Force bank on SA's Van Wyk

Perth - South African-born loosehead prop Francois van Wyk will make his first appearance in the starting XV when the Western Force take on the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday, the Force's official website reports.

Van Wyk, who scored the Force’s final try in last weekend’s 25-13 win over the Waratahs in Sydney, has played three matches off the bench for the Western Australian franchise, and will pack down alongside Wallabies Nathan Charles and Tetera Faulkner.

The 23-year-old front-rower replaces Pek Cowan, who will be monitored regarding his pending return after scans cleared him of any serious injury having been carried from the field on Sunday.