Force On Track to Maul Lions

[Darren]

The Emirates Western Force are taking nothing for granted in their preparations for a clash against the Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday evening. While the Lions are yet to taste victory in 2010, Force Coach John Mitchell is wary the South African’s are hungry to feast before the season is out.

Three wins in the past four rounds, including a scintillating victory against the Crusaders last weekend, has seen the Force become one of the form teams of the competition however they know the gloss will quickly fade if they’re unable to back up their performance against the Lions at Ellis Park.

The Force have acclimatised well in Johannesburg and enjoyed a sprightly session at St David’s College on Thursday with the selected 22 man squad set to feature winger Scott Staniforth, who returns from injury, while Wallaby front rower Matt Dunning starts at tighthead prop.

Dunning replaces the injured Tim Fairbrother, who is sidelined with a minor ankle complaint, while hard working and versatile prop Kieran Longbottom comes in as a reserve. Sam Wykes joins the tight five as a starter this week to partner captain Nathan Sharpe at lock while Ben McCalman will be used from the pine.

Cameron Shepherd reverts to fullback allowing Nick Cummins to move to the left wing while Staniforth will be on the right.

“Everyone is very clear on the purpose of their role,” Mitchell said.

“It is important to utilise our squad and for everyone to maintain a focus on improving and continuing to bring the right attitude to our performances.

“The Lions will be pretty keen to knock off us. In every fixture they've had at home this season they've gone pretty close and finished within seven points, so they will be a difficult opponent.

“They've got nothing to lose and we've got greater expectations on us so we will have to handle that situation.”

Finding the consistency required to be a finals contender is the next challenge for the Force and Shepherd believes the three match tour in South Africa is the ideal opportunity on which to build that platform for seasons ahead.

“We’re really expecting the Lions to turn up and give us a tough hit out,” Shepherd said.

“We’re going to have to be really physical and really switched on if we want to win this game.

“When we turn up with the right attitude and application, like we did against the Crusaders, then you can see that we can match against any team in this competition. We want to continue to improve in that area and everyone is very keen to make a winning start to our tour here in South Africa,” said Shepherd.

2010 Investec Bank Super 14 – Round 12
Lions v Emirates Western Force
Saturday, 1 May 2010 at Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 5.05pm (SAST) / 11.05pm (AWST)

Emirates Western Force Squad
1.Pek Cowan
2.Ben Whittaker
3.Matt Dunning
4.Sam Wykes
5.Nathan Sharpe (c)
6.Matt Hodgson
7.David Pocock
8.Richard Brown

9.Brett Sheehan
10.David Hill
11.Nick Cummins
12.Ryan Cross
13.Mitch Inman
14.Scott Staniforth
15.Cameron Shepherd Mark Bartholomeusz (Cam injured during Captains Run)

Reserves
16.Nathan Charles (FR)
17.Kieran Longbottom (FR)
18. Tom Hockings
19.Ben McCalman
20.Justin Turner
21.Sam Harris
22.Mark Bartholomeusz James O'Connor

[BeeJay]

Wykesy in for McCalman is a bit of a surprise. Hope Dunning is on his game. Given the altitude, I expect the bench to be given lots of game time.

[Burgs]

I think the fact it is Wykes in instead of Big Tom would suggest Mitch wants to continue the strategy against the Crusaders this week while resting up his better performers at altitude leading up to Durban.
I wouldn't read too much other than "development and rotation" into selection until Round 14 where he will finish off, injuries permitting, where he wants to pick up again next season.

[James]

Wykesy in for McCalman is a bit of a surprise. Hope Dunning is on his game. Given the altitude, I expect the bench to be given lots of game time.

Having McCalman on the bench gives us an energetic mongrel to bring out when the other three start to flag at altitude. If you started with all 4, it might be easier to turn the tide in the final 20 (like what the Lions did to the Chiefs only that they still lost).

[Sheikh]

Still no Rabbit or Henderson? They both made the touring party, didn't they?

[blueandblack]

Still no Rabbit or Henderson? They both made the touring party, didn't they?

Rabbit is still recovering. Next week he is in I believe. Hendo, unsure.

[Sheikh]

If Hendo's is unsure, even for next week, I have to wonder why they took him out to South Africa. What injury has he got? I can't recall it getting any coverage.

[zimeric]

i think what he's saying is he is unsure of the nature of Hendo's injury so cant advise if he will be back next week.

id tend to agree with you if he's not going to be able to play at least 2 games they wouldntve taken him so odds are that he'll play next week.

[AndyS]

Big game for Dunning. I would think he would be playing for Wallabies consideration because he would be a ways from that right now.

[Stone Cold]

Sheps back at full back and all over the media...he must be loving it

[jono]

Sheps back at full back and all over the media...he must be loving it

i'm loving seeing him named at 15 again!

[zimeric]

going to hopefully see that booming 80m kick again

[brokendown gunfighter]

going to hopefully see that booming 80m kick again

dont think his foot is up for that yet

this could be a danger game,beware the wounded Lion,how often have we won two in a row?

[James]

The only place we can lose this is mentally. We outclass them across the park. There is nothing worse than to lose when your team just doesn't show up mentally.

[GIGS20]

The only place we can lose this is mentally. We outclass them across the park. There is nothing worse than to lose when your team just doesn't show up mentally.

What like the Tahs/Landers?