Force search wide for tour party
Western Force coach Michael Foley is waiting on the fitness of winger Ed Stubbs before naming his squad for the two-game tour of South Africa.
Stubbs, recovering from damaged ribs, is the only one of seven injured players who could return in time for the games against the Cheetahs and Stormers.
Winger Luke Morahan (ham- string), scrum-halves Alby Mathewson (ankle) and Ryan Louwrens (knee), second-rower Hugh McMeniman (broken collarbone), flanker Chris Alcock (shoulder) and centre Junior Rasolea (broken wrist) are out.
The Force fly out on Saturday and if Foley stays with the same make-up as last year's tour he will take 14 forwards and 12 backs.
However, stocks look slim and Foley could be forced to go to his wider training group.
He could pick back Luke Burton, vice-captain of the Australian under-20 side, who kicked three conversions and a penalty in the win over Samoa yesterday.
Another option could come from two young South Africans in the wider group, winger Dylan Sage or full-back Dillyn Leyds, who can also play fly-half.
The Force have re-signed prop Ollie Hoskins and second-rower Adam Coleman for two years.
Tighthead Hoskins represented WA in various age groups, was in the national talent squad and spent six years in the RugbyWA academy before making the Australian under-20 squad at the 2012 and 2013 junior World Cups.
The 122kg former Scotch College student has appeared in all nine games this season.
Hoskins, who is one of nine Perth-produced players in the Force squad, turned down offers from other Super franchises.
"We've built a culture that you can't really see yourself leaving so to be locked away for the next two years is a really good feeling," Hoskins said.
"This is where I grew up and I've always wanted to play for this team."
