Emirates Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell has named an unchanged run-on side for Saturday night’s clash with the Waratahs at ME Bank Stadium in Perth, backing in his players ability to respond to the challenge.
There are three forced changes in the reserves, with injured trio Pek Cowan (shoulder), Matt Dunning (concussion) and Jono Jenkins, who broke his ankle just moments into his Super Rugby debut, being replaced by Ben Whittaker, Kieran Longbottom and Luke Jones respectively.
The disappointing result in last Sunday’s match against the Reds has only served to strengthen the resolve amongst the group to turn their fortunes around and Mitchell said continuity with the match-day squad was important in that process.
“We have selected the same team and put accountability back with on the same players. They are good players, so it is just a matter of being more attentive to the detail,” Mitchell said.
“You would think that from previous performances some players will want to respond because they weren’t happy with the last performance.”
Mitchell said the team continued to evolve their game plan from a solid foundation and were eagerly looking forward to matching it against the in-form Waratahs. The West Australian’s are fully aware that their defensive effort will need to be spot on against a Tahs side that had found its groove in attack, running in 11 tries last weekend in a 73 point outing.
The Force also looking to make more of their attacking prowess and will be hoping the ability to select the same run-on side for the first time this season will help in that goal.
“The critical thing for us is that we haven’t got through much content in attack, and haven’t got a lot of reward,” said Mitchell.
“By sticking to the same player group and getting settled in terms of understanding and familiarisation, it might give us a better opportunity of getting through content. It is a good situation for the players.”
Mitchell said a second Australian derby in as many weeks provided a great opportunity to respond and make good from the hard work being done on the training track.
“You can’t worry about the past, you can’t control that,” he said.
“We are very positive about how we want to approach things. The guys are working hard and have great intent; you don’t go and throw a whole lot out the door or react emotionally.
“One example of our confidence is sticking with the same squad,” said Mitchell.
Saturday’s match will be the second annual Emirates Western Force ‘Ladies Day’ in support of the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA. The match is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA while also celebrating the contributions of women in the rugby family.
Members and supporters can get involved by purchasing a limited edition purple cap to commemorate the day with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA. The caps are available from the Emirates Western Force shop (Meagher Drive, Floreat) or at the game. Supporters wearing their special ‘purple’ caps at the match will have a chance to win some great prizes including the jersey straight off a players back after the final whistle.
Click here for more details on the Emirates Western Force ‘Ladies Day’.
2010 INVESTEC BANK SUPER 14 WEEK SIX
EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE V WARATAHS
Saturday, 20 March, 2010
ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.10pm AWST
Great seats still available, grab your ticket at www.westernforce.com
1. Nic Henderson
2. Ryan Tyrrell
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Ben McCalman
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Richard Stanford
9. Brett Sheehan
10. David Hill
11. Nick Cummins
12. James O’Connor
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Tom Hockings
19. Luke Jones
20. Chris O’Young
21. Sam Harris
22. Mitch Inman
