Wallabies flanker Richard Brown will make his return to the Western Force starting line-up for Sunday morning’s Super Rugby clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
With Ben McCalman ruled out with a shoulder-nerve injury, Brown has been slotted into the blindside flanker role, with fellow Wallaby Matt Hodgson shifting to No.8.
Interim coach Phil Blake was pleased with Brown’s energetic impact off the bench in last week’s 17-3 loss to the Stormers.
“We’re expecting another solid effort from him again this week and look forward to that contribution from the start of the game,” Blake said.
In the only other change to the starting line-up, utility back Samu Wara replaces Rory Sidey on the wing.
“It’s a decision we felt would hold us in good stead for this game because the Cheetahs play with plenty of width across the field and Sam’s greatest attribute is his speed,” Blake said.
“The Cheetahs play such an expansive style and test teams defensively with their use of the entire field.
“We’ll get our own opportunities in the game to counter attack and we need to ensure we make the most of those and use the ball well.”
Young flanker Lachlan McCaffrey is a strong chance to make his Super debut off the bench after recovering from an ankle injury.
The Force sit last in the Australian conference with just two wins from nine games, while the Cheetahs are also struggling with only three wins.
Meanwhile, the Force have re-signed in-form hooker Nathan Charles for the next two seasons.
Charles, who is a national ambassador for Cystic Fibrosis Australia, has become a regular in the Force starting line-up since arriving at the Perth-based franchise as an injury replacement in 2010.
The 23-year-old has notched 32 caps for the Force, with his good form earning him call-ups to Wallabies training camps over the past 18 months.
Charles had been chased by other Australian clubs, but said the decision to remain in Perth was an easy one.
The Force are still attempting to lure several big-name players to the franchise after missing out on the services of Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia, who initially agreed to come to Perth but then re-signed with the Reds for a further three seasons.