O'CONNOR RULED OUT OF HURRICANES CLASH

Emirates Western Force back James O’Connor has been ruled out of tomorrow afternoon’s Investec Super 14 Week 9 clash with the Hurricanes at Subiaco Oval.

The 18-year-old suffered a minor hamstring strain in last weekend’s victory over the Reds and was withdrawn from the Good Friday fixture this morning.

“James has a minor hamstring strain and has been unable to participate in training this week,” said team doctor Mark de Cruz.

“Its not a serious one, but at this stage he hasn’t quite come up to speed with his recovery and we’ve opted to pull him out of tomorrow night’s match against the Hurricanes.”

O’Connor’s omission paves the way for Junior Pelesasa to return to inside centre, where has started on three occasions this season.

22-year-old centre Josh Tatupu has joined the reserves bench in the number 21 jersey.

The Emirates Western Force wrapped up preparations for the match with their captain’s run training session at Subiaco Oval this afternoon.

The full revised team lineup for the match is as follows:

2009 Investec Super 14 Week 9
Emirates Western Force v Hurricanes
Friday 10 April, 2009
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick off: 5.40pm WST

Emirates Western Force

1. Pek Cowan
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Ben Castle
4. Tom Hockings
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Nick Cummins
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Drew Mitchell

Reserves

16. Luke Holmes
17. AJ Whalley
18. Sam Wykes
19. Tamaiti Horua
20. Chris O’Young
21. Josh Tatupu
22. Haig Sare

Shame that JO'C is injured, but I can't wait to see Tatupu let fly on the field. Hopefully all the time on the sidelines has him ready and rearing to bust out of his skin for a blinder.