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Force players Shepherd, Valentine hunt for Wallabies caps
Article from: PerthNow
Nick Taylor, rugby writer
January 24, 2009 05:21pm
WESTERN Force fullback Cameron Shepherd just wanted to get through the game; his new teammate, halfback Josh Valentine, was just after a game.
But after Friday night's pre-season trial against the Crusaders both have the same target in their sights - more Wallaby caps.
The popular Shepherd was distraught and depressed after wrecking his ankle in last year's 40-10 Wallaby defeat of France in Brisbane.
He was still icing the ankle on Saturday, but his trademark smile was back and he said: "I took a lot of confidence out of that game.
"You try and put things to the back of your mind, but every time you make a tackle or go into a tackle everything seems to slow to quarter-speed.
"The spring in the step is still not quite there, but I needed to give the lungs a blow out. It's no secret I want the Australian fullback spot. That's where I want to be. That's why I play the game.
"I know I'm going to have to work hard, but at the moment it's just good to be on the paddock with the boys again."
After a frustrating 2008 with only two appearances off the bench for the Waratahs, Valentine is keen to add to his four Test caps.
"It has been a while and it was good to get the feel of the game at that intensity again. I copped it on the chin last year and didn't get exposure to Robbie Deans, now I've got a lot to look forward to," he said.
"Playing for the Wallabies is what we all strive for and I've got the chance this season."
Of Shepherd, Force coach John Mitchell said: "I just don't think people understand what young men, sportsmen, go through when they go through serious injury.
"It's a huge thing to come back and he's building with confidence on every outing."
Of Valentine, he said: "Valo is a very clever halfback. He provides good continuity to our game and he's a constant threat."
The Force lost 24-19 in its traditional pre-season hit-out against the reigning Super 14 champions, but Mitchell was pleased to see his side highly motivated.
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...005401,00.html