Shepherd back to bolster the Force

[travelling_gerry]

Shepherd back to bolster the Force

By Justin Chadwick, AAP April 7, 2010, 11:35 am

Cameron Shepherd has recovered from a quad injury and will return to the Western Force starting line-up for Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Highlanders in New Zealand.
Shepherd has failed to feature this season after suffering the injury during the warm-up of the club's round one match against the Brumbies in Perth.
"We think he's ready to go," coach John Mitchell said on Wednesday.
"It's important to have an attacking influence on the wings.
"It's a vital part of the game, certainly in our structure, so it's good to have Shep back.
"He's an exceptional attacking player."
Mitchell also confirmed No.8 Richard Brown, who played a cameo role off the bench last week, would return to the starting side.
But scrumhalf Brett Sheehan is set for another two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, while winger Scott Staniforth is also out for several weeks with a torn calf muscle.

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ter-the-force/

[Sheikh]

Excellent news!

[BDAVEY]

Excellent news!

we need his long distance goal kicks...! be interesting if he is 11 or 15 i would say the former ???

[PerthGirl]

Think he'll be needed on the wing. Didn't realise Sheehan was going to be out for so long, it's a bummer for him, he was playing so well

[BDAVEY]

Think he'll be needed on the wing. Didn't realise Sheehan was going to be out for so long, it's a bummer for him, he was playing so well

Yeh he was another loose forward but hoping he will be reday for Richie and the Crusaders.... having said that weight to ratio Chris oy is giving his opportunity a real go.. we are lucky in that way to have good 1/2's

[zimeric]

The back-ups are not bad either in Turner & Swanepoel..
Id say Turner is slightly more mobile though.. reminded me a little of Henjak when he played last week, willing to give it a go....


AWESOME News for Sheps...pleaseeee pleaseee dont get injured again!!

[blueandblack]

Woooo!!!!!!!! Welcome back Sheps!

[Garfiep]

nearing our first look of the full strength starting XV - go Force

[GIGS20]

Wooo Hooo just in time for SHep to make his run for the Wallaby fullback jersey.

Once Cummo returns I'm confident sanity will prevail and Shep will be moved to 15.

[James]

I'd love to see a backline of:

9. Sheehan
10. Hill
11. Cummins
12. O'Connor
13. Inman
14. Staniforth
15. Shepherd

Facing up against the Crusaders. I can smell a blockbuster.

[BDAVEY]

I'd love to see a backline of:

9. Sheehan
10. Hill
11. Cummins
12. O'Connor
13. Inman
14. Staniforth
15. Shepherd

Facing up against the Crusaders. I can smell a blockbuster.

awesome !!!!!!!! cant see Crossy getting tossed..... he must be due for a blinder

[Elf1]

awesome !!!!!!!! cant see Crossy getting tossed..... he must be due for a blinder

With Sheps back and Cullett back next week I can see Crossy being benched.

[BeeJay]

Need to be patient with Shep - he may have to play himself back in to form like Cullet. Looked a bit podgy on Ch 10 news....

[travelling_gerry]

Western Force warns against high expectations from Cameron Shepherd

Justin Chadwick From: AAP April 07, 2010 5:46PM

WARNING FORCE: The Western Force has warned not to expect to much from returning Cameron Shepherd. Picture: AP Source: PerthNow
Force fears no teamPlay


WESTERN Force coach John Mitchell has warned fans not to expect a blistering return from former Wallaby Cameron Shepherd in Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Highlanders in New Zealand.

Shepherd has been plagued by injuries over the past two years and had the first half of his 2010 campaign ruined when he suffered a serious quad injury warming up for the season-opening clash with the Brumbies in Perth.

The 26-year-old passed a series of fitness tests at training this week and will make his first appearance of the season against the Highlanders.

But Mitchell said it could take some time for the speedy utility, who has been named on the right wing, to regain his touch.

"To have someone of Shep's experience back is huge,'' Mitchell said on Wednesday.

"But let's not put major expectation on Shep just because he's a former international and he's been exceptional for the club when he has played.


"He's been out for nine weeks so it's important he just finds his feet and does the best he possibly can and we help him get through his first performance.

"We think he's ready to go.

"It's important to have an attacking influence on the wings.

"It's a vital part of the game, certainly in our structure, so it's good to have Shep back.

"He's an exceptional attacking player.''

Shepherd's return is a timely boost for the Force, who will be without Scott Staniforth for several weeks after the winger tore his calf in last week's win against the Stormers.

Halfback Brett Sheehan will spend another two weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Mitchell confirmed No.8 Richard Brown, who played a cameo role off the bench last week, would return to the starting side while Sam Wykes has snared a spot on the bench after recovering from a thigh complaint.

Mitchell said it was important for his team to keep building momentum after last week's thrilling win over the Stormers.

"Last week's result was on the back of three really strong performances and it's important we maintain that mindset going forward,'' he said.

"We are aware of the obstacles that exist when you go to New Zealand so it's important we don't let any obstacles get in our road.

"And we use the strength that we've drawn from each other during the difficult injury period and the way we just stuck to our guns and stayed tight and worked really hard for each other.

"We want to maintain that and we'll continue that mindset and work harder for each other because clearly there's been some good examples in recent weeks that have shown that if you do stick together and work hard things can turn for you.''

Western Force squad for two match tour of New Zealand, which begins this Saturday against the Highlanders in Queenstown.

Forwards: Pek Cowan, Nic Henderson, Ben Whittaker, Nathan Charles, Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother, Tom Hockings, Nathan Sharpe (Capt), Sam Wykes, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Richard Brown

Backs: Chris O'Young, Justin Turner, David Hill, Mark Bartholomeusz, Ryan Cross, Mitch Inman, Cameron Shepherd, James O'Connor, Sam Harris, Dane Haylett-Petty

Unavailable: Andre Pretorius (hamstring), Brett Sheehan (hamstring), Ryan Tyrrell (neck), Joelin Rapana (hand), Jono Jenkins (ankle), Nick Cummins (suspended), Scott Staniforth (calf).

http://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/wes...-1225851102037

[James]

So long as he doesn't bring crutches onto the field I'll be happy.