Super Rugby
Luke Burton named to make Western Force debut
ESPN Staff
May 15, 2014

Perth-born Luke Burton will make his Super Rugby debut at inside centre when Western Force play the Stormers at Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday. He replaces Kyle Godwin, who has been ruled out with a knee injury, and will form a new centre pairing with Chris Tuatara-Morrison, who has been promoted to the starting line-up.

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"I'm excited to make my Super Rugby debut for the Force and it's something I've dreamt about for a long time," Burton said. "My family's originally from South Africa too so it's really special to have the chance to play - and make my debut - at a ground like Newlands.

"I'm lucky to be playing behind a forward pack and be part of a backline that has been so consistent this season, and as a younger player coming into the team, I feel confident by having so many experienced players around me.

"The guys have performed really well this season and it's great to have a chance to be able to contribute to that."

Burton, 20, rejoined the Force squad for their South African tour after being a part of the Australia Under-20 side that defeated Samoa 34-5. He has also been selected in the Australia squad for his second IRB Junior World Championship in June.

Former Stormers outside back Marcel Brache shifts from outside centre to the wing in place of Dane Haylett-Petty, who will miss the match due to a groin injury. Brache played four seasons with the Western Province Currie Cup side and made his Super Rugby for the Stormers against the Lions in 2012.

Michael Foley, meanwhile, named an unchanged forward pack and included Patrick Dellit as the only change on the bench.

Foley said the side had to finish the two-match South Africa tour with a strong performance.

"It was great to see the boys pressure the Cheetahs through hard work, and to then capitalise on the chances that came our way," he said. "The Stormers have been one of the best defensive units in the competition for a number of years. As a consequence, our work on and off the ball will have to be first class on Saturday to get results."

Force: Jayden Hayward; Marcel Brache, Chris Tuatara-Morrison, Luke Burton, Nick Cummins; Sias Ebersohn, Ian Prior; Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson (captain), Angus Cottrell; Adam Coleman, Sam Wykes; Kieran Longbottom, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan. Replacements: Heath Tessmann, Tetera Faulkner, Oli Hoskins, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Brynard Stander, Justin Turner, Zack Holmes, Patrick Dellit.

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