Flanker Matt Hodgson will lead the Western Force against the Waratahs in Perth on Saturday when he makes his final appearance before retiring.
Hanging up his boots at the end of the season, Hodgson will earn his 140th Super Rugby cap for the Western Australian club having earned his first in the club’s inaugural match against the Brumbies back in 2006.
In further changes to the side, Tetera Faulkner comes into the starting XV at tighthead prop while Marcel Brache will start on the wing having returned from international duties with the USA Eagles.
In the reserves, Anaru Rangi and Shambeckler Vui come into the 23 while scrum-half Ian Prior is in line to earn his 50th cap for the Force when he enters the fray.
Coach Dave Wessels says the team is determined to finish the season strong and send Hodgson out on a winning note.
“Saturday’s game will be special for both ‘Hodgo’ and the club. He’s given everything to the cause over a long career and we hope the Sea of Blue will help us give him the send-off he deserves," he said.
Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Marcel Brache, 13 Curtis Rona, 12 Bill Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Michael Ruru, 7 Matt Hodgson (c), 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Adam Coleman, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Pek Cowan
Replacements: 16 Anaru Rangi, 17 Francois van Wyk, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Lewis Carmichael, 20 Richard Hardwick, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Jono Lance, 23 James Verity-Amm
Date: Saturday, July 15
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (09.45 GMT)
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Will Houston (Australia), Graham Cooper (Australia)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia)
The post Hodgson to lead Force in final appearance appeared first on Planet Rugby.