Wykes, Hayward return to run with the Bulls

[WF1964]

Sam Wykes and Jayden Hayward will return to the starting line-up when the Western Force tackles the Bulls at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday (26 April).

Wykes has recovered from a rib injury and returns to the starting pack, alongside second-rower Adam Coleman, who was impressive in his starting debut for the Force against the Melbourne Rebels last weekend. Lock Wilhelm Steenkamp will provide coverage from the bench in his first appearance against his former club since joining the Western Force ahead of the 2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby season.

Hayward returns to his customary fullback position with Dane Haylett-Petty, who started in the ‘15’ jersey against the Rebels, moving to the wing.

Prop Kieran Longbottom will become the first Western Australian born-and-raised player to play 50 Asteron Life Super Rugby matches for the Western Force when he takes to the field on Saturday. Longbottom was a member of the inaugural RugbyWA Academy program in 2006 and went on to make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut against the Chiefs in Perth in 2008. The 28-year-old has started at tighthead in all eight matches for the Western Force in 2014.

Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward returning home to the ‘Force Field’ to take on the three-time Asteron Life Super Rugby champions.

“In the last three weeks the boys have tackled one of the toughest sections of the season; three consecutive derbies with travel across the country for each match is a significant challenge,” he said. “While we were disappointed in aspects of our game against the Rebels, the win against the Reds away and our first ever win against the Waratahs at home were great signs of the progress the boys have made.

“This weekend marks the first of four consecutive games against South African opponents who present a different type of challenge to Australian and New Zealand teams. South African sides use their set piece and kicking games as weapons and we will need to perform well in both these areas to achieve success in the next month.

“As the first Perth player to achieve 50 games for the club, Kieran’s milestone is a great reward for his perseverance and determination to constantly chase improvement. I'm certain all the boys are keen to see him rewarded for his commitment to the team.”

The match will see the Western Force chase a club record-equalling fourth straight home win after victories over the Rebels, Chiefs and Waratahs this season. The last time the club achieved the feat was in 2007 with wins over the Hurricanes, Reds, Sharks and Cheetahs.

2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week 11

Western Force v Bulls

The ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth

Saturday, 26 April 2014

Kick-off: 5.40pm (AWST)

1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Adam Coleman
5. Sam Wykes
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Ben McCalman

9. Ian Prior
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Marcel Brache
14. Dane Haylett-Petty
15. Jayden Hayward

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. Wilhelm Steenkamp
20. Brynard Stander
21. Justin Turner
22. Zack Holmes
23. Chris Tuatara-Morrison

[chibi]

Wow! Hayward's back?! Got guts; I would still be an immobile wreck.

[WF1964]

Grieving is a long process with many stages. Getting back in to a normal routine may be helpful perhaps?

[chibi]

Oh most definitely, that's why I have such admiration for the guy. I would be completely useless.

[Kept One]

This Team should beat the Bulls, with some handy reserves if required.

[chibi]

True, but I do worry if we have "Argentina Syndrome" whereby we win "upsets" but not the ones we probably should win. I think I took last week's loss to the Rebels in quite a deflating manner, I really thought it would have shown character if they got up and won that. Having said that, I'm probably just being a drama queen.

[chiraag]

Interesting that Steenkamp is on the bench. Would've thought he should be a definite starter against his old side, and to combat Victor and the rolling maul of the Bulls...

[SNOB]

Interesting that Steenkamp is on the bench. Would've thought he should be a definite starter against his old side, and to combat Victor and the rolling maul of the Bulls...

My thoughts also but I wonder if they want the unknown out to start with and of course the extra height Coleman brings which may cause a disruption to Victors line outs and then bring on our SA contingent to mop up in the last 20 or so.

[joblot]

Well done Jaydan in getting back after what must have been a devastating time for you and your wife. I am confident that "The Sea of Blue" will give you huge support to show their respect for you both. Go get them lad.

[James]

I assumed that Steenkamp was on the bench because Force management thought he might be easily baited into giving away a yellow or red card.

[Sheikh]

Foley seems to be reading the site - Paddy drops straight out of the 23. With the current reserves, he may not get another chance here

[valzc]

Glad to see DHP get another run needs more game time to shine. Hope Ian has resolved his pickup issues at the breakdown we don't need another Genia! And am really keen to see Justin Turner come on after all the praise I've been hearing. Please don't start kicking too much again Sias!

[sandgroperrugby]

6 west Aussie in the side whoop whoop

[shasta]

6 west Aussie in the side whoop whoop

and one Taswegian.

[Macattack]

Well done to a gutsy Jayden, you will get nothing but support from your home mob and gratz to KL on his 50th