Matt Hodgson
Wallaby flank, and inspirational captain, Matt Hodgson will make his long awaited return to Super Rugby for the Western Force when he runs out against the Chiefs on Friday.
Hodgson, a massive part of the Force’s successful season last year, has not made an appearance in 2015 due to a hamstring injury suffered in a pre-season fixture against the Asia Pacific Dragons.
The Force skipper will return to his familiar openside flank position and join No 8 Ben McCalman and blindside flank Angus Cottrell in a loose forward combination that started in 11 of 16 matches during the 2014 season.
A foot injury to interim captain Sam Wykes sees Steve Mafi shift from side of the scrum into the second row.
In the backline, Ian Prior will start his 1st match of 2015, replacing scrumhalf Alby Mathewson, who has been sidelined with a knee injury.
On the bench, Cottelsoe scrumhalf Ryan Louwrens is in line to make his Super Rugby debut after a knee injury – requiring a reconstruction – scuppered his 2014 season.
Flank Kane Koteka makes his return after being rested against the Stormers following concussion, while big lock Wilhelm Steenkamp will also start from the Western Force reserves list.
Prop Pek Cowan is also set to become the 2nd player to play 100 Super Rugby matches for the Western Force, when he runs out against the Chiefs.
The 28-year-old loosehead was one of the inaugural members of the Force and joins captain Hodgson (113 caps) as the only players to have reached the 100-match mark for the Western Australian franchise.
Cowan says he’s honoured to reach the 100-cap milestone.
“I can remember my debut for the team really clearly, it was at Subiaco and I came off the bench against the Waratahs,” he said.
“We didn’t go so well, but from that day I vowed that I wanted play many more games for the Force and I’m so thankful I’ve had that opportunity to do that.
“I’m so grateful I’ve been able to stay here for 10 years and play some good rugby. To play 100 games of Super Rugby is a huge achievement but do it as a one club player makes it even more special.”
Head coach Michael Foley said Cowan has been a stalwart across the franchise’s 10 seasons.
“100 Matches at this level is a special achievement for both Pek and his family,” he said.
“It’s testament to the sacrifices they’ve made together, which have led to Pek being a consistently high performer over 10 years.
“Last week’s performance was a better reflection of how we want to play as a team.
“The momentum we achieved (against the Stormers) was much improved and we created a number of opportunities as a result.
“Composure and early and simple communication will ensure we finish more of what we’re creating.”
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Luke Morahan, 13 Kyle Godwin, 12 Luke Burton, 11 Nick Cummins, 10 Sias Ebersohn, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson (Captain), 6 Angus Cottrell, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Chris Heiberg, 18 Oliver Hoskins, 19 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 20 Kane Koteka, 21 Ryan Louwrens, 22 Junior Rasolea, 23 Marcel Brache.
Date: Friday 24 April
Venue: Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Kick-Off: 09:35 SA Time (19:35 NZ Time, 17:35 AEST, 15:35 AWST, 07:35 GMT)
Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Kane McBride, Mike Lash
TMO: Glenn Newman
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