Homecoming for Cummins
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Nick Cummins will make his return to the NIB Stadium when the Western Force takes on the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.
Cummins made a try-scoring comeback for the Force against the Brumbies last Friday, and will run out as part of a settled Western Australian line-up against their Victorian rivals this week.
In the only change to the starting XV, Luke Burton will again start at fullback replacing Luke Morahan, who has succumbed to a hamstring strain.
On the bench, Adam Coleman is set to make a return from a hip injury that has seen him sidelined for the Force’s matches against the Hurricanes and Brumbies.
Wing Mitch Scott has also been reinstated in the Force’s match day squad, after scoring his maiden Super Rugby try in his last appearance at the NIB Stadium against the Hurricanes a fortnight ago.
Western Force coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to returning to the their home ground.
“We’re excited to be back at home,” he said.
“Friday provides us with an opportunity to play for our fans.
“Last week’s performance was a true reflection of what it means to us to play for each other and the jersey.
"With our attitude right, a number of areas within our game improved through the 80 minutes.
"We started to manipulate the defence and apply good pressure with ball in hand.
“It’s important that we take the Brumbies performance and build on it on Friday.”
Western Force: 15 Luke Burton, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Solomoni Jnr Rasolea, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Chris Alcock, 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Sam Wykes (captain), 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pekahou Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Oliver Hoskins, 19 Adam Coleman, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Sias Ebersohn, 23 Mitchell Scott.
Date: Friday, March 13
Venue: NIB Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.00 (11.00 GMT; 22.00 AEDT)
Referee: Rohan Hoffmann (Australia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
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