with young Scottish lock, Lewis Carmichael, who has joined the team as injury cover. Matt Philip (foot) and Richie Arnold (calf) will both miss the game through injury.
Local product Richard Hardwick comes back into the starting side at No.8 with team captain Ben McCalman ruled out with shoulder soreness.
Experienced scrumhalf Ian Prior will make his first start of the season replacing Michael Ruru (ankle), while exciting young playmaker Luke Burton has been rewarded with his first start of the season, in the No.10 jersey.
Wallaby Luke Morahan returns to the fold on the left wing while Curtis Rona is back in the starting XV on the right wing replacing Chance Peni (groin).
In the reserves, Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance of the 2017 season and Brynard Stander returns from a shoulder injury. 21-year-old scrumhalf Mitch Short who also signed as injury cover earlier in the year is in line to make his Super Rugby debut.
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Curtis Rona, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Bill Meakes, 11 Luke Morahan, 10 Luke Burton, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Richard Hardwick, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Isi Naisarani, 5 Ross Haylett-Petty, 4 Lewis Carmichael, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Ben Daley.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Francois Van Wyk, 18 Pek Cowan, 19 Onehunga Havilli, 20 Brynard Stander, 21 Mitch Short, 22 Jono Lance, 23 Alex Newsome.
Date: Saturday, April 22
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (21.45 NZ Time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Nicholas Berry (Australia)
Assistant referees: William Houston (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
