Force stick with what works

 

The Force will run out the identical 23-man line-up that smashed the Melbourne Rebels 32-7 in Perth last week.

 

It is the first time the Force has named the same squad in consecutive weeks since their Round 15 win over the Highlanders last year.

 

Wing Luke Morahan is in line to play his 50th Super Rugby match, after joining the Force from the Reds this season. 

 

The express-paced outside back – who forms a back three with Wallabies wing Nick Cummins and former Highlanders back, Jayden Hayward – crossed for his side’s second of four tries in the opening 27 minutes against the Rebels. 

 

Matt Hodgson, who led the side out for his 100th Super Rugby cap last weekend, will again captain the side, packing down in the backrow alongside in-form eightman Ben McCalman and flank Angus Cottrell, who was a tryscorer last week.

 

Western Force head coach Michael Foley said it’s important for his side to make another early statement against the Highlanders.

 

"Our focus was to start the match strongly last weekend and it was pleasing to see the team do exactly that.

 

"Our second half execution wasn’t as precise. 

 

"This week it’s important for us to back up with another strong start and look to improve on our execution into the second half," Foley added.

 

Force: 15 Jayden Hayward, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Junior Rasolea, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8  Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Kieran Longbottom, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.

Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Tetera Faulkner, 18 Ollie Hoskins, 19 Adam Coleman ,20 Brynard Stander, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Zack Holmes, 23 Marcel Brache.

 

Date: Saturday, March 15

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin

Kick-off: 19.35 (06.35 GMT; 14.35 AWST)

Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand), Ben O'Keefe (New Zealand)

TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)