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Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has added four new faces and made five positional changes to the run-on side for the club’s final trial match against the Waratahs in Nowra on Thursday evening.
One of the key moves will see young gun James O’Connor take the playmaker role at 10 with Willie Ripia rested after having his foot trampled in last Saturday’s win against the Barbarians. Coach Richard Graham said it was just a precaution to keep Ripia out as he took a view to the regular season kick-off in a week and a half.
“You might recall that James played a number of games at 10 early last season, this opportunity is another way of assisting his development,” Graham said.
“The more times he gets his hands on the ball, the more decisions he has to make under pressure I think the better it will be for his career in the long term.”
Other moves include Richard Brown resuming his No.8 duties while Ben McCalman moves to the second row to partner towering youngster Phoenix Battye. Matt Hodgson changes to the blindside flank while Jono Jenkins starts in the seven jersey.
Of the new faces it’s a welcome return to action for Cameron Shepherd who takes on the fullback responsibilities while Nick Cummins, who scored two tries for the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ side last weekend, starts on the wing in place of David Smith.
It will be an interesting clash in the 13 position as new Emirates Western Force recruit Rory Sidey starts against his former side and opposite Waratahs centre Ryan Cross who made the switch from Perth to Sydney in the off-season.
“The changes give me an opportunity to look at others but I also want to make places in the side as competitive as we possibly can going into the first game,” said Graham.
“We’re expecting a physical encounter, most of things that have come from their camp has been about increasing their size over pre-season and I think that is fairly noticeable.
“They played well off Berrick (Barnes) in their last trial and will probably be looking to do more of that this season than they did last. We’ll need to be aware of that and counter where necessary.”
Super Rugby Trial
EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE v WARATAHS
Thursday 10 February at Shoalhaven Rugby Park, Nowra
Kick-off: 7:30pm (AEDT)
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3.Tim Fairbrother
4. Phoenix Battye
5. Ben McCalman
6. Matt Hodgson (Captain)
7. Jono Jenkins
8. Richard Brown
9. James Stannard
10. James O’Connor
11. Alfie Mafi
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Rory Sidey
14. Nick Cummins
15. Cameron Shepherd
Please also note that the curtain raiser match will now see an Invitational side replace the Emirates Western Force ‘A’ against the Junior Waratahs. The Invitational side will feature a number of Emirates Western Force players as well as a contingent of local NSW club players.
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