MITCHELL SIDELINED FOR SEASON FINALE WITH ANKLE INJURY
Emirates Western Force and Wallabies winger Drew Mitchell has been ruled out of tonight’s final round Super 14 clash with the Brumbies with an ankle injury.
Mitchell was injured in a collision with teammate David Pocock during the team’s warm up before yesterday’s final training session at Subiaco Oval.
An MRI scan overnight confirmed the 21-Test veteran suffered a high ankle sprain (Syndesmosis) injury and will be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks.
The 24 year old will be required to wear a supportive boot and is unable to take his place on the left wing for tonight’s Week 14 derby clash.
Utility Haig Sare has been called into the starting lineup to replace the injured Wallaby, while Junior Pelesasa is a surprise addition to the reserves bench after missing the entire season following knee surgery late last year.
Pelesasa underwent a knee reconstruction in October last year after tearing the ACL in his left knee playing for the ET Perth Spirit in the now-defunct ARC.
It was thought the 27 year old would not return to the field this season, however his inclusion on the reserves bench for tonight’s match comes after just one appearance for WA Club side Wanneroo last weekend.
The revised Emirates Western Force lineup for tonight’s match is as follows.
Overall head to head: Played 2, Brumbies 2, EWF 0.
Last met: 20 April 2007, Brumbies 14 def EWF 12, Canberra Stadium.
Emirates Western Force v Brumbies
Friday 16 May, 2008
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick off: 7.05pm (9.05pm AEST)
1. Pek Cowan
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. David Pusey
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Chris O’Young
10. Matt Giteau (vc)
11. Haig Sare
12. James O’Connor
13. Josh Tatupu
14. Dane Haylett-Petty
15. Cameron Shepherd
16. Luke Holmes
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Sitaleki Timani
19. Sam Wykes
20. James Stannard
21. Scott Daruda
22. Junior Pelesasa
