Mathewson into starting XV to face Sharks

Scrumhalf Alby Mathewson will return to the Emirates Western Force's starting line-up to face the Sharks at nib Stadium on Friday night.

The Force has retained the same 22-man squad that pushed the Chiefs in their 22-21 loss to the reigning Super Rugby champions, with Mathewson's promotion to the starting XV the only change in the Western Australian line-up.

Prior to last week's encounter, the Kiwi scrumhalf had started in each of the Force's previous 11 matches.

Friday's match represents the first of five consecutive home matches for the Force, including Super Rugby fixtures against the Sharks, Highlanders, Waratahs and Brumbies, and their tour match against the British & Irish Lions.

Emirates Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says these matches are an opportunity to demonstrate the progress the squad has made this season and the direction of the side moving forward.

"After undertaking an extensive travel schedule this season, the challenge is to strive for greater consistency in our last five performances at home." he said.

"I'm extremely pleased in the way the boys have continued to challenge themselves through what's been difficult circumstances over recent weeks.

"The performances against the Reds and again against the Chiefs indicates the extra effort they've put into preparing themselves to play for each other.

"While we were disappointed with the result against the Chiefs, I was proud of the character the boys demonstrated in outscoring an excellent attacking side like the Chiefs two tries to one.

"While we continue to develop our game, our immediate challenge is to back up our previous two performances with the same outstanding effort against a dangerous Sharks side tomorrow night."

2013 Super Rugby – Week 14
Emirates Western Force v Sharks
nib Stadium, Perth
Friday, 17 May 2013
Kick-off: 7.45pm

1. Pek Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Toby Lynn
5. Sam Wykes
6. Matt Hodgson (c)
7. Chris Alcock
8. Ben McCalman

9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Nick Cummins
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Ben Jacobs
14. Patrick Dellit
15. Jayden Hayward

Reserves
16. James Hilterbrand
17. Tetera Faulkner
18. Rory Walton
19. Richard Brown
20. Brett Sheehan
21. Junior Rasolea
22. Sam Norton-Knight