HAYLETT-PETTY, STEENKAMP RETURN TO FORCE STARTING XV

[The InnFORCEr]

WESTERN FORCE MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, 22 May 2014


Winger Dane Haylett-Petty and lock Wilhelm Steenkamp will return to the starting line-up when the Western Force takes on the Lions at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) on Saturday (24 May).

Haylett-Petty missed the Force’s last round match against the Stormers after succumbing to a groin strain suffered in the 23-16 win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein the week prior. The 24-year-old replaces Marcel Brache on the end of the backline after Brache sustained an ankle injury against the Stormers.

Steenkamp returns to the run-on side after starting from the bench against Stormers, and will pack down in place of Adam Coleman, who will start from the reserves list.

The Force has retained the remainder of the 23 from last weekend’s match in Cape Town.

The Western Force will wear pink socks for Saturday’s match as part of the McGrath Foundation’s ‘Pull On Your Socks’ campaign, raising funds and awareness for breast cancer support services across WA and Australia.

Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to returning to the ‘Force Field’ on Saturday night.

“We love playing at home and we’re looking forward to the game this weekend,” he said.

“The Lions have proven to be a dangerous side on the back of a strong set piece and their commitment to play for each other, and I believe the boys are refocused and ready to rip in.”


2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week 15
Western Force v Lions
The ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Saturday, 24 May 2014
Kick-off: 5.40pm (AWST)

1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Sam Wykes
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Ian Prior
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Luke Burton
13. Chris Tuatara-Morrison
14. Dane Haylett-Petty
15. Jayden Hayward

Reserves
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Ollie Hoskins
19. Adam Coleman
20. Brynard Stander
21. Justin Turner
22. Zack Holmes
23. Patrick Dellit

[WFDom]

Steenkamp will hopefully give us some stability at the line out.

How long is Mozza gonna be out for? Anyone?

[UNCLE BOOG]

and, (offtopic) I wonder if Fox articles will start quoting the fact we have 5 wallabies in our squad, as though that is the reason we're doing well, because heaven forbid its on the back of hard work and belief!

[hertryk]

Still no Alby???
I thought it was "just a couple of weeks" but to be on the extra safe-side they didn't take him to South Africa???

[MI5_Dog]

This game is by no means an easy win at all.
The Lions have been playing very well and could stomp us if we don't play with intensity for the full 80

[BeeJay]

At least Cheese is good go.

The Lions are desperate for a win. But they have shown they can become a bit unstructured in the heat of the moment, and can make silly errors. There will be turnover opportunities, and chances to counter attack, like in the Cheetahs game. We need to retain our defensive systems in the helter skelter that may eventuate.

Their set piece, esp scrum, is very good too. A big test for our "Wallabies" Cheese and Pek...

[brokendown gunfighter]

their driving maul is a cause for concern--hope there has been a lot of practice this week in nullifying it (legally)

[rugby rules]

anyone have any news on Alby??

[sandgroperrugby]

I am hoping that if ready turner can get a run and turn his horrible luck around.

[kipper_mckinnon]

I would hane thought that turner would have got at least 20 minutes in south africa to test his body out- especially against the stormers when we were already beaten !!!

[hertryk]

If this weather keeps up we could be in for a kicking fest

[Herbasimplex]

force with the bonus point victory to keep us in the finals hunt.

[Alison]

From your keyboard to the rugby gods' ears Herbx ;-D

[The InnFORCEr]

If this weather keeps up we could be in for a kicking fest

We beat the Bulls that way, and if we have to do the same again for a win against the Lions, so be it. A win is a win is a win, winning ugly is still a win, following a game plan is a win

[SNOB]

Hope your both right. Looks as though the bookies have decided we've got this one, $1.22 they have been wrong before!