Lark Hill hit-out for Force

Lark Hill is set to be a sea of blue this Friday night when the Western Force visit Rockingham to play a practice game against a Samoan team, ahead of their first game of the Super Rugby season.

Force captain Matthew Hodgson said the team was looking forward to the game after a gruelling preseason.

“It’s a good opportunity to have a hit out against a team like Samoa, the boys are a bit over training and want to put everything into practice in a game,” he said.

This Friday’s game is one of two trial games before the Force’s season opener against the Waratahs on February 23.

Hodgson said the team had a solid pre-season, welcoming a few new players to the fold.

“We had a seven-week break post Super Rugby and then a 12-week pre-season, it’s been difficult but it’s been a good balance between strength, fitness and rugby-specific training.”

After 18 months in the leadership role, Hodgson said he was growing into the role of captain.

“I’ve got a good bunch of blokes around me to help me in that role,” he said.“It’s a team effort which is good.”

Hodgson said it was fantastic to bring the game outside of Perth and hoped the community supported the game at Lark Hill.

Gates open at 6pm and kick off is 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.