Wallabies flank Matt Hodgson will return to captain the Force against the Asia Pacific Dragons in Perth on Saturday.

Hodgson, along with No 8 Ben McCalman, were both rested in the Force’s 31-21 win over the Brumbies last week.

Steve Mafi and Alby Mathewson make their returns against the invitational team featuring players from Asia and the Pacific Islands, including former All Black, Rico Gear, and three-time Samoan World Cup representative, Mo Schwalger. The side will be coached by All Blacks legend, Tana Umaga.

Western Force squad:

Forwards – Pek Cowan, Tetera Faulkner, Chris Heiberg, Joe Savage, Robbie Abel, Nathan Charles, Steve Mafi, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Rory Walton, Sam Wykes, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Matt Hodgson (c), Ross Haylett-Petty, Kane Koteka, Ben McCalman.

Backs – Alby Mathewson, Ryan Louwrens, Luke Burton, Sias Ebersohn, Patrick Dellit, Kyle Godwin, Ammon Matuauto, Solomoni Rasolea, Marcel Brache, Brad Lacey, Luke Morahan, Mitchell Scott, Dane Haylett-Petty, Albert Nikoro.

Asia Pacific Dragons –15 Willy Walker, 14 Shannon Chase, 13 Rico Gear, 12 Karl Ropati, 11 Afa Fa’atau, 10 Michael Little, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Matt Vaai, 7 Tony Lamborn, 6 Peter Samu, 5 Gerard Tuloti-Mariner, 4 Michael Stolberg, 3 Taniela Koroi, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Aki Seiuli.
Subs: 16 Seilala Lam, 17 Sam Aiono, 18 Solomona Sakalia, 19 Hale T-Pole, 20 Onosai Auva’a, 21 Kurt Davies, 22 James Faiva, 23 Tu Umaga Marshall, 24 Fa’autu Tuaimalo.

Pre-season teams (Week 2)

Pre-season fixtures

Photo: Paul Kane/Getty Images