McMeniman out; McCalman in
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Former Wallaby Hugh McMeniman's shocking run with injury has continued, with the Western Force forward to miss at least a month of rugby after breaking his collarbone.
McMeniman suffered the injury in the first half of Saturday night's upset 18-15 win over the Super Rugby defending champion Chiefs in Perth.
McMeniman played on through the pain for another 10 minutes before being subbed off at halftime.
McMeniman is expected to undergo surgery to fix the issue, but it remains unclear exactly how many weeks he will be sidelined.
The 30-year-old missed a large chunk of 2013 after undergoing a shoulder reconstruction, and he missed two games earlier this season due to a neck injury.
He joined the Force last season, returning after a three-year stint in Japan following an injury-dogged few seasons with the Reds.
McMeniman's absence will be offset by the return of No.8 Ben McCalman, who missed the Chiefs game through suspension.
The Force received some good news when scrumhalf Alby Mathewson escaped with just a one-week ban for trampling Chiefs flanker Sam Cane at a ruck.
Given the Force have a bye this week, Mathewson will be free to return for next week's clash with the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
Prop Kieran Longbottom could also be available to take on the Reds despite taking a knee to the head while making a try-saving tackle against the Chiefs.
The Force are brimming with confidence after stringing together three straight wins for just the second time in their history.
After five games, the Force sit equal sixth on the table, just two points adrift of third spot.
The Reds dropped to 10th after coughing up a 17-point lead in their 23-20 loss to the Lions in Johannesburg.
The Force have beaten the Reds in two of their past three meetings, with the other match an 11-11 stalemate.
AAP
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