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Cummins Returns, Henjak Rotates For Tornadoes
Thursday, September 20, 2007 11:38am
RugbyWA
Australian Sevens flyer Nick Cummins will return to the ET Perth Spirit line-up for this Sunday’s clash against the Ballymore Tornadoes in Brisbane.
Cummins injured a thigh in the ET Perth Spirit’s victory over the Central Coast Rays over a fortnight ago, and missed the team’s two recent home games.
But he’s back to full fitness, and will play outside centre with Ryan Cross shifting to inside centre.
Form scrumhalf Matt Henjak will start on the bench as part of rotation policy, with James Stannard beginning at No. 9.
Tight head prop Troy Takiari also returns to the squad, coming in for AJ Whalley, while Southern Districts (Sydney) winger Jackson Mullane moves from the bench to the starting XV.
ET Perth Spirit Head Coach John Mulvihill said the battle for the final four was wide open, with six teams in the running, and the Spirit had to keep its focus if it hoped to make the semi-finals.
“I have asked all the players and staff to ensure they leave no stone unturned in our preparation this week so that we get the desired result,” Mulvihill said.
“The Tornadoes are a far better team than the Aces, and I think it’s fair to say they have probably underachieved with the personnel they have,” he said.
“Melbourne found them hard going last week and they beat the Fleet so it’s going to be a difficult contest in difficult conditions.”
The squad is
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Luke Holmes
3. Troy Takiari
4. Tom Hockings
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Scott Fardy
7. Richard Brown
8. Scott Fava
9. James Stannard
10. Scott Daruda
11. Jackson Mullane
12. Ryan Cross
13. Nick Cummins
14. Edward Jenkins
15. Luke McLean
16. Tai McIsaac
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Luke Doherty
19. Will Brock
20. Matt Henjak
21. Todd Feather
22. Kane Allen