Force count cost of heartbreaking loss

[Tazzmania]

A heartbroken Western Force have been left to count the cost of Friday night's last-gasp 27-26 loss to the Hurricanes, with several players in doubt for next week's Super 14 bout with the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Winger Nick Cummins, who scored a brace in the after-the-siren loss, is of the biggest concern after injuring the same leg he broke last year.

The 21-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal earlier in the week, limped off in the 49th minute and will have scans on his left leg over the weekend.

Fellow winger Scott Staniforth, who twisted his knee and ankle late in the game but played on, will also be assessed, along with flanker David Pocock (concussion).

Western Force coach John Mitchell said he expected teenage sensation James O'Connor to return after missing one week with a hamstring injury, but Cameron Shepherd is likely to spend his fourth straight game on the sidelines due to a lingering ankle complaint.


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[lara93]

flanker David Pocock (concussion).

we need bam bam!!

[force addict]

ummm the score was 28-27... not 27-26

[lara93]

ahah got that a bit wrong didnt we rugby heaven...

[jono]

no shep again this week?!?!?!

this must be killing him. because its a real pain in the arse to see us lacking in fullback the way we are at the moment. but it has highlighted a weakness. we need a better back up fullback for sheps if he is injured.

[DavidSmithSportFM]

Shep told Tyson Beattie on SportFM 91.3 after the game that he believed he'd be back for the Sydney trip.

[jono]

but mitch said he was expected to miss out again.
wait for SMH to say that shep is trying to undermine mitch now...

[benny]

Shep told Tyson Beattie on SportFM 91.3 after the game that he believed he'd be back for the Sydney trip.

Doesn't say that he's playing, only needs another 4000 points to be Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold for life... hehehehe