MCMENIMAN RETURNS AS FORCE FACES REIGNING CHAMPIONS

[The InnFORCEr]

WESTERN FORCE MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 20 March 2014


Wallaby forward Hugh McMeniman will return to the Western Force line-up for their blockbuster against reigning Asteron Life Super Rugby champions, the Chiefs, at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday (22 March).

McMeniman, who travelled to New Zealand last week but was not named in the 31-29 win over the Highlanders, will make his return to the field after recovering from a back injury sustained against the Brumbies in Week Three.

The 22-Test Wallaby makes his comeback on the blindside flank, with Angus Cottrell moving to No.8 in place of Ben McCalman, who will miss Saturday’s clash after receiving a two-week suspension for a dangerous tackle in the match against the Highlanders.

The remainder of the Western Force pack remains unchanged, while the team will run out the identical backline and reserves list from the past two matches against the Melbourne Rebels and Highlanders.

Ticket sales for Saturday’s match have already been strong, with a big crowd expected at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) for the match.

Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the reigning champions.

“The Chiefs are the benchmark side in the competition” he said. “Having said that, the opportunity to play them at home in front of our supporters is exciting.

“The response of the team to the challenges of the last two weeks speaks volumes for the character of the group.

“We’re learning all the time. Already this season our understanding of how to gain momentum, as well as our ability to remain composed when we don’t have it has improved.”

Tickets for Saturday’s match are selling fast, with tickets still available through Ticketmaster. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au

2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Six
Western Force v Chiefs
The ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Saturday, 22 March 2014
Kick-off: 7pm

1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Sam Wykes
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Hugh McMeniman
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Angus Cottrell
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Junior Rasolea
14. Luke Morahan
15. Jayden Hayward

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. Adam Coleman
20. Brynard Stander
21. Ian Prior
22. Zack Holmes
23. Marcel Brache

[Flying 14]

Gotta love a bit of Madness!! Bring the pain.

[valzc]

YAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!!

[GIGS20]

That'll keep Wykesey looking over his shoulder as well

[hertryk]

BRING IT ON!! ...and another pertinent factor ....Muddly doing the TOSS!!! YAAAAAAAY!!! All the good forces lining up in a row..

[Rex Messup]

Should be an impressive lineout......two locks + Cottrell and McMenimum
kick it out.....the farkers can't counter attack. I think we can disrupt their lineout.
The backrow will have to work hard in this one. The Chiefs backrow is 5 stars.
Our backs have hopefully been on the tackling bags this week and will be taking a teaspoon of cement in the minutes before kickoff

[travelling_gerry]

Its a pretty stiff breeze out there today. The winner of the coin toss might be all important!

Muddly? Two headed coin?