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Looks like he will be gone.
**** Mitchell for not playing him at 12... I will never forgive him.. massive loss. Why he decided to play him on the wing instead after his breath taking performance last year is beyond me.
Staniforth likely to leave
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1041949
Mar 29, 2007
Joel
While Western Force coach John Mitchell is able to welcome back Matt Giteau this weekend, he could be about to lose last season's main man Scott Staniforth for good, with the winger considering a lucrative offer to playoverseas.
Staniforth will miss out against the Sharks this weekend because of injury, and also has an offer to play in Japan to weigh up as he recuperates.
The versatile Wallaby, who battled his way back into international contention with nine Super 14 tries last year, hasbeen shunted out to the wing for the Force this year with the arrival of Ryan Cross and Giteau.
And after admitting frustration at his wider position, the offer to join Kintetsu is being considered, but not commented on, by the 29 year-old.
A similar offer from France has reportedly been tabled to young first five Scott Daruda. Clermont Auvergne, who took former Force five-eighth Brock James when he was released last year, are said to be interested.
Ahead of Friday's third successive home game for the Force, split by the bye, halfback combination Giteau and Matt Henjak have both been recalled, but not as a duo.
Instead Giteau will be re-employed in the centres, with Jimmy Hilgendorf retaining his place at five-eighth.
Hooker Tai McIsaac, prop Troy Takiari and flanker Matt Hodgson were all also restored to the starting side for the game, which skipper Nathan Sharpe said could be season defining.
"Our defence has been one of our strong points, but it is likely to get the biggest test of the season so far," Sharpe wrote on the Sunday Times website.
"They are one of the form teams at the moment and it will give us a chance to see how we stand against a top side."
Henjak's return sees the unfortunate Chris O'Young move to the bench alongside Junior Pelesasa - but it is in the forwards Mitchell believes his side's biggest test will come.
"The Sharks will look to carry the ball on the fringe of the rucks and mauls but they'll also play with width," Mitchell said.
"They have some young and exciting backs, and their forwards are the best in the competition, so our pack is looking forward to the challenge.
Veteran Sharks loose forward AJ Venter agreed, saying the breakdown would be the arena where Super 14's two tightest defences could be breached.
"We've always placed a high emphasis our breakdown work, but against the Force it's something that we've stressed more than ever," Venter said.
"I believe whoever wins that facet of play will stand the best chance of winning, because they'll be able to attack an unset defence."