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Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell has announced his team for Friday night’s Investec Super 14 Week 11 clash with the Lions at Subiaco Oval.
Prop Gareth Hardy returns to the side after a successful return with NSW club side Sydney University last weekend after a knee injury had sidelined him for five weeks.
Hardy's only previous appearance during the 2009 season was against the Cheetahs in Week Two of the competition.
Incumbent loosehead Pek Cowan, who started the last seven matches in the number 1 jersey, reverts to the reserves bench, where Mitchell has opted for five forwards and two backs over the traditional 4-3 split.
Reserve scrumhalf Chris O’Young has been omitted from the 22-man squad to afford two reserve props, while 19-year-old Academy hooker Ben Whittaker retains his place in the lineup after missing out on his Super 14 debut in the intense derby showdown last Saturday.
Number 8 Richard Brown has been named in the starting lineup, but will need to pass a fitness test ahead of Friday night’s clash after suffering a high ankle sprain in the 15-14 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney.
The Lions have performed well in the three meetings between the teams, recording a 25-24 win at Subiaco in 2007 and claiming a 34-all draw in 2006 when known as the Cats.
The WA side’s only victory came in 2008 in Johannesburg, when a second half penalty goal from Cameron Shepherd secured an 18-16 result.
Mitchell said that while finals are still a distinct possibility, the team will not be looking past Friday’s game.
"We have had three tight games against the Lions since inception, and we respect the style of football they play. They were very impressive on the counter-attack last week against the Reds," said Mitchell.
"The win over the Waratahs was very important for us, but you can’t dwell on the past. We will need to improve on that display to win on Friday."
Western Force v Lions
Friday 24 April, 2009
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick off: 7.05pm WST
Western Force
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Ben Castle
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Cameron Shepherd
12. James O’Connor
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Drew Mitchell
16. Ben Whittaker
17. AJ Whalley
18. Pek Cowan
19. Tom Hockings
20. Tamaiti Horua
21. Josh Tatupu
22. Haig Sare