Force name strong team to play B & I Lions

 

The Western Force have named Matt Hodgson as captain of a team that includes six Test players for their historic tour match against the British & Irish Lions at Patersons Stadium on Wednesday

Hodgson leads the side in a starting line-up that also features Wallaby front-rower Salesi Ma’afu (13 Tests), No.8 Richard Brown (23 Tests), scrumhalf Brett Sheehan (6 Tests) and pivot Sam Norton-Knight (two Tests).

Former-All Black Alby Mathewson (four Tests) will start from the bench and provide coverage at scrumhalf.

The players represent six of the most experienced players within the Western Force squad, with a combined total of 510 Super Rugby caps between them.

The Western Force will back up four days later for their Week 17 Super Rugby fixture against the NSW Waratahs at nib Stadium.

Head Coach Michael Foley says the tight schedule is a unique challenge but provides an exciting opportunity for his players.

Western Force

1. Salesi Manu , 2. James Hilterbrand , 3. Salesi Ma’afu , 4. Toby Lynn , 5. Phoenix Battye, 6. Angus Cottrell , 7. Matt Hodgson (c) , 8. Richard Brown , 9. Brett Sheehan , 10. Sam Norton-Knight , 11. Corey Brown , 12. Chris Tuatara-Morrison , 13. Ed Stubbs , 14. Dane Haylett-Petty , 15. Sam Christie

Replacements : 16. Hugh Roach , 17. Sione Kolo, 18. Tim Metcher, 19. Ben Matwijow, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey , 21. Alby Mathewson , 22. Nick Haining , 23. Junior Rasolea