The Western Force have been given a huge boost with Wallaby lock Adam Coleman named in the starting XV for Saturday’s clash with the Sharks in Durban.
Coleman returns from a calf injury suffered against the Reds in Round Two as one of only two changes to the starting XV from Round 10, with Jono Lance returning to the starting side at fly-half.
Wallaby hooker Tatafu Polota-Nau is set to play is 150th match of Super Rugby, and will look to continue his fine form on Saturday.
In the only other change to the 23, Francois van Wyk comes onto the bench replacing the injured Ben Daley.
Western Force head coach Dave Wessels believes the addition of Coleman’s experience is a welcome inclusion ahead of a big clash with the men from Durban.
“We were very disappointed not to win against the Lions,” he said.
“We need to learn to put 80 minutes together if we want to be consistently competitive.”
“It’s great to have Adam back and special to be part of ‘Taf’s’ 150th game. It’s a really fantastic achievement from a guy who has given a lot to Australian rugby. He’s added a huge amount to our group with his physicality and enthusiasm.”
Western Force: 15 Marcel Brache, 14 James Verity-Amm, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ian Prior, 8 Isireli Naisarani, 7 Matt Hodgson (c), 6 Brynard Stander, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Ross Haylett-Petty, 3 Tetara Faulkner, 2 Tatafu Polata-Nau, 1 Pek Cowan
Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Francios van Wyk, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Lewis Carmichael, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Mitchell Short, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Peter Grant
Date: Saturday, May 6
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15:05 local (13:05 GMT)
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Archie Sehlako (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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