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The Emirates Western Force will take a squad of 26 players when they head to South Africa tonight for a two match tour against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein and Sharks in Durban.
The squad includes a mix of experience and youth and will be a wonderful opportunity for the players to spend time together and concentrate on rugby.
“While there has been some distractions for the club it was good to get back playing last week and now we’ll look to take it up another level on the tour,” Forwards Coach Nick Stiles said.
“Everyone here understands that we have to improve week in week out, as a coaching staff that is something we’re excited about as well.
“Against the Stormers (last Saturday) I think there were plenty of positives to take out of it. They’re a very good side and sitting at the top of the table for a reason. To come out and play with the physicality that we showed will put us in good stead going forward.”
The coaching panel has included a number players yet to secure a cap for the club including exciting backrower Lachlan McCaffrey who is back to full fitness after an ankle injury and has shown strong form for Nedlands in the Pindan Premier Grade.
After training with the Emirates Western Force since the start of pre-season Palmyra lock Jake Ball has signed a short term deal and will provide cover in the second row. Another of the club’s short term signings, Counties Manukau utility back Tyrone Lefau, will also travel and be eager to showcase his talent to push for a longer term deal.
Of the players that lined up against the Stormers last weekend tough loose forward Ben McCalman was the only one unavailable for selection after aggravating an arm injury.
“Both the Cheetahs and Sharks provide tough challenges over the next fortnight,” said Forwards Coach Nick Stiles.
“This weekend we’re in Bloemfontein and up against a Cheetahs side that loves to play a very expansive style of football. They’ve been involved in some really cracking games this year so we’ll have to be on our guard to defend against that.”
Emirates Western Force travelling squad
Forwards: Jake Ball (0 caps, 0 points), Phoenix Battye (6 caps, 0 points), Richard Brown (69 caps, 20 points), Nathan Charles (32 caps, 5 points), Pek Cowan (53 caps, 5 points), Tetera Faulkner (1 cap, 0 points), Matt Hodgson (78 caps, 25 points), Toby Lynn (40 caps, 0 points), Salesi Ma’afu (61 caps, 20 points), Salesi Manu (1 cap, 0 points), Lachlan McCaffrey (1 cap, 0 points), David Pocock (64 caps, 35 points), Nathan Sharpe (156 caps, 35 points), Elvis Taione (4 caps, 0 points).
Backs: Nick Cummins (47 caps, 35 points), Kyle Godwin (1 cap, 0 points), David Harvey (6 caps, 68 points), Josh Holmes (49 caps, 40 points), Tyrone Lefau (0 caps, 0 points), Alfie Mafi (38 caps, 20 points), Napolioni Nalaga (4 caps, 0 points), Rory Sidey (25 caps, 25 points), Brett Sheehan (81 caps, 19points), Winston Stanley (13 caps, 5 points), Ben Seymour (6 caps, 5 points), Samu Wara (6 caps, 10 points).
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Originally Posted by WF2006
