It's all about attack for Force
Michael Foley's men have been working tirelessly throughout the pre-season and will be keen to translate all of their hard work from the training paddock into a full 80-minute performance.
With a focus on playing exciting, fast paced rugby, the Hurricanes will prove the perfect measuring stick for the Force, as the Wellington side were undoubtedly the most potent attacking unit in the competition last season.
After a busy off-season, the Force will also look to blood some of their new recruits, with backline acquisitions Peter Grant (formerly of the La Rochelle), Jono Lance (Waratahs) and Ben Tapuai (Reds) all set to run out in the Western Force colours for the first time. All key components in the side's new expansive game style, the new kids on the block will be keen to prove what they can bring to the table for the 2016 Super Rugby season.
Head coach Foley says the match will be a valuable hit-out for his side.
"It's an important match for us in terms of making sure we are ready to perform come the start of the season," he said. "These pre-season trial matches give us an opportunity to hone our systems against high quality opposition and get some match fitness under our belts heading into round one."
"It will also be good to see some of the new players representing the club for the first time, they have been working really well with the group at training so it will be good to see how the chemistry they have built over pre-season translates to an official match."
Last season the Wellington side dominated the Super Rugby season, winning 14 out of 16 games before a narrow loss in the Super Rugby Final saw the 'Canes finish as the 2015 runner-ups. They will be intent on stamping their authority on the competition before the season begins.
Hurricanes coach Chris Boyd says he is expecting a good hit-out against the Force to ready his troops for the season proper.
"This should be a great first up test for our team the Force are a strong side and have recruited well in the off season," he said. "We've been training hard and this is a great opportunity for us to compete in a good contest at a Super Rugby standard."
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