Force are happy to be home
The Western Force is determined to make the most of a month long run at home starting with the reigning champion Reds on Saturday.
Following four of their first five matches away from home the West Australian's now play four in Perth, a series that will have a significant impact on the shape of their season.
Coach Richard Graham has made a number of tactical adjustments while injuries from last weekend's outing against the Rebels have also forced him to look at the make-up of the matchday squad.
Wallabies' loose forward Ben McCalman makes his return to the 22 after three weeks on the sidelines and will start on the substitutes bench with fellow international capped loose forward Richard Brown moving into the run-on side alongside the class of David Pocock and Matt Hodgson.
Experienced lock Toby Lynn will partner Nathan Sharpe in the second row after Sam Wykes was ruled out with an ankle injury while standout front rower Pek Cowan starts in his 50th match for the Force.
"It's outstanding to see Pek reach 50 caps," Graham said.
"What is really rewarding for the organisation is that seven of the club's foundation players have now achieved that 50 game milestone and have been able to contribute significantly to the development of this young franchise.
"Pek is in superb form and his improvement and consistency this season alone has him playing his best rugby."
In the backs Samu Wara will be given further opportunity on the wing after scoring a try in his starting debut a fortnight ago while Nick Cummins moves into the centres where his penetrating ball carry will be put to good use.
"Nick's ability to break the line and give us go forward has been a consistent feature of his game and tactically that will assist us in the way we want to play against the Reds this weekend," said Graham.
With young scrumhalf Justin Turner (knee) and centre Will Tupou (hamstring) joining Wykes on the casualty list, exciting utility back Kyle Godwin has been selected in what will be his Super Rugby debut should he see game time. Fellow utility Ben Seymour, lock Phoenix Battye and hooker Elvis Taione have also been added to the substitutes as reward for their efforts with the Western A, including last week's win against the Rebel Rising in Melbourne.
"It's disappointing to lose Justin for two months however his absence creates an opportunity for another local youngster in Kyle to get his chance to break into Super Rugby," Graham said.
"While injury creates disruption, in particular to building combinations, the fact that we've had these players in our programme training and learning throughout the pre-season, and with the Western Force A more recently, has allowed them to develop a really clear understanding of how we want to go about our performances.
"I'm confident in their ability to make a strong contribution on Saturday."
Western Force: 15 David Harvey, 14 Samu Wara, 13 Nick Cummins, 12 Winston Stanley, 11 Alfie Mafi, 10 James Stannard, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Matt Hodgson, 7 David Pocock, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Phoenix Battye, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Ben Seymour, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Kyle Godwin.
Date: Saturday, March 31
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 18:40 WAST (20:40 AEST; 10.40 GMT).
Referee: Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Steve Walsh (Australia), Andrew Lees (Australia)
TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)