Force players disciplined for curfew breach

Thu, Jul 7, 2016, 6:21 AM
Beth Newman
by Beth Newman
Dane Haylett-Petty was one of the players who broke curfew. Photo: Getty Images
Dane Haylett-Petty was one of the players who broke curfew. Photo: Getty Images

Winger Luke Morahan will captain the Force against the Stormers, after duo Pek Cowan and Dane Haylett-Petty "breached leadership standards" in their trip to South Africa.

While the Western Force didn’t elaborate on the leadership breach in their team announcement, it is understood that a number of players broke a 1am curfew during their time in Bloemfontein.

Brothers Dane and Ross Haylett-Petty were involved in a sibling scuffle that led to a broken vase, though that damage was paid for, while Cowan only missed curfew..

It has also been reported that Francois Van Wyk and recent Wallabies debutant Adam Coleman got into an argument but that wasn’t physical.

Luke Morahan to captain ForceNone of the players involved have been dropped from the 23 to face the Stormers but it’s a disappointing turn of events for the Force in a difficult season.

The timing has soured the positive news of recent days, with the club announcing the signing of prop Ben Daley as well as the contract extension of winger Morahan.

Interim coach Dave Wessels has made five changes to the matchday 23 for the clash, headlined by Ben Tapuai's return at outside centre.

Local product Richard Hardwick will have his first run-on start for the Force, lining up in the backrow for the Perth side.

Guy Millar comes into the tighthead spot for Tetera Faulkner (achilles), while Ryan Louwrens will start at scrumhalf and prop Jermaine Ainsley comes on to the bench for the game.

“As a team we are really focused on putting everything into these last 160-minutes of the season,” Wessels said.

“We were disappointed not to win in Bloemfontein but felt – particularly in the second half – that we played some good attacking rugby.”

“The Stormers are a quality side – with a strong set piece - and are trying to lock in a home final. We know they will come out really hard but we are focusing on what we can do to improve on the good things we did in South Africa and finishing strong for the ‘Sea of Blue’.”

Force team to take on the Stormers, Saturday night 9:40pm AEST, LIVE on FOXSPORTS

1. Pek Cowan

2. Harry Scoble

3. Guy Millar

4. Ross Haylett-Petty

5. Rory Walton

6. Richard Hardwick

7. Chris Alcock

8. Angus Cottrell

9. Ryan Louwrens

10. Jono Lance

11. Luke Morahan (C)

12. Kyle Godwin

13. Ben Tapuai

14. Marcel Brache

15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves

16. Anaru Rangi

17. Francois Van Wyk

18. Jermaine Ainsley

19. Matt Philip

20. Byrnard Stander

21. Ian Prior

22. Peter Grant

23. Semisi Masirewa

 

Share
'Brumbies DNA': Wallabies selections on the line for Reds clash - Larkham
'It's pretty hard to leave an environment like this': Jorgensen eager to commit future to Waratahs
Nico Andrade appointed QRU Women’s High-Performance Manager
'I'll always play on the edge': Wright looking to find attacking balance with new-look Brumbies attack