0
Three familiar faces and a veteran debutant have been named in the Emirates Western Force XV for Saturday night’s week three Investec Bank Super 14 clash against the Chiefs at ME Bank Stadium in Perth.
Scott Staniforth will start on the right wing having been cleared to play after returning recently from Japan. The club’s 2006 Player of the Year won 39 caps for the WA side before heading north to play in the Japanese competition at the conclusion of the 2009 season.
The other wing position will be filled by Nick Cummins, who has recovered from a foot injury he suffered in Wallaby camp on 5 October last year, which happened to be his 22nd birthday. Cummins has made quicker than expected recovery and will add to the club’s potency in attack.
Mark Bartholomeusz has been selected at fullback after missing opening two games. His inclusion allows young star James O’Connor to slide into flyhalf, a position he played at various times in the club’s hard fought match against the Hurricanes last weekend.
Outside centre Ryan Cross will resume his position in the centres alongside youngster Mitch Inman who impressed in the no.13 jersey against the Hurricanes in his run-on debut for the Force.
In the front row, Nic Henderson returns to the starting side alongside Pek Cowan and Tim Fairbrother while the tight five will be rounded out with locks Tom Hockings and Nathan Sharpe.
The backrow remains unchanged, with Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson and Sam Wykes to start.
Brett Sheehan has a new halves partner in O’Connor, which was a combination used frequently on attack in week two.
Head Coach John Mitchell said having Staniforth in the squad on a four-week contract would lift the group.
“I’m really excited to have Scott back, as is the group. Contractually it is four games, and we will reconsider where we are at in terms of outside backs after that, but we will deal with this game first,” Mitchell said.
“It’s good to have some experience back, but we need to settle with all the new faces and changes. We need to stick to what we’re doing and work together even with all the changes.”
Bartholomeusz, who will make his debut for the club, provides a steady influence for the team and will allow O’Connor to stay in one position on both attack and defence.
“James has had to manage a lot over the last two weeks in terms of dual roles. It’s important for a young guy to settle in to one position, and he is totally focussed on the role he has to play,” Mitchell said.
“He’s an excellent example of a person that is developing and gaining maturity through experience. He has still got a lot to learn, and he is open to learning, so it is important that we provide that within our program.
“It’s good for Mark, I’m very happy for him. He has been a really positive influence within the team, and he holds that position (fullback) very well. He’s very calming and full of composure.”
Mitchell said there was confidence amongst the group that their hard work would reap rewards and is looking forward to a return home in front of the passionate ‘sea of blue’ at the club’s new rectangular playing venue.
After crossing for three tries last weekend the Force will be looking to continue that positive momentum in attack while locking down the threats posed by an in-form Chiefs side.
“It’s a matter of getting the balance right. We got through more attack last week, and I’d like to see us get through even more this week,” Mitchell said.
“The Chiefs are an out an outstanding group. Their intent, if you look at the first play of the game at Ellis Park last week, was to spread the ball, and I don’t see that changing.”
Great seats are still available and can be purchased on-line through www.westernforce.com or by calling Ticketmaster on 136 100.
2010 INVESTEC BANK SUPER 14 WEEK THREE
EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE V CHIEFS
Saturday, 27 February, 2010
ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.05pm AWST
1. Nic Henderson
2. Pek Cowan
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Tom Hockings
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Ben McCalman
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Sam Wykes
9. Brett Sheehan
10. James O’Connor
11. Nick Cummins
12. Mitch Inman
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Mark Bartholomeusz
Reserves
16. Ryan Tyrrell
17. Matt Dunning
18. Richard Stanford
19. Luke Jones
20. Chris O’Young
21. Sam Harris
22. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reply With Quote
Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
Originally Posted by Thequeerone
