Western Force lock Hugh McMeniman set to miss Lions clash

Western Force lock Hugh McMeniman set to miss Lions clash
IAIN PAYTEN THE DAILY TELEGRAPH JUNE 02, 2013 5:09PM

Western Force lock Hugh McMeniman is set to miss Wednesday night's clash with the Lions. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow <>

TOUGH lock Hugh McMeniman says he's likely to miss the Force clash with the Lions on Wednesday night, but aims to impress enough against the Waratahs four days after to book a later date with the tourists in a gold jersey.

McMeniman is on the verge of his comeback to action after suffering a fractured shoulder, and an associated A/C joint problem, two months ago against the Rebels.

The 29-year-old - who returned from Japan this season - has been in superb form for the Force prior to the injury, with his trademark brand of abrasive play pencilling him for a Wallabies squad inclusion.

McMeniman targeted the Force-NSW game on Sunday for his return and said that despite feeling confident he could play against the Lions at NIB Stadium in their opening tour match, he wouldn't rush it.

"The Waratahs game is the one I am looking to play in," McMeniman said.

"I could probably make the Lions, I have done my contact training and stuff but it would give me that couple of extra days.

"And obviously the Waratahs game is for points, and the Lions isn't.

"We have a pretty big emphasis on that Waratahs game."

The lure of playing against the Lions is still strong for McMeniman, but he is hoping a complete showing against the Waratahs will lead to a meeting later in the month.

With injuries to Sitaleki Timani and Scott Higginbotham, the versatile lock/six's chance of a call-up next week are strong. His combative style and lineout proficiency are highly regarded by Deans.

"I would definitely like to play for the Wallabies, but I guess I only have that one game to impress. I would be pretty lucky to get the opportunity but I am leaving it to the last moment I guess," he said.

With two games in four days, Force coach Michael Foley has a 35-player squad in training and will name his Lions team on Tuesday, and a team to meet the Tahs on Thursday.

With call-ups to the Wallabies squad and injury problems, Foley has been forced to draft in players from Sydney and Perth club rugby to bolster his numbers.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/ru...-1226655406683

We're playing the Lions at NiB are we? Pretty sure my ticket says Patterson's Stadium; bloody Eastern States journos can't get anything right!

Priorities

Lions game. Chance of a lifetime.

tahs game. Dead rubber. Season gone

That'll do me

Dead set

The lions played their A team against the Baa-Baas. Wednesday is their Possibles.

Sounds like Madness and maybe the coach want to beat the Tahs.

That'll do ME.

I hate Tahs.

Dead set.

I think if we can win our last two games we can over take the rebels and finish second last in our conference which when all is said and done has to be a fantastic achievement

I'm with Rex

I hate the Tahs but the game is a dead rubber

If they wanted to beat the Tahs they should have done it back in March when the season was alive and kicking

Once in a lifetime game vs Lions

Name the strongest lineup and go out and give them a bashing

Dead set

Quote:

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Originally Posted by shasta

The lions played their A team against the Baa-Baas. Wednesday is their Possibles.

Sounds like Madness and maybe the coach want to beat the Tahs.

That'll do ME.

I hate Tahs.

Dead set.

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I think the Lions C team rolled out against the BB's

dead set

who cares about Tahs when you have a chance to beat the Lions.

turn it up Shasta

Beat 'em both then.

That'll do me too.
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Beat the lions with our b team!

I'll take that!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sheikh

We're playing the Lions at NiB are we? Pretty sure my ticket says Patterson's Stadium; bloody Eastern States journos can't get anything right!

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Lions game in Subi

I was of the opinion to focus more on the tahs but as put before this is a once in a lifetime shindig.
The game will be an opportunity if they do well to push the codes cause in WA and win more support from the general public. If we do put out a B team and get flogged it does more damage to the Force's image and reputation even if we do beat the tahs in the following game.
Its a tough call.

Shame. I was hoping to see him thre but look on the bright side. Plays the 'turds proves his fitness and gets a Wallabies call up. Job done!

What's wrong with backing up 4 days later? They get a big break then an even bigger break if they are not a wallaby. Once in a lifetime chance vs Lions. Really shake em up and let them know australia means business. Who gives a flying where we finish on the ladder ? It means nothing. We are heading in the right direction a win vs waratahs B, so what. Beat the Lions and we will never forget !
Posted via Mobile Device

It's a no brainer

The Lions game is a chance at rugby immortality. How many provincial sides have beaten them? How many Australian provincial teams have beaten them? It can't be many

The Lions game is also a wallaby trial. You don't get a better chance to put your hand up.

I'd be filthy if I was left out of the Lions match.

I blame our education system that encourages mediocrity.

I see MMM says he would be right to go but prefers to miss the Lions game and play a second string waratahs. I've got a headache.

When is the team announced?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rex Messup

The Lions game is also a Wallaby trial.

I see MMM says he would be right to go but prefers to miss the Lions game and play a second string waratahs. I've got a headache.

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That'll dead set do me. Madness doesn't need a trial. With the soft locks we have atm all he needs to do is get that smashed up body right and he's the first picked. He wants 3 Test Caps against the Lions 1st grade team. And Dingo needs more mongrel dogs like him and McCalman. I just hope MMM can take out a couple more Tahs so Browndog gets a call-up. Bring it on!!
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MMM looked good at training session this morning, cannot wait to see him out there again.

Had a word with him this am and he confirmed not playing until Sunday.