Reinforcement for Perth Spirit
Perth Spirit have named a mix of local club players and Western Force squad members for Saturday's National Rugby Championship semi-final with the unbeaten Melbourne Rising.
The Spirit will be out to reverse the 44-24 round four loss when the Spirit used a side of mainly club players against a much more experienced Rising side.
Force second-rower Sam Wykes will lead the side at AAMI Park and Force teammate and Wallabies prop Pek Cowan returns to the side.
Another Force member Brynard "Rhino" Stander returns to the blindside flank.
A strong-looking back line contains halves Ian Prior and Zack Holmes, Marcel Brache, Junior Rasolea, Luke Morahan and Dane Haylett-Petty, all of whom have Super Rugby experience.
Coach David Wessels said his side was gearing up for a hard-hitting match-up with the competition heavyweights.
"Melbourne Rising have set the pace in this competition from the outset and will provide a substantial physical challenge on Saturday but our players will rise to that challenge," Wessels said.
"We have a good mix of local and Super Rugby contracted players taking the field on Saturday and that's a great reflection of this competition and its success in broadening the playing base here in Western Australia, as well as growing facets of our game relevant to our Super Rugby program."
Rising coach Sean Hedger has been forced to name a few local players of his own after Tom English, Luke Jones and Sean McMahon were named for the Wallabies Spring tour but is confident his side can continue their winning run.
Spirit: Pek Cowan, Robbie Abel, Oliver Hoskins, Sam Wykes (capt), Brent Murphy, Brynard Stander, Kane Koteka, Al Rovira, Ian Prior, Zack Holmes, Marcel Brache, Solomoni Rasolea, Ammon Matuauto, Luke Morahan, Dane Haylett-Petty. Reserves: Harry Scoble, Joe Savage, Chris Heiberg, Kieran Stringer, Richard Hardwick, Justin Turner, Davis Tavita, Christian Joubert.
Rising: Toby Smith, Pat Leafa, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Cadeyrn Neville, OJ Noa, Sione Taufa, Lopeti Timani, Nic Stirzaker (capt), Jack Debreczeni, Joe Kamana, Mitch Inman, Sefanaia Naivalu, Rennie Lautolo-Molimau, Jonah Placid. Reserves: Tom Sexton, Cruze Ah-Nau, Pom Simona, Angus Hamilton, Luke Burgess, Lloyd Johansson, Martin Naufahu.
