Force prospect on South Africa tour
Young Perth product Luke Burton will join the Western Force for their two-match tour of South Africa against the Cheetahs and Stormers.
The 20-year-old fly-half-cum-centre joins the squad on his first overseas tour after his appointment as vice-captain of the Australian Under-20 side in their 34-5 win over Samoa on Wednesday. He kicked three conversions and a penalty.
Coach Michael Foley will take 26 players adding Burton, second row Phoenix Battye and outside back Patrick Dellit to the side that beat the Bulls 15-9 last Saturday.
Foley said the tour provided would be a significant challenge.
“The Bulls provided some insight into the next block of games,” Foley said.
“However, while we can expect more mauling and clever strategic kicking, the Cheetahs will also play with a lot of width and the Stormers are noted for their defence.
“Playing four South African sides back-to-back (they play the Lions at nib Stadium after the tour) is a great challenge for us.
“The games will be physical and we will need to play with the intensity we achieved in the Waratahs and Bulls games.
“We’re pleased to welcome Phoenix and Paddy back into the squad.
“This is also a great opportunity for Luke to be a part of the Force touring squad for the first time. He has earned his selection through the hard work he’s undertaken with the squad over the last 18 months.”
Force squad: Phoenix Battye, Marcel Brache, Luke Burton, Nathan Charles, Adam Coleman, Angus Cottrell, Pek Cowan, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Sias Ebersohn, Tetera Faulkner, Kyle Godwin, Dane Haylett-Petty, Jayden Hayward, Matt Hodgson (c), Zack Holmes, Oliver Hoskins, Kieran Longbottom, Ben McCalman, Ian Prior, Brynard Stander, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Heath Tessmann, Chris Tuatara-Morrison, Justin Turner, Sam Wykes.
