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WESTERN FORCE MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 28 February 2014
The Western Force will open the gates of the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) for the first time in the 2014 Asteron Life Super Rugby season, when the Western Australian club takes on the Brumbies on Saturday night (1 March).
The Force will be determined to bounce back from last week’s opening round loss to the NSW Waratahs, in the team’s first appearance in front of its ‘Sea of Blue’ for 2014.
Hugh McMeniman and Chris Alcock have been promoted into the starting line-up, while Jayden Hayward will returns to the match day squad on the bench.
The Brumbies will be looking to respond following last weekend’s 27-17 loss to the Queensland Reds, with Robbie Coleman named on the wing replacing the injured Joe Tomane (ankle) while outside Tevita Kuridrani comes into the starting line-up.
Former Force skipper David Pocock will make his return to the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) for the first time since leaving the Force at the end of the 2012 Super Rugby season.
The Brumbies hold a one-match advantage in the two sides’ encounters in Perth, while the Force won the last match between the sides, in a 21-15 final round win over the ACT side in Perth in 2013.
Western Force fans are encouraged to take part in the club’s ‘WELCOME’ at Claisebrook Train Station and at the entrances to the ground before the game. Supporters will be welcomed by Force representatives with giveaways prior to the match.
Western Force members are invited to ‘The Corner Post’, featuring bar & food facilities, and player appearances, inside the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) at the northern end. Supporters can also attend ‘Force HQ at the Queens Tavern’ (520 Beaufort Street, Highgate).
Tickets to Saturday’s match against the Brumbies are still available through Ticketmaster – visit www.ticketmaster.com.au.
Western Force v Brumbies
‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium), Perth
Saturday, 1 March, 2014
Time: 7pm
Gates Open: 4.15pm.
Weather Forecast: Min: 21C Max: 37C.
Sunny. Southeast to south westerly 15 to 20km/h winds during the afternoon.
Official Twitter hashtag: #FORvBRU
Live match updates available on Twitter (@westernforce) with half-time/full-time scores available on Facebook (facebook.com/westernforce). Check in at the ground at ‘Force Field – nib Stadium’
Last Meeting: Western Force 21 def Brumbies 15 in Perth (2013)
Head to head: Played 11 –Western Force 4; Brumbies 6; Drawn 1
In Perth: Played 6 –Western Force 2; Brumbies 3; Drawn 1
Biggest win: Western Force 25 def Brumbies 16 in Canberra (2009)
Biggest loss: Brumbies 41 def Western Force 7 in Canberra (2013)
2014 record:
Western Force: Played 1; Won 0, Lost 1, Drawn 0; 0pts (14th)
Brumbies: Played 1; Won 0, Lost 1, Drawn 0; 0pts (12th)
Western Force: 1. Tetera Faulkner, 2. Nathan Charles, 3. Kieran Longbottom, 4. Sam Wykes, 5. Hugh McMeniman, 6. Chris Alcock, 7. Matt Hodgson (c), 8. Ben McCalman, 9. Alby Mathewson, 10. Zack Holmes, 11. Nick Cummins, 12. Kyle Godwin, 13. Junior Rasolea, 14. Patrick Dellit, 15. Luke Morahan. Res: 16. Heath Tessmann, 17. Pek Cowan, 18. Ollie Hoskins, 19. Wilhelm Steenkamp, 20. Angus Cottrell, 21. Ian Prior, 22. Sias Ebersohn, 23. Jayden Hayward.
Brumbies: 1. Scott Sio, 2. Stephen Moore, 3. Ben Alexander, 4. Scott Fardy, 5. Sam Carter, 6. Ben Mowen (c), 7. David Pocock, 8. Jarrad Butler, 9. Nic White, 10. Matt Toomua, 11. Robbie Coleman, 12. Pat McCabe, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Henry Speight, 15. Jesse Mogg. Res: 16. Siliva Siliva, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Ruaidhri Murphy, 19. Leon Power, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Conrad Hoffmann, 22. Andrew Smith, 23. Lionel Cronje.
Referee: Nick Briant Assistant Referees: Ian Smith, Ed Martin TMO: George Ayoub
Curtain Raiser
Pacific Rugby Cup: Force A v Junior Japan
Kick-off: 4.30pm
Be at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) early to watch Force A take on Junior Japan in the Pacific Rugby Cup.
Force A will be looking to build on their opening round 29-23 win over Reds A last week, while Saturday will represent the Japanese side’s first fixture in the tournament.
Force A: 1. Francois van Wyk (UWA), 2. Robbie Abel (TBA), 3. Salesi Manu (Palmyra), 4. Adam Coleman (Cottesloe), 5. Phoenix Battye (Wanneroo), 6. Rory Walton (Wanneroo), 7. Kane Koteka (Wests Scarborough), 8. Corey Thomas (UWA), 9. Ryan Louwrens (Cottesloe), 10. Dillyn Leyds (Palmyra), 11. Ed Stubbs (Cottesloe), 12. Luke Burton (UWA), 13. Chris Tuatara-Morrison (c) (Wests Scarborough), 14. Dylan Sage (Associates), 15. Marcel Brache (Perth Bayswater). Res: 16. Harry Scoble (UWA), 17. Joe Savage (Palmyra), 18. Chris Heiberg (Perth Bayswater), 19. Ross Haylett-Petty (Cottesloe), 20. Adrian Hall (Cottesloe), 21. Angus Taylor (Wanneroo), 22. Va’a Mailei (Palmyra), 23. Brad Lacey (Wests Scarborough).
Transport Information
Please note: Public transport is included as part of your ticket/membership. Full information on Transperth timetabling for Western Force matches can be found at www.transperth.wa.gov.au.
For the latest information on any road closures and how they could affect you please visit the MainRoads WA website: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au
Parking
Very limited car parking is available at nib Stadium. Parking is available at East Perth rail terminal (adjacent to East Parade), Royal Street, Central TAFE (Fielder Street), Royal Perth Hospital (Moore Street), Newcastle Street, Pier Street (south of Edward Street only), William Street (near Newcastle Street), Stirling Street (south of Bulwer Street only), and Brisbane Street.
Disabled (ACROD) car parking areas are available and are located on Pier Street, Brewer Street and on Loton Park (fee applies) on match days only