McCalman returns for Kings showdown

Captain Ben McCalman will make his first appearance of the season off the bench.

Scrumhalf Michael Ruru is the only change in the run-on side this week and will make his starting debut, replacing the injured Ryan Louwrens.

The experience of co-captains Ben McCalman and Heath Tessmann will provide a huge boost for the team off the bench. While also among the reserves, local product Luke Burton is set to for his first match of the season after returning from injury. 

Also, Curtis Rona has recovered from the concussion he suffered against the Crusaders and will wear jersey No.23.

Head coach Dave Wessels says the team are excited to be playing back in front of the Sea of Blue, and look forward to putting in a good performance against the Kings.

"It's great to be back at home this week – only the second time in our first six games. We learnt some valuable lessons in New Zealand, particularly around our discipline and concentration in big moments.

"We definitely want to put in a performance that will make the people of Western Australia proud."

Western Force: 15 Dane Haylett-Petty, 14 Chance Peni, 13 Marcel Brache, 12 Billy Meakes, 11 Alex Newsome, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Michael Ruru, 8 Isi Naisarani, 7 Matt Hodgson (captain), 6 Ross Haylett-Petty, 5 Richie Arnold, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Tetera Faulkner, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Ben Daley.

Replacements: 16 Heath Tessmann, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Shambeckler Vui, 19 Richard Hardwick, 20 Ben McCalman, 21 Ian Prior, 22 Luke Burton, 23 Curtis Rona.

Date: Sunday, April 9

Venue: nib Stadium, Perth

Kick-off: 14.05 (08.05 SA time; 06.50 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Graham Cooper (Australia)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)