Super Rugby
Western Force unchanged for Cheetahs
ESPN Staff
May 9, 2014
Western Force fly-half Sias Ebersohn is tackled, Western Force v Chiefs, Super Rugby, nib Stadium, Perth, March 22, 2014
Sias Ebersohn plays in his home town for the first time as a Western Force player © Getty Images
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Sias Ebersohn will play his first match in his home town of Bloemfontein since joining Western Force from the Cheetahs for the 2013 Super Rugby season, after Michael Foley named an unchanged squad for the fixture at Free State Stadium on Saturday. The Bloemfontein-born pivot played 30 matches for the Cheetahs between 2010 and 2012.

Wilhelm Steenkamp is also returning home for the first time as a Force player. The second-row, who will start from the bench on Saturday, played 13 matches for the Cheetahs in 2012 between spells with the Bulls (2008-2009 and 2012-2013). He also played for the Sharks in 2010.

The match against the Cheetahs is the second in a series of four Force fixtures against South African opposition, after their 15-9 victory against the Bulls a fortnight ago before their bye. The Force also play the Stormers in Cape Town before returning to Perth to face the Lions.

Foley says the Force's four matches leading into the June Test break represent an important period for his side.

Super Rugby preview: Round 13
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"It was pleasing to see the boys adapt to a different style of game in difficult conditions against the Bulls," he said. "The intensity we played with was excellent and will be critical in overcoming the Cheetahs, who have scored the third-most tries in the competition this season.

"The Cheetahs present a different challenge to other South Africa sides; while they use their set piece and kicking game as a weapon, they also play with width. If we maintain our work rate and discipline in defence as a 15, we will earn important opportunities to attack from turnover ball."

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