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Force bolster midfield for Stormers

Ben Tapuai returns to the side at outside centre, while local product Richard Hardwick has been named for his first run on start.

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In the other changes to the side Guy Millar comes into the starting line-up at tighthead for Tetera Faulkner who suffered an achilles tendon injury against the Cheetahs last week, Ryan Louwrens gets the nod at starting scrumhalf and Jermaine Ainsley comes onto the bench.

Interim head coach Dave Wessels said the team is determined to put their best foot forward for the teams final home game of the season.

Luke Morahan will captain the side after Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty were deemed to have breached the teams leadership standards while on tour in South Africa.

Up front Pek Cowan will start at loosehead with Harry Scoble named at hooker and Millar to make his sixth start of the season at tighthead.

In the second row Ross Haylett-Petty and Rory Walton will look to build on their strong performances from last week with the battle up front sure to be key to the final result against a powerful Stormers pack.

In the only change to the backrow UWA product Richard Hardwick is set to start at blindside flank in the first run on start of his young career with openside Chris Alcock and No.8 Angus Cottrell rounding out the starting forward pack.

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In the halves Ryan Louwrens will look to spark the attack by providing quick ball to flyhalf Jono Lance who returns to the ‘Force Field’ for the first time since Round Three.

In the midfield, inside centre Kyle Godwin was in fine form last week and will be keen to roll that form into Saturday clash when he links up with Tapuai in the No.13 jersey.

The ever consistent back three of Morahan, Marcel Brache and Dane Haylett-Petty complete the starting XV.

Coming off the bench, Brynard Stander, Ian Prior and Peter Grant aim to make their presence felt when called upon while fleet footed wing Semisi Masirewa completes the matchday 23.

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Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Ben Tapuai, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Luke Morahan (captain), 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ryan Louwrens, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Richard Hardwick, 5 Rory Walton, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Guy Millar, 2 Harry Scoble, 1 Pek Cowan.

Replacements: 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Francois Van Wyk, 18 Jermaine Ainsley, 19 Matt Philip, 20 Byrnard Stander, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Peter Grant, 23 Semisi Masirewa.

Date: Saturday, July 9

Venue: nib Stadium, Perth

Kick-off: 19.55 (13.55 SA Time; 11.55 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Michael Hogan (Australia)

TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)

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