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Wallaby backrowers David Pocock and Richard Brown will return to action for the first time since week one of the 2010 season when the Emirates Western Force host the Stormers at ME Bank Stadium on Good Friday.
Pocock has overcome a serious finger tendon injury, and will slot into the starting XV in his customary openside flanker role while Brown will start on the bench in his first action since dislocating his shoulder against the Brumbies.
“I’m really happy and looking forward to playing,” Pocock said.
“It has felt like a long time sitting on the sidelines and it was frustrating not being able to help the team.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work in the gym alongside Richard Brown and we’re very keen to get back into the action and both of us are excited about being in the team.
“Obviously it hasn’t been the season any of us had hoped for to date and I can’t wait to get back and contribute.”
In other changes in the pack, Pek Cowan moves to loosehead prop, with Nic Henderson rested, while Matt Hodgson, who is having a stellar season, moves to No.8. Tim Fairbrother, Nathan Sharpe, Tom Hocking and impressive rookie Ben McCalman retain their positions while Wallaby prop Matt Dunning returns as a reserve after missing two matches with concussion.
“The way that we’ve seen Matt Hodgson, Ben McCalman and Richard Stanford step up has been terrific and the pressure is definitely on me now to perform well coming back into the team,” Pocock said.
“The Stormers will be a huge challenge, they have a great side with plenty of Springboks but it’s one that we’re all very excited about and we’re looking forward to a big game.”
In the backline, Ryan Cross has been named at inside centre and Mitch Inman outside him, with James O’Connor shifting to fullback. Nick Cummins has not been named, but could return should his appeal against a two-match ban be overturned at his hearing, which will be held today (Wednesday) at 3pm AWST. In Cummins absence, Mark Bartholomeusz will start on the left wing, with Haig Sare on the bench.
Chris O’Young and David Hill will continue their halves partnership, with Brett Sheehan yet to overcome a hamstring complaint. Veteran winger Scott Staniforth maintains his spot on the right wing after confirmation of an extension to his short-term contract for the remainder of the 2010 season.
Two potential debutants come onto the bench, with scrumhalf Justin Turner and hooker Nathan Charles named for the first time. Charles, an Australian U20’s representative, has signed a four week deal with the club to cover for the injured Ryan Tyrrell who will take no further part in this year’s campaign. Turner has been a member of the Force Academy for two seasons and will get his chance to impress on Friday.
“We’ve stepped up in the past few weeks, you can see that even from sitting on the sidelines, and as long as that intent is there on Friday night and we come out ready to play it will be a good game,” Pocock said.
“It has been great to see the way the crowd have got behind us at ME Bank Stadium, hopefully we can really use that this Friday night and turn it into something special.”
The match is also the Emirates Western Force ‘Family Day’ with activities for the entire family at the special precinct area inside Gate 1.
2010 INVESTEC BANK SUPER 14 WEEK EIGHT
EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE V STORMERS
Friday, 2 April, 2010
ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 6.05pm AWST, Gates open: 4.05pm AWST
Great seats still available, grab your ticket at www.westernforce.com
1. Pek Cowan
2. Ben Whittaker
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Tom Hockings
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Ben McCalman
7. David Pocock
8. Matt Hodgson
9. Chris O’Young
10. David Hill
11. Mark Bartholomeusz
12. Ryan Cross
13. Mitch Inman
14. Scott Staniforth
15. James O’Connor
Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Matt Dunning
18. Richard Stanford
19. Richard Brown
20. Justin Turner
21. Sam Harris
22. Haig Sare
Unavailable: Cameron Shepherd (thigh), Andre Pretorius (hamstring), Brett Sheehan (hamstring), Ryan Tyrrell (neck), Sam Wykes (thigh), Dane Haylett-Petty (ankle), Joelin Rapana (hand), Jono Jenkins (ankle), Nick Cummins (suspended 2 weeks).