Pek Cowan will captain the Western Force after injury has ruled out veteran Matt Hodgson.
Head coach Michael Foley has made four changes to his team to face the Rebels with Chris Alcock returning from a knee injury he suffered in round one to replace Hodgson. In other changes, former Springbok Peter Grant returns at flyhalf while Heath Tessmann and Solomoni (Junior) Rasolea have both been named on the bench.
Foley said it was disappointing to lose their captain but expect his side to left under Cowan.
“‘Hodgo’ is obviously a loss in terms of his play and leadership and while Pek (Cowan) will assume the captaincy, every player understands the need to step up,” he said.
“Pek has been around from day one and with Alby, was asked to lead the team in Matt’s absence in the pre-season.
Foley expects a tight contest at AAMI Park with both teams looking to get their season back on track.
“Clashes with the Rebels are always tight and we expect nothing different this weekend,” he said.
Last week we controlled possession and position for large portions of the game and while I felt we were a little unlucky to not be rewarded, we've remained focused on areas we can control.”
TEAM
1. Pek Cowan (C)
2. Harry Scoble
3. Guy Millar
4. Ross Haylett-Petty
5. Adam Coleman
6. Brynard Stander
7. Chris Alcock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Alby Mathewson
10 . Peter Grant
11. Luke Morahan
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Ben Tapuai
14 . Marcel Brache
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
RESERVES
16. Heath Tessmann
17. Francois Van Wyk
18. Tetera Faulkner
19. Rory Walton
20. Angus Cottrell
21. Ryan Louwrens
22. Solomoni Rasolea
23. Semisi Masirewa
