0
Emirates Western Force Captain Nathan Sharpe and reigning John Eales medallist David Pocock headline the inclusions into the West Australian squad which will take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Neither player featured in the trial matches last week, Sharpe recovering from a hernia operation while Pocock was rested after a massive workload during the international season for the Wallabies.
Young star James O’Connor will take the playmaker responsibilities after New Zealand recruit Willie Ripia was ruled out with a foot injury. Ripia hurt his foot in the club’s opening trial match against the Australian Barbarians a week and a half ago and has been on light duties since.
“At this stage it hasn’t responded to treatment,” Head Coach Richard Graham said.
“We’re being conservative in our management of Willie given that the season runs through to July. Coincidentally a group of leading foot specialists were in Perth for a conference this week and we were able to chat to them about it and will continue to manage it as instructed.”
Graham said he had full faith in moving O’Connor into flyhalf, a role that will see him pitted directly against good friend and Wallabies team mate Quade Cooper.
“I’ve very comfortable with James moving into that role. He played in that position a number of times last season and more recently in the trial matches so we’re confident he’ll do a good job for us,” said Graham.
The Emirates Western Force squad enjoyed a quality final training run on Friday morning in Perth before flying out for Brisbane at midday.
“Going into the game we’re confident in our preparations and happy with where we’re at as a group,” Graham said.
2011 Super Rugby – Week 1
Queensland Reds v Emirates Western Force
Sunday, 20 February 2011 at Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 4.40pm (AEST) / 2.40pm (AWST)
Emirates Western Force Squad
1. Pek Cowan
2. Ben Whittaker
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Ben McCalman
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Brett Sheehan
10. James O’Connor
11. David Smith
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Mitch Inman
14. Nick Cummins
15. Cameron Shepherd
Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Sam Wykes
19. Tevita Metuisela
20. James Stannard
21. Alfie Mafi
22. Rory Sidey