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Turner will make Force return against Blues

Western Force coach Michael Foley has pulled scrum-half Justin Turner out of Perth club ranks for Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Blues in Auckland.

Foley’s hand was forced after Ian Prior was banned for three weeks after being sent off for a dangerous tackle in Friday night’s 35-27 loss to the Chiefs.

Former All Blacks No.9 Alby Mathewson has not recovered from an ankle injury that sidelined him for the Chiefs game and Ryan Louwrens, who had an excellent debut from the reserves bench after Prior was marched in the 28th minute, will start.

Second-rower Adam Coleman (shoulder) is unlikely to play against the Blues, but Foley is hopeful prop Ollie Hoskins (ankle) will.

The last-placed Force have lost nine matches in succession.

Turner has made just 11 Force appearances since his 2010 debut because of serious knee issues.

He was in the Force’s wider training group last year and played for Perth Spirit in the National Rugby Championship.



“It’s another chance to get some exposure and to play at the highest level,” Turner said.

Foley said Turner and Louwrens would slip seamlessly into Saturday’s squad.

“Justin is very fit, he’s always in good condition. It’s a good opportunity for him having been involved last year and it’s a good opportunity for Ryan as well,” Foley said.