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Emirates Western Force captain Matt Hodgson and lock Sam Wykes are in line to return from injury when the Emirates Western Force christens the new nib Stadium against the Cheetahs on Saturday night.
Hodgson initially suffered a hamstring injury in the lead-up to the season opener against the Melbourne Rebels, before aggravating it in the Week Three clash against the Bulls in Pretoria. His absence from last weekend’s win over the Queensland Reds allowed him to be at the birth of he and wife Jo’s first child, Hunter Patrick, on Thursday night.
Head Coach Michael Foley has named an initial 23-man squad to face the Cheetahs with Wykes, who has recovered from an ankle injury sustained in training last week, set to replace Phoenix Battye in the match day squad.
The match will mark winger Alfie Mafi’s 50th in Super Rugby. Mafi, who currently shares a hold of the leading try-scorer’s mantle with four touchdowns, has played 33 matches over three seasons for the Force, having previously represented the Waratahs (nine matches in 2008) and the Brumbies (seven matches in 2009 and 2010).
The match against the Cheetahs is the first home fixture for the Emirates Western Force in 2013 following the $95 million renovation of nib Stadium. The new stadium now features a towering eastern grandstand, new southern stand and two massive replay screens at either end of the ground.
Head Coach Michael Foley said the revamped nib Stadium ushers in a new era for the Emirates Western Force in Perth.
"We now have a fantastic new home and we’re very proud to be playing back in Perth, in front of the Sea of Blue,” he said. “An important part of our development will be to earn the respect of our people through the way we perform in our home.
“Last week we showed great character in the way we supported each other through the 80 minutes.
"To hold the Reds try-less was important, as we face another strong attacking side this week.”
2013 Super Rugby – Week Six
Emirates Western Force v Cheetahs
nib Stadium, Perth
Saturday, 23 March 2013
Kick-off: 6.45pm
Chris Alcock, Richard Brown, Nathan Charles, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Pat Dellit, Sias Ebersohn, Tetera Faulkner, Kyle Godwin, Jayden Hayward, Matt Hodgson (c), Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'afu, Alfie Mafi, Alby Mathewson, Ben McCalman, Hugh McMeniman, Junior Rasolea, Michael Snowden, Winston Stanley, Heath Tessmann, Will Tupou, Sam Wykes.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
or SKN
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
I would Rather Phoenix over Wykes at the moment.
Great to see that all the players that fronted up last week are back for selection this week and no injuries.
I expect same start with Hodgo coming off the bench in the second half due to his niggle, Wykes to be the unlucky 23rd as Ben Mac can cover lock as well for us.
Simon Cron: “People talk about winning and losing all the time and they are critical, but there’s a process to get into and it’s the ability to stay present, do your job and execute skills under pressure.”
Just heard on Rugby HQ that Dickface Horan is calling the game at NIB this Saturday. If we needed any more motivation to win surely it's the prospect of making him choke on his words!!
C'mon the![]()
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Yeah we get Horan, Cannon and the guys that does Palys of the Day in his maiden commmentry appearance.
Sharpie is apparently going to the Hong Kong Sevens in a Chewbacca (may the Force be with you Sharpie) suit and the rest of the baby blue bloods will be hanging out for the Sunday match in Sydney for some Tah love.
Last edited by The InnFORCEr; 22-03-13 at 07:57.
80 Minutes, 15 Positions, No Protection, Wanna Ruck?
Ruck Me, Maul Me, Make Me Scrum!
Education is Important, but Rugby is Importanter!
The Tahs will get owned this wkend!
Just wish I could be there at NIB on Sat night to watch the lads make it two in a row and christen the new stadium with a big win.
One More Day!
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaSrHdE-IP4"]The NEW nib Stadium awaits the Sea of Blue! - YouTube[/ame]
“Everyone knows whether it’s rugby, politics or whatever, front-rowers should rule the world, so to have a hooker at the helm makes sense,” Nathan Charles Western Force & Wallabies Hooker.
*sings* "It's a new dawn, it's a new day, and I'm feeling bluuuuue*
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Proudly Western Australian; Proudly supporting Western Australian rugby
they gave Sean Maloney one or two games last year, so it is not quite his maiden appearance. i think it is the first time he has called a game in Perth though.
he doesn't have the polish of the seasoned commentators but i think that works in his favour in a way.
I wonder if Horan will have any player signing "scoops" this time around.![]()