Pocock returns brings Force some good news at last

[blueandblack]

NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian March 31, 2010, 8:29 am

The injury-ravaged Western Force have finally received some good news with star back-rower David Pocock ready for Friday's Super 14 clash against the second-placed Stormers.

They have also confirmed that hard-hitting winger Scott Staniforth, who was initially on a four-game contract to cover the injury toll, has signed for the rest of the season.

Pocock, who has committed to the club beyond the 2011 Rugby World Cup, has missed six games since tearing the tendon from the bone of his left middle finger in the round one 24-15 loss to the Brumbies.

He is expected to slot back into the No. 7 jumper with Matt Hodgson, who has been in outstanding form, moving to the other side of the scrum or even into the No. 8 spot.

Either Ben McCalman or Richard Stanford, who have both played well in the absence of Pocock and Richard Brown, will move to the bench.

Brown is back in contact training and could soon be ready to play.

Hodgson, 28, in the best form of his career, makes his 50th appearance for the club on Friday and will not easily give up his openside flanker's spot.

"Not sure where he's (Pocock) going to play so there will be a fight for the No. 7 jersey this week," Hodgson said.

"He's a great player and he's been training hard while he's been out injured.

"He leads from the front. He's so strong in all aspects of the game. For a young bloke his leadership qualities are quite good as well.

"It's good to get players back and it's going to be a big boost for us both on and off the field.

"The back row is getting back to where we started at round one. It's one of the strengths of the Force."

Hodgson said player morale was high despite not having a win on the board.

"We're a close knit group. A win's just around the corner," he said.

Front-rower Pek Cowan could make a surprise return to Friday's starting side at loosehead prop.
Another prop, Matt Dunning, trained yesterday after a lay-off for concussion but scrum-half Brett Sheehan looks like being out for another week with a hamstring injury.

[hertryk]

There is a God..Thank you thank you thank you..I promise to be really good from now on..

[AndyS]

If anyone is happy about that, it would be Phil Waugh - the less time Hodgson spends at 7 from now on, the better for him. Given the form in the last 7 weeks though, the damage must surely have already been done?

[chiraag]

Would defintely be good to see Pek return to loosehead now that Whittaker looks to be doing a decent job at hooker

The return of Bam Bam will be a huge boost this weekend as well - Force for the win!

[PerthGirl]

Great that Bam will be back, although Hodgo has done very well in the time Bam's been out

[Burgs]

We are going to do these "pricks".

[Tonkar]

feel sorry for hodgo as he has played his heart out and maybe diserves the position Hodgo stand proud you have played well

[sandgroperrugby]

"Pocock, who has committed to the club beyond the 2011 Rugby World Cup"

So is it a done deal or are they still waiting for the ARU to stop dragging its heals?

[Sheikh]

The ARU only seem to give 2 year contracts, so no-one would be confirmed beyond the RWC.

[James]

The ARU only seem to give 2 year contracts, so no-one would be confirmed beyond the RWC.

They'd give Pocock a three year deal now that Smith has gone but even if they don't he'd be signing for 2011 and 2012 (ie his contract finishes at the end of 2010) so he would be confirmed beyond the RWC.