Match PREVIEW

New coach, new captain, new season, old rival. That’s the scenario facing the Western Force when they take on the Melbourne Rebels at HBF Park on Saturday night.

For the Force, it’s a chance to make a mark on a competition. First-up wins have been hard to come by and a victory over the Rebels would be a great boost for players and fans alike.

They certainly have the squad to do it.

The all-international front row of Tom Robertson, Folau Fainga’a and Santiago Medrano must win the battle upfront, while the back row of Tim Anstee, Ollie Callan and new skipper Michael Wells offers the perfect mix of height, agility and mongrel.

A key for the Force will be the lineout. Isaak Rodda will be missed, but the new second row pairing of Jeremy Williams and Super Rugby debutant Felix Kalapu provide promising targets for Fainga’a.

Veteran Ian Prior wins the race to start at half back and his combination with No 10 Bryce Hegarty will be vital. Hegarty has the opportunity to make the jersey his own and will embrace the responsibility of steering his side around the park.

The Force backline looks very slick. Sam Spink was outstanding during the trials and the back three of Zach Kibirige, Manasa Mataele and Chase Tiatia have speed and power to burn. While a win would be nice, it won’t come easy. The Rebels, led by stand-in skipper Brad Wilkin, have been the Force’s troubled side on more than one occasion. No 10 Carter Gordon is a tall, strong player who will be pressing for higher honours, while Reece Hodge, who has the ability to hurt defences at will, needs to be watched. With Pone Fa’amausili leading the charge up front, the Rebels will be hungry and up for the fight.

Rugby Wrap Tip

Force by 7.