Ebersohn starts against the Bulls

 

Another starting debut goes to flank Kane Koteka the first player to graduate to Super Rugby from the Future Force academy program.

 

He will run on for his fourth provincial cap having made his debut against the Hurricanes in Week Three.

 

The 21-year-old will start as part of a new-look back row alongside blindside flank Steve Mafi and No.8 Ben McCalman.

 

In the second row, Adam Coleman completes his comeback from a hip injury with his return to the starting XV, packing down alongside captain Sam Wykes.

 

There is also a new midfield pairing of Luke Burton (inside centre) and Kyle Godwin (outside centre).

 

Luke Morahan will resume his place at his at fullback after recovering from a hamstring strain that sidelined him for last week’s match against the Melbourne Rebels.

 

On the bench, former Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp is set to make his first appearance back at Loftus Versfeld since leaving Pretoria to join the Western Force ahead of the 2014 season.

 

Prop Guy Millar may be in line for his Super Rugby debut after being bracketed with Oliver Hoskins, while Angus Cottrell will start from the reserves list after missing the past two matches with an ankle injury.

 

Western Force head coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to Saturday’s challenge against the Bulls.

 

“While we’ve shown elements of what we’re capable of through the first part of the competition, it’s important we extend those moments through 80-minute performances,” he said.

 

“To a man, we all recognise that if we play from the start of matches with the same intensity and urgency we’ve seen as we’ve fought our way back into games in the last two weeks, the results will follow.”

 

Foley says Koteka’s starting debut is a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

 

“Kane has risen to each challenge he’s been presented with and Saturday night provides him with another exciting opportunity,” he said. 

 

“While it’s great to see another local player progressing to Super Rugby, he’s earned each opportunity he’s been given and his performances to date should provide him with confidence.”

 

Western Force: 15 Luke Morahan, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Luke Burton, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Kane Koteka, 6 Steve Mafi, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Sam Wykes (captain), 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pekahou Cowan.

Replacments: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Oliver Hoskins/Guy Millar, 19 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 20 Angus Cottrell, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Zack Holmes, 23 Solomoni Jnr Rasolea.

 

Date: Saturday, March 21

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 17.05 (23.05 AWST; 15.05 GMT)

Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Jason Jaftha (South Africa), Pro Legoete (South Africa)

TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)