Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Western Force legend named for first start of Super Rugby AU campaign

(Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Captain Ian Prior will make his return from injury when the Western Force take on the NSW Waratahs at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast this Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

The inclusion of Prior, who missed the past two Super Rugby AU matches through injury, is one of seven changes – five to the starting line-up and two on the bench – from the team that faced the Melbourne Rebels two weeks ago.

The match also marks the return of Force legend Pek Cowan to the starting line-up. The 10-time-capped Wallaby prop made his 131st appearance for the club coming off the bench against the Rebels.

Video Spacer

Western Force v Waratahs | Super Rugby AU | Round Seven

Video Spacer

Western Force v Waratahs | Super Rugby AU | Round Seven

In a second change to the forward pack, Future Force Academy graduate Kane Koteka is one of two players set to make their Super Rugby AU debuts on Friday. The flanker has been brought into the starting side in place of Tevin Ferris, who remains on the injury list after leaving the field early in Round 5.

Koteka is a hard-running loose forward in a similar mould to his teammates Henry Stowers and Brynard Stander.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDzw8qDAvtB/

In two changes amongst the backs, Brad Lacey returns to the wing in place of Marcel Brache, who is being rested, and Jake Strachan, who is set to make his Super Rugby AU debut at fullback in place of Jack McGregor, who is included amongst the reserves.

Strachan has been a regular in the Force line-up in recent seasons, impressing with some consistent performances in Global Rapid Rugby.

ADVERTISEMENT

In two changes to the bench, Ollie Atkins returns to the squad as loose forward cover, and utility back Nick Jooste makes his return to the matchday 23 in the place of Henry Taefu, who is rested.

– Western Force Rugby

ADVERTISEMENT
LIVE

Rugby Americas North Men's U19 XV's | Day 1

KOKO Show | July 8th | Bernard Foley stops by to talk the Wallabies winning and Lions being tested

England v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

Georgia vs Ireland | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

Lions Share | Episode 2

Chile vs Romania | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

USA vs Belgium | Men’s International | Full Match Replay

Touchdown in Dublin, The Red Sea Returns & We Prepare to Face Argentina | Ep 2: The Ultimate Test

South Africa v British & Irish Lions | 2009 | Second Test | The Vaults

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING British & Irish Lions player ratings vs Brumbies | 2025 Lions series British & Irish Lions players ratings vs Brumbies | 2025 Lions series
Search