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RugbyWA Media Release
Wednesday 14 March 2007
CANNON, VEDELAGO BACK IN STARTING LINE-UP FOR REDS CLASH
Emirates Western Force hooker Brendan Cannon and lock Rudi Vedelago will return to the starting line-up for the match against the Queensland Reds on Friday night at Subiaco.
Injuries to Troy Takiari and Scott Staniforth, who were late withdrawals from the Hurricanes game last week, will again see AJ Whalley start at tight head prop and Digby Ioane on the right wing.
With versatile forward David Pusey suffering an ankle injury last week, Luke Doherty moves back into the 22 while hooker Tai McIsaac shifts to the bench.
Emirates Western Force head coach John Mitchell said he was expecting a very physical and passionate encounter but composure would be the key success.
He said derbies were like Test matches, and young men liked nothing better than rising to the occasion and getting one up on old team mates and other Australian teams.
“We will be seeking the right performance and we realise that we control our own destiny,” he said.
Mitchell also said he was wary of the Reds, particularly with Eddie Jones at the helm.
“I have a lot of respect for Eddie as a coach and tactician and he will get the best out of his team,” he said.
“Queensland is a proud rugby State with a rich rugby history and a lot of talent and depth, and they will be playing for keeps, make no mistake.”
Mitchell said the Force had its own injury issues but it was critical the team backed up its win over the Hurricanes.
“For all the joy of burying that home town milestone, last week’s victory was important in that it kept us in contention and this week is just as critical particularly in such a tight competition,” he said.
Revised Squad:
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Brendan Cannon
3. AJ Whalley
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Richard Brown
7. David Pocock
8. Scott Fava
9. Chris O’Young
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Cameron Shepherd
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Ryan Cross
14. Digby Ioane
15. Drew Mitchell
16. Tai McIsaac
17. Angus Scott
18. Luke Doherty
19. Matt Hodgson
20. Jon McGrath
21. Scott Daruda
22. Lachlan MacKay
Original squad was:
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Brendan Cannon
3. AJ Whalley
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Richard Brown
7. David Pocock
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. Matt Giteau
11. Cameron Shepherd
12. Junior Pelesasa
13. Ryan Cross
14. Digby Ioane
15. Drew Mitchell
16. Tai McIsaac
17. Angus Scott
18. Luke Doherty
19. Matt Hodgson
20. Chris O’Young
21. Scott Daruda
22. James Hilgendorf