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The Emirates Western Force has been dealt a blow on the eve of their clash with the Lions in Johannesburg, with Wallaby Scott Staniforth withdrawing from the Week 3 clash with a knee ligament strain.
The 30-year-old utility was ruled out by medical staff this morning after failing to recover from a minor ligament strain suffered during last week’s victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Staniforth’s withdrawal provides 22-year-old Scott Daruda with another opportunity to show his wares at inside centre, while Josh Tatupu has again been added to the reserves bench.
Tatupu will wear the number 22 jersey, while Lachlan MacKay will suit up in number 21.
The revised Emirates Western Force team to take on the Lions in Johannesburg tonight is detailed below:
Overall head to head: Played 2, Lions 1, Drawn 1.
Last met: 24 February 2007, Lions 25 def EWF 24, Subiaco Oval, Perth.
Emirates Western Force v Lions
Friday 29 February, 2008
Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick off: 6.30pm (1.30am WA Sat 1 Mar)
Emirates Western Force
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Luke Holmes
3. Troy Takiari
4. Tom Hockings
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Scott Fava
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Tamaiti Horua
9. James Stannard
10. Matt Giteau (vc)
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Scott Daruda
13. Ryan Cross
14. Nick Cummins
15. Cameron Shepherd
Reserves
16. Tai McIsaac
17. AJ Whalley
18. Sam Wykes
19. Richard Brown
20. David Pocock
21. Lachlan MacKay
22. Josh Tatupu