The Western Force have named five new faces for their opening Global Rapid Rugby clash against the Malaysia Valke.
Halfback Ian Prior will lead the side out for the second straight year while coach Tim Sampson has named five debutants in prop Angus Wagner, winger Byron Ralston, halfback Jacob Abel, WA product Grason Makara and and reserve back Jake Strachan.
While the Force played a Pacific and Asia showcase series last year, Saturday's Perth match will be their first official Rapid Rugby outing.
Coach Tim Sampson said they were eagerly anticipating the opening clash.
"The guys were ready probably a few weeks ago. It’s great that round one is here and that we are at home,” Sampson said.
“We’re looking forward to being back at HBF Park, we’ve had great success over there in the last couple of years and a lot of that we must thank the Sea of Blue for.”
Sampson said he was expecting a South African flavour in the Malaysian outfit that features a number of Currie Cup players.
“They are a typical South African team; they have a lot of size through their forwards and pretty handy backs out wide,” Sampson said.
“With all the preparation we have had going into this we will focus on us more. We have a couple of things up our sleeves to combat their size and speed, but they are a good side.”
The Force host the Malaysia Valke on Saturday March 14 at HPF Park, Perth, kicking off at 6;15pm local, 9:15pm AEDT, LIVE on rapid.rugby. Watch the match here.
TEAM
Force to face the Valke
1. Angus Wagner
2. Feleti Kaitu’u
3. Kieran Longbottom
4. Johan Bardoul
5. Fergus Lee-Warner
6. Henry Stowers
7. Chris Alcock
8. Brynard Stander
9. Ian Prior
10. Aj Alatimu
11. Brad Lacey
12. Henry Taefu
13. Marcel Brache
14. Byron Ralston
15. Jack Mcgregor
Reserves
16. Andrew Ready
17. Chris Heiberg
18. Tom Sheminant
19. Ben Grant
20. Tevin Ferris
21. Jacob Abel
22. Grason Makara
23. Jake Strachan
