0
Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has named his team for Sunday’s Investec Super 14 Week 4 clash with the Crusaders at Subiaco Oval.
The highly-anticipated home debut for the Emirates Western Force pits the Perth-based team against the thus far undefeated six-time Super Rugby champions.
Mitchell has again made significant changes to his lineup, calling in newly-signed scrumhalf Chris O’Young and awarding Lachlan MacKay his first starting XV berth since 2006.
O’Young, who recently re-joined the Club after a stint with Magners League team Glasgow Warriors, will start in the blue number 9 jersey for the first time since last year’s Week 11 loss to the Chiefs.
MacKay, who has had his past two seasons decimated by leg injuries, has played just three matches in two seasons with the Club and is uncapped this season despite twice being named on the reserves bench in South Africa.
The 25-year-old utility has been named at inside centre, while Scott Staniforth assumes the right wing position from the injured Nick Cummins (shoulder).
Mitchell has continued his experimentation in the forwards, bringing AJ Whalley back into the starting XV at tighthead prop and switching Tamaiti Horua from Number 8 to blindside flanker.
19-year-old David Pocock returns to the openside flank, while Richard Brown has been recalled at Number 8.
Test hooker Tai McIsaac also returns to the starting team after playing from the reserves bench in last week’s victory over the Lions in Johannesburg.
Coach John Mitchell said Perth fans will be treated to a frenetic encounter in their first visit to Subiaco Oval this season
“Whenever you come up against a New Zealand opponent, the speed of the game is going to be a step up and it’s a challenge that we are looking forward to.
With the style of football that both teams like to play, this could be a very special contest,” said Mitchell.
Mitchell said that he was looking for an improved attacking performance in his team after some strong defensive showings in South Africa.
“We put up some strong defensive performances in South Africa but we are continuing to explore ways to stress opposition defenses when we’re in attack,” he said.
Overall head to head: Played 2, Crusaders 1, Drawn 1.
Last met: 7 April 2007, Crusaders 53 def EWF 0, Jade Stadium, Christchurch.
Emirates Western Force v Crusaders
Sunday 9 March, 2008
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick off: 5.10pm (7.10pm AEDT)
Emirates Western Force
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. AJ Whalley
4. Tom Hockings
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Tamaiti Horua
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Chris O’Young
10. Matt Giteau (vc)
11. Drew Mitchell
12. Lachlan MacKay
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Cameron Shepherd
Reserves
16. Luke Holmes
17. Troy Takiari
18. Sam Wykes
19. Matt Hodgson
20. James Stannard
21. Scott Daruda
22. Josh Tatupu