Force: Team release for Reds

Winger Patrick Dellit returns from injury while flanker Chris Alcock has been promoted from the bench for the Emirates Western Force’s clash against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Dellit suffered an ankle injury and facial fractures in the Force’s season opener against the Rebels in Melbourne, but will return for the Western Australian side at Suncorp Stadium in place of Wallabies winger Nick Cummins. Cummins, who started against the Bulls a fortnight ago, has been ruled out after inflaming a knee injury suffered during the pre-season.

Alcock’s call-up comes at the expense of captain Matt Hodgson, who has been rested to overcome a hamstring injury after aggravating it at Loftus Versfeld.

In Hodgson’s absence, front-rower Pek Cowan will lead the side for the second time this season.

The match will also mark lock Hugh McMeniman’s first appearance against his former province after joining the Emirates Western Force for the 2013 season. The 29-year-old, who has been a consistent performer for the Force through the early stages of the competition, played five years with the Reds before linking up with Japanese club, the Kubota Spears, following the 2009 Super 12 season.

After featuring five forwards on its reserves list in South Africa, the Emirates Western Force will revert to a more traditional four-three split against the Queenslanders. Lock Phoenix Battye comes in for the injured Sam Wykes (ankle) while Brisbane-born back Junior Rasolea returns to the Force bench, alongside scrumhalf Mick Snowden and midfielder Jayden Hayward.

Emirates Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley said his side would seek to build on the momentum from its last performance against the Bulls.

“During the Bulls, we were pleased with the character the team displayed as well as a number of elements of our game,” he said.

“We have used the bye week to emphasise the lessons we’ve learnt from the first three games and recognise the challenge in continuing to grow as a team and develop our game against the Reds.

“Saturday provides a great opportunity for both Chris and Paddy. Chris has played well for us in our opening three matches. Likewise, Paddy has been one of our most improved performers through the pre-season and against  the Rebels.”

2013 Super Rugby – Week Five

Reds v Emirates Western Force

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Saturday, 16 March 2013

Kick-off: 6.40pm (local)/4.40pm (AWST)

1. Pek Cowan (c)

2. Nathan Charles

3. Salesi Ma’afu

4. Toby Lynn

5. Hugh McMeniman

6. Angus Cottrell

7. Chris Alcock

8. Richard Brown

9. Alby Mathewson

10. Sias Ebersohn

11. Alfie Mafi

12. Kyle Godwin

13. Winston Stanley

14. Patrick Dellit

15. Will Tupou

Reserves

16. Heath Tessmann

17. Tetera Faulkner

18. Phoenix Battye

19. Ben McCalman

20.  Mick Snowden

21. Junior Rasolea

22. Jayden Hayward