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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
JOC & Inman had better be tight on defence this week to make sure Donald and Leonard are kept under wraps.. but im loving the look of that Team..
Would've had Hunt on the bench ahead of Harris
Harris is an experienced back-up and versatile. I'd take him over Hunt at the moment, who's a specialist 10 and has only had about 10 minutes of Super 14 rugby. Harris looked poor in the first two games because he was out of position. I'm hoping his confidence wasn't shattered and he can go on to be a fine bench player for us.
I feel for the guys that have missed out, but, damn, that backline looks good. As long as the platform is laid this game is a winner.
Based on last weeks game against the Chiefs guessing defence is the key
61 years between Grand SlamsWas the wait worth it - Ya betta baby
Anyone else think $51 to make the semis looks tempting? A long shot, sure. But still.....
"The main difference between playing League and Union is that now I get my hangovers on Monday instead of Sunday - Tom David
Based on last weeks game, I'd've said not letting them have the ball with which to run at you would be the key, especially when their defence leaked a few too. The other would be to play for ~90 minutes, 'cos they can make stuff out of nothing and will pounce if anyone relaxes before the final siren.
Not sure if that is the best use of Stanners, but that is suddenly a pretty handy looking XV.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
Spanner first week back make sense on the wing... Chiefs got some large outside men... he'll be needed wide...
Last edited by mudskipper; 25-02-10 at 16:42.
If he is "needed" out wide then the match is already lost.
"Bloody oath we did!"
Nathan Sharpe, Legend.
He's capable out there, and he forms what will be a far stronger defensive unit.
The Chiefs won't be getting 72 points this week, that's for sure, the question is, with Spanner and Barty on the left side of the field, will the Cullet have too much to do, being the only real speed man in the back 3?
C'mon the![]()
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i am sorry but how do you expect me to sit back and say all nice things on this form when you are making such a MISTAKE!....
why would you leave out Tatupu.. he scored your first try for the season and SET UP chris o'youngs.... James o'conner will be scoring all your points with penalty goals HA...
Seriously you dont know what your doing over here... yep put harris on the bench .. MISTAKE.... n Cross straight on the field after injury Jus cause he ONCE was a great player... his now old and fragile and should be on the bench! Hunt should have been in there as well...
Good luck for Saturday.... you will need it...
---------- Post added at 09:48 ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 ----------
N i am deff putting a bet on force to lose... its to easy... EASY CASH!