Winning farewell for Wykes?
The Western Force are determined to give veteran lock Sam Wykes a winning send-off when they travel to Melbourne on Friday to play the Rebels.
Wykes is set to play his 87th and final match for the Force, before heading to play in the Japanese Top League.
The Western Force team shows several changes.
Back row forward Angus Cottrell will start at the back of the scrum in place of Ben McCalman, after the Wallaby No.8 was ruled out with a fractured cheekbone – sustained in last weekend's match against the Brumbies.
Cottrell's position on the blindside flank will be taken by Chris Alcock, who returns for his sixth appearance in the run-on side for 2015.
Steve Mafi returns to the starting line-up in place of lock Adam Coleman, who will miss the match after sustaining a broken toe during the week.
Mafi will pack down alongside Wykes.
In the front row Tetera Faulkner has been reinstated in the starting tighthead prop role.
Prop Oliver Hoskins, lock Wilhelm Steenkamp and back row forward Brynard Stander all return to the match squad as part of an extended bench.
Patrick Dellit is also in line to play his final match for the Western Australian squad.
Dellit has represent the Force on 40 occasions in his five seasons with the franchise.
Coach Michael Foley said the Force will be looking to finish the season on a high.
"This will be the last opportunity this team has to play together," he said.
"On that basis, it's a great chance to farewell our departing players and the last chance we'll have this season to thank our supporters for their ongoing loyalty throughout a tough season.
"The guys have continued to prepare well this week and are keen to rip in and leave nothing on the field in our final game this season."
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Angus Cottrell, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Chris Alcock, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pekahou Cowan.
Replacements – from: Heath Tessmann, Chris Heiberg, Guy Millar, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Brynard Stander, Ryan Louwrens, Luke Burton, Patrick Dellit, Oliver Hoskins.
Date: Friday, June 12
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 19.40 (17.40 AWST; 09.40 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)
Assistant referees: James Leckie (Australia), Ed Martin (Australia)
TMO: Peter Marshall (Australia)
