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The Emirates Western Force has named a relatively unchanged side for their clash against the Cheetahs on Saturday evening in Bloemfontein with Richard Brown and Sam Wara elevated to the run on side from the bench.
Brown slots into the blindside flanker role while Matt Hodgson moves to No. 8 replacing Ben McCalman who hasn’t travelled with the side after aggravating an arm injury during the game against the Stormers.
Defence and Skills Coach Phil Blake said Brown had made a significant impact in his minutes against the Stormers and would be a valuable addition to the run-on side.
“Brownie’s performance last week warranted selection and he’s really energised and ready to expand on that effort on Saturday night,” Blake said.
“We’re expecting another solid effort from him again this week and look forward to that contribution from the start of the game.”
Wara comes into the starting 15 replacing Rory Sidey on the wing after returning to action last weekend following a two week stint on the sidelines with a hamstring strain.
“It’s a decision we felt would hold us in good stead for this game because the Cheetahs play with plenty of width across the field and Sam’s greatest attribute is his speed. For this game we’ve gone with the combination of Alfie Mafi, Napolioni Nalaga and Sam in that back three,” said Blake.
“This week we face a whole new situation because the Cheetahs play such an expansive style and test teams defensively with their use of the entire field.
“We’ll get out own opportunities in the game to counter attack and we need to ensure we make the most of those and use the ball well.”
Lachlan McCaffrey has been named on the bench and will be itching to get on the field for his first Emirates Western Force cap. It has been a long road back onto the rugby pitch for McCaffrey following an extended time on the sidelines recovering from an ankle injury.
The young flanker built up his match fitness with appearances for the Emirates Western Force A side and most recently in the local West Australian Pindan Premier Grade competition with Nedlands, and is looking forward to taking the field alongside Wallaby backrowers David Pocock, Matt Hodgson and Richard Brown.
“Locky has been working hard and is ready to make the most of this opportunity, he provides a point of difference for us in the loose forwards and we’re looking forward to him contributing to the performance,” said Blake.
Having arrived in South Africa on Wednesday, Blake said the team had quickly adjusted to the six hour time difference between Bloemfontein and Perth and had looked sharp in their preparations.
“Overall the boys have settled in well and are in good spirits,” said Blake.
“We’ve had a good couple of runs on the training field over the last couple of days. We’re in a good place mentally and looking forward to performing at a level which will allow us to secure victory.”
2012 FxPro Super Rugby – Week 11
Cheetahs v Emirates Western Force
Sunday, 6 May 2012 at Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 1.10am (AWST)
1 Pek Cowan
2 Nathan Charles
3 Salesi Ma’afu
4 Toby Lynn
5 Nathan Sharpe
6 Richard Brown
7 David Pocock (Captain)
8 Matt Hodgson
9 Brett Sheehan
10 David Harvey
11 Napolioni Nalaga
12 Winston Stanley
13 Nick Cummins
14 Sam Wara
15 Alfie Mafi
Reserves
16 Elvis Taione
17 Salesi Manu
18 Phoenix Battye
19 Lachlan McCaffrey
20 Josh Holmes
21 Ben Seymour
22 Rory Sidey