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HIGHLANDERS V FORCE - R6, 2016

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Moono75

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From Highlanders....

A fresh locking combination and rotation in the loose forwards are the two significant changes to the starting team for the Pulse Energy Highlanders match against the Western Force on Friday night in Dunedin. Having just returned from a successful mini-tour to Australia the Highlanders will line up at Forsyth Barr Stadium with a pack that has five changes from the team that beat the Melbourne Rebels.

Alex Ainley and Tom Franklin will start in the middle row of the scrum for the second time this season, with regular lock Joe Wheeler moving to the bench. Elliot Dixon, who was outstanding against the Waratahs, replaces Luke Whitelock at blindside, while co-captain Shane Christie moves to the bench to make way for Dan Pryor on the openside. Liam Coltman and Ash Dixon continue their competition for the starting hooker role with Coltman in the number 2 shirt this week and prop Daniel Lienert-Brown returns to the playing 23 after a week playing club rugby.

In the backs Matt Faddes returns from injury for Jack Wilson, and livewire halfback Fumiaki Tanaka has recovered from his calf strain to take the place of Josh Renton in the reserves.

Pulse Energy Highlanders v Western Force, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin, Friday 1st April, Kick-off 2.35pm (WST) 5.35pm (EDST)


1. Brendon Edmonds
2. Liam Coltman
3. Siosiua Halanukonuka
4. Alex Ainley
5. Tom Franklin
6. Elliot Dixon
7. Dan Pryor
8. Liam Squire
9. Aaron Smith
10. Lima Sopoaga
11. Pat Osborne
12. Rob Thompson
13. Malakai Fekitoa
14. Matt Faddes
15. Ben Smith (c)

Reserves

16. Ash Dixon
17. Daniel Lienert-Brown
18. Josh Hohneck
19. Joe Wheeler
20. Shane Christie (cc)
21. Fumiaki Tanaka
22. Hayden Parker
23. Jason Emery
 
M

Moono75

Guest
The Western Force have made two changes to their run on side for the clash with last year’s champions the Highlanders in Dunedin on Friday, 1 April. Wallaby Ben McCalman comes back into the fold at No. 8 and Luke Morahan returns to the right wing, after missing the first two games of the New Zealand tour with a foot injury.

Head Coach Michael Foley says a full ground defensive effort is needed against the current Asteron Life Super Rugby champions. “The Highlanders play tough, smart rugby. Last week, they had one line break, but scored 4 tries, which is an indicator of how they vary their attack with ball in hand and kicking,” he said. “The key for us is to consistently apply pressure across 80 minutes.”

“We asked good questions in the first half last week and created some good scoring opportunities, but we need to ensure we put ourselves in a position to keep attacking for the full game.”

An unchanged front row will look to carry momentum from a strong set piece performance last week when they lock horns with a powerful Highlanders front row. Ross Haylett-Petty and Adam Coleman will again partner in the second row, after strong performances from both men.
While Ben McCalman comes back in to the backrow alongside skipper Matt Hodgson and Angus Cottrell will start at blindside flanker.

Alby Mathewson will start at scrumhalf after one of his strongest performances of the year last weekend and veteran Peter Grant will marshal the troops at flyhalf. Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea will again start at inside centre and Ben Tapuai will look to continue his good form in the number 13 jersey. Electrifying winger Luke Morahan races back into the team and will be keen to pick up where he left off against the Brumbies. Semisi Masirewa will man the left wing after a strong match and Dane Haylett-Petty rounds out the starting XV.

Big man Steve Mafi will look to bring some energy from the bench, while Future Force product Richard Hardwick is set to make his Asteron Life Super Rugby debut. Ryan Louwrens will again come off the bench and hope to play his second match of the season. Ian Prior was strong off the bench last week and will look to do the same again, while Albert Nikoro will want to spark the attack if given the opportunity.

2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby – Week Six
Highlanders v Western Force

1. Pekahou Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Tetera Faulkner
4. Ross Haylett-Petty
5. Adam Coleman
6. Angus Cottrell
7. Matt Hodgson (C)
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Peter Grant
11. Semisi Masirewa
12. Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea
13. Ben Tapuai
14. Luke Morahan
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Jermaine Ainsley
19. Sitiveni (Steve) Mafi
20. Richard Hardwick
21. Ryan Louwrens
22. Ian Prior
23. Albert Nikoro
 
Melchior

Melchior

Herbert Moran (7)
NZ teams should be cheering the force, they get to rotate their squads and rest their first team while keeping their fans happy with comfortable wins at home ;)

The back row for mind looks a little light on. McCalman has been very quiet after returning from Japan and Cottrell has not been able to replicate his form of 2014 because of his extra bulk and injuries.

The force actually have a decent record against the highlanders, hopefully they can play for the full 80. Hope Hardwick can shine if he gets on.
 
teach

teach

Trevor Allan (34)
Melchior said:
The force actually have a decent record against the highlanders, hopefully they can play for the full 80.
Click to expand...


That looks to be the strongest Highlanders team fielded this season. Even the bench is back to full strength. I think the coach will be wanting the bonus point they let slip away against the 'Tahs. There certainly won't be the going to sleep that let the Waratahs look competitive. If the Force don't play the full 80 it could get ugly for them.

With the home advantage and relatively light travel so far, Highlanders by 20+.
 
M

Moono75

Guest
Nice to have Morahan back in the team and paired up with Masirewa. They offer us the best hope having a couple of burners on the outside. They just need to remember to pin their ears back and GO. Junior are you listening!

Good luck to Richard Hardwick in his debut off the bench.
 
G

galumay

Guest
Should see the 'Landers kick on here. May well be a dire afternoon for the Force.
 
louie

louie

Desmond Connor (43)
great start for the force. did a bit of highlanders to the highlanders for that one.
 
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