Force makeover has O'Connor at ten

[blueandblack]

TIM CLARKE
February 25, 2010 - 10:08AM .
Scott Staniforth will return, Mark Bartholomeusz will make his debut and James O'Connor will become the team's key playmaker in the Western Force's crucial clash with the Chiefs this week.

For the third successive week, John Mitchell has drastically altered his thinking in attack, with Bartholomeusz to make his first appearance at full back, and Staniforth on the wing.

That means O'Connor will slot into the number ten jersey originally earmarked for Andre Pretorius – the spot many believe the teenage Wallaby is destined to play for many years.

"What I am happy about is that he will be in one position, he has had to manage a lot over the last two weeks in terms of a dual role," Mitchell said.

"Before the Brumbies we had no opportunity for him to play at ten, and last week he did two roles. So I think for such a young guy to settle him down and allow him to play one position.

"He is an excellent example of a person who is gaining maturity through experience."

Staniforth will be injected straight into the Force starting line-up after getting clearance for his temporary return to cover the raft of injuries.

"I am really excited to have Scott back, and the group is also excited. We will reassess the situation after four games and see where we are with outside backs," Mitchell said.

Mitchell looking to fight fire with fire as the rampant Chiefs arrive in WA with Ryan Cross recovered and restored to the centres and Nick Cummins returning from injury.

All Black David Hill will not arrive in Perth in time to make his debut.

The Waikato side won the highest coring Super rugby match ever last week, overcoming the Lions 72-65.

Force team to play the Chiefs on Saturday: Henderson, Cowan, Fairbrother, Hockings, Sharpe, McCalman, Hodgson, Wykes, Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

http://www.watoday.com.au/rugby-unio...0225-p4v8.html

[Thequeerone]

Kool

[chiraag]

I'm liking the look of that backline a lot! Hopefully they're not rushing Cummins back to early by putting him straight into the starting line-up. I wasn't really expecting him back until after the bye.

Should be very intereting indeed to see how J'OC goes in his first proper crack at number 10. If it goes well, I wonder where Hill will slot in when he's ready to go.

With that team, my prediction is for a narrow Force victory. Carn the FORCE!

[jombi]

Great to hear that Cummins is back early!

[eleypinkbit]

Saw Cummins last Thursday - he was down at the clubhouse after touch rugby. He seemed to be moving okay and had no strapping on so hopefully he's fully recovered

[.X.]

I gotta say - I love the look of this backline.

Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

[MI5_Dog]

I'm with you Ex it's a great backline and means we can also get some firepower (excuse the use of that word) in the reserves as well.
It's great that Inman is still there and that Cummins is back.
Really looking forward to the game.

[BeeJay]

Agreed. For the first time the backs look as good or better than the forwards.

Plus the Chiefs are on the way back from a tough South African tour. Plus we have had longer to get used to the heat.

Augurs well....

[SNOB]

I gotta say - I love the look of this backline.

Sheehan, O'Connor, Cummins, Inman, Cross, Staniforth, Bartholomeusz.

Looking very interesting certainly enough talent there to worry any team.
I feel that a win is on the cards this weekend.
Go the FORCE!

[BaldCunus]

agree with all above a much improved looking backline. amazing how feww returning player from injury and spanner back makes a huge difference to the look of the side.

[GIGS20]

I like that.. I'd have no problems slotting Hill into that backline, Shift Joc out one and bench Inman to play utility back, alternately switch Joc to 15 and Barty covers the utility bench slot, It's nice to see the Cullet get a crack as it puts DHP into a position where he can play to his strengths without having the responsibility of being the only genuine outside back in the team.

With an injury hit Chiefs, who apparently can be leaky I think we've got a real good shot on Saturday!

[KenyaQuin]

Sweet.

[zimeric]

SPANNAH!!! CULLETT!!! CROSSY!!!! you absolute beauties!!!

im itching to watch this line up bring the Boom to MEBS! lets hope we get a sellout!

[sandgroperrugby]

HMMM slick hands at 10 passing to three big backs and another guy that accelerates into contact.

Good things can be seen on the horizon.

[zimeric]

RugbyWA site is not responding... hmmm