Force get backline boost for Rebels clash
The wing Chance Peni returns to the starting XV from a lengthy period on the sideline due to a groin injury and will be looking to pick up where he left off.
While the classy flyhalf Jono Lance is back on the bench after a broken hand and is set to play his 50th match of Super Rugby.
In front Wallaby hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau returns from National duties and will have Pek Cowan and Jermaine Ainsley beside him in the front row.
Adam Coleman is set to start in the second row and will captain the side for the first time and become the 13th Western Force captain.
Recent Wallaby debutant Richard Hardwick will start in the number seven jersey and link up with fellow local product Ross Haylett-Petty and Fijian excitement machine Isi Naisarani.
The other modification in the reserves sees Brynard Stander comes into the side and will provide plenty of impact in the forward pack.
Western Force Head Coach Dave Wessels says that his team are ready for a fired-up Rebels squad and looks forward to an exciting game of rugby.
"It’s been great to have a few weeks of dedicated training time to work on our game. We’ve worked hard on elements of our set piece and bringing more variation to our attack.
"It looks like the rain is going to hold off on Friday so we’re looking forward to an exciting game from both sides,"
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Chance Peni, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bill Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Adam Coleman (captain), 4 Matt Philip, 3 Jermaine Ainsley, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Lewis Carmichael, 20 Brynard Stander, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Jono Lance, 23 James Verity-Amm.
Date: Friday, July 7
Venue: Nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.55 (11.55 GMT)
Referee: William Houston (Australia)
Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Damon Murphy (Australia)
TMO: Damien Mitchelmore (Australia)
