Force Squad Announced for Opening Match

[Darren]

Emirates Western Force Captain Nathan Sharpe and reigning John Eales medallist David Pocock headline the inclusions into the West Australian squad which will take on the Queensland Reds at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

Neither player featured in the trial matches last week, Sharpe recovering from a hernia operation while Pocock was rested after a massive workload during the international season for the Wallabies.

Young star James O’Connor will take the playmaker responsibilities after New Zealand recruit Willie Ripia was ruled out with a foot injury. Ripia hurt his foot in the club’s opening trial match against the Australian Barbarians a week and a half ago and has been on light duties since.

“At this stage it hasn’t responded to treatment,” Head Coach Richard Graham said.

“We’re being conservative in our management of Willie given that the season runs through to July. Coincidentally a group of leading foot specialists were in Perth for a conference this week and we were able to chat to them about it and will continue to manage it as instructed.”

Graham said he had full faith in moving O’Connor into flyhalf, a role that will see him pitted directly against good friend and Wallabies team mate Quade Cooper.

“I’ve very comfortable with James moving into that role. He played in that position a number of times last season and more recently in the trial matches so we’re confident he’ll do a good job for us,” said Graham.

The Emirates Western Force squad enjoyed a quality final training run on Friday morning in Perth before flying out for Brisbane at midday.

“Going into the game we’re confident in our preparations and happy with where we’re at as a group,” Graham said.

2011 Super Rugby – Week 1
Queensland Reds v Emirates Western Force
Sunday, 20 February 2011 at Suncorp Stadium
Kick-off: 4.40pm (AEST) / 2.40pm (AWST)

Emirates Western Force Squad
1. Pek Cowan
2. Ben Whittaker
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Ben McCalman
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown

9. Brett Sheehan
10. James O’Connor
11. David Smith
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Mitch Inman
14. Nick Cummins
15. Cameron Shepherd

Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Sam Wykes
19. Tevita Metuisela
20. James Stannard
21. Alfie Mafi
22. Rory Sidey

[WF2006]

Nice looking side. Interesting way to include the Wallaby incumbent 8 into your team!
With Ripia at 10 and JO'C at 12, I believe will be our best team.

Go Force, let's make Clarkie's 4th place prediction in Oz look really dumb!

[WF2006]

Is Donut injured? Or just not making the grade?

[zimeric]

Donut has been sitting out of contact training recently so id say its injury but they are keeping quiet about it so not sure...

nice looking side anyway!!

[Sheikh]

6 wallabies in the pack, 2 more in the backs and an Australian Sevens captain on the bench.

Also, only 2 debuts in the run-on side (and none in the pack) so a fairly settled team, but with 3 debuts and a returner on the bench so theres the ability to freshen up the squad.

Not encouraged by the loss of our marquee player prior to the start of the first game for a second year running, though!

[Guru]

I would have liked to see Mitch Inman at 12 with Cummo at 13 & Mafi on the wing givin the injury to Repia. I think 2 big good line running backs would cause some issues against the questionable defence of Cooper & Fainga.

[Thequeerone]

Like it - Game on - been too long

[GIGS20]

I would have liked to see Mitch Inman at 12 with Cummo at 13 & Mafi on the wing givin the injury to Repia. I think 2 big good line running backs would cause some issues against the questionable defence of Cooper & Fainga.

Just run Mitch to the inside all night. Fairbanks is only there for his chatter in defense.....hope he's been given a mandate to tackle Quade hard enough in attack to make sure he runs the wrong way in the second half.

The backup 10 would be chuckie I assume

[WA sport fan]

How many members do the force have?

[fulvio sammut]

Do you want their names and addresses?

[Darren]

[Burgs]

Picking up on Sheik's points, also will be the first time for no Round 1 Super debuts as I recall, historically the Force has had many Super virgins in Round 1.
Looks like a pretty good combination, have to exploit the Cooper turnstile and then we will be in for a good result.

Might be elsewhere, but for those not able to get to a Fox telecast, ABC Radio are broadcasting with the Grandstand team from 2pm WST.