Western Force make one change for Rebels

The Western Force have named Nick the ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins in their team to play the Melbourne Rebels in Perth on Friday.

‘Honey Badger’ Cummins had his return to Super Rugby last weekend and although this will be the Force’s second home game in 2015 it will be the winger’s first at home this year.

Cummins made a try-scoring comeback for the Force against the Brumbies last Friday, and will run out as part of a settled Western Australian line-up against their Victorian rivals this week.

In the only change to the starting XV, Luke Burton will again start at fullback replacing Luke Morahan, who has succumbed to a hamstring strain.

On the bench, Adam Coleman is set to make a return from a hip injury that has seen him sidelined for the Force’s matches against the Hurricanes and Brumbies.

Winger Mitch Scott has also been reinstated in the Force’s match day squad, after scoring his maiden Super Rugby try in his last appearance at the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium) against the Hurricanes a fortnight ago.

Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side is looking forward to returning to the ‘Force Field’ (nib Stadium).

“We’re excited to be back at home,” he said.

“Friday provides us with an opportunity to play for our fans.

“Last week’s performance was a true reflection of what it means to us to play for each other and the jersey. With our attitude right, a number of areas within our game improved through the 80 minutes. We started to manipulate the defence and apply good pressure with ball in hand.

“It’s important that we take the Brumbies performance and build on it on Friday.” ,

Western Force

1. Pekahou Cowan , 2. Nathan Charles , 3. Tetera Faulkner , 4. Sam Wykes (c) , 5. Steve Mafi , 6. Brynard Stander , 7. Chris Alcock , 8. Ben McCalman , 9. Alby Mathewson , 10. Zack Holmes , 11. Nick Cummins , 12. Solomoni Jnr Rasolea , 13. Kyle Godwin , 14. Marcel Brache , 15. Luke Burton

Replacements : 16. Heath Tessmann , 17. Chris Heiberg , 18. Oliver Hoskins , 19. Adam Coleman , 20. Kane Koteka , 21. Ian Prior , 22. Sias Ebersohn , 23. Mitchell Scott