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Experienced hands ready for reborn Western Force’s World Series Rugby opener
Nick Taylor The West Australian
Tuesday, 1 May 2018 8:23AM
Nick Taylor
Eight former Western Force players will line up in the reborn side that opens the revolutionary World Series Rugby against Fiji at nib Stadium on Friday night.
There is plenty of experience including front-rowers Heath Tessmann and Chris Heiberg, back-rowers Chris Alcock and Brynard Stander, scrum-half and captain Ian Prior and backs Marcel Brache and former Springbok Peter Grant, all of whom played for Western Force in Super Rugby.
Coach Tim Sampson has selected a five-forwards, three-backs reserves bench in anticipation of what is expected to be a typical bruising Fiji encounter.
The game will also be played under experimental laws including faster scrums and line-outs and more points for long-range tries and kicks — something that is likely to suit the free-flowing and entertaining Fijians.
Among the players back where it all began is the ‘K-Bomb’, tight head prop Kieran Longbottom, who will come off the bench after returning from England.
More here
https://thewest.com.au/sport/western...-ng-b88821759z