Wykes returns for Force farewell
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Veteran lock Sam Wykes is set to play his final match in Perth when the Western Force tackle the Brumbies on Friday.
The 27-year-old, who will play in the Japanese Top League in 2015/2016, returns to the second row, having already played 85 games across eight seasons with the Western Australian side.
Wykes will pack down behind Guy Millar, who earns his first opportunity in the run-on side, having played three matches off the bench this season.
The home side will also feature a fresh half back pairing, with Alby Mathewson back into the starting side, while Zack Holmes also returns to face the ACT side, where he made his Super Rugby debut in 2012.
Head coach Michael Foley says the match will be a special occasion for Wykes and his teammates.
“As a team – players and staff – we’re very determined to finish our home season with a strong performance in front of our supporters ,” he said.
“Our ability to nail our attacking breakdowns against players that are highly active in that area will be key in seeing our attack convert opportunities to points.
“Friday represents an opportunity for the team to farewell ‘Wykesy’.
"Wykesy [Sam Wykes] has always given his all for his mates and our supporters. In most recent times, when asked to captain the team during difficult circumstances this season, he gave his all in accepting the responsibility.
"As someone who has immense respect for our supporters, the club and his teammates, Sam will be keen to rip in on Friday, and I know the rest of the boys will be keen to do the same for him.”
Force:15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Kyle Godwin, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Zack Holmes, 9 Alby Mathewson, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Guy Millar, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pekahou Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Tetera Faulkner, 19 Steve Mafi, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Ryan Louwrens, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Patrick Dellit.
Date: Friday, June 5
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.00 AWST (21.00 AEST; 11.00 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant referees: Damien Mitchelmore, Graham Cooper
TMO: Peter Marshall
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