0
The Emirates Western Force is determined to make the most of a month long run at home starting with the reigning champion Reds on Saturday night. Following four of their first five matches away from home the West Australian’s now play four in Perth, a series that will have a significant impact on the shape of their season.
Coach Richard Graham has made a number of tactical adjustments while injuries from last weekend’s outing against the Rebels have also forced him to look at the make-up of the match-day squad.
Wallabies’ backrower Ben McCalman makes his return to the 22 after three weeks on the sidelines and will start on the substitutes bench with fellow international capped loose forward Richard Brown moving into the run-on side alongside the class of David Pocock and Matt Hodgson.
Experienced lock Toby Lynn will partner Nathan Sharpe in the second row after Sam Wykes was ruled out with an ankle injury while standout front rower Pek Cowan starts in his 50th match for the Emirates Western Force.
“It’s outstanding to see Pek reach 50 caps,” Graham said.
“What is really rewarding for the organisation is that seven of the club’s foundation players have now achieved that 50 game milestone and have been able to contribute significantly to the development of this young franchise.
“Pek is in superb form and his improvement and consistency this season alone has him playing his best rugby.”
In the backs Samu Wara will be given further opportunity on the wing after scoring a try in his starting debut a fortnight ago while Nick Cummins moves into the centres where his penetrating ball carry will be put to good use.
“Nick’s ability to break the line and give us go forward has been a consistent feature of his game and tactically that will assist us in the way we want to play against the Reds this weekend,” said Graham.
With young halfback Justin Turner (knee) and centre Will Tupou (hamstring) joining Wykes on the casualty list, exciting West Australian utility back Kyle Godwin has been selected in what will be his FxPro Super Rugby debut should he see game time. Fellow utility Ben Seymour, lock Phoenix Battye and hooker Elvis Taione have also been added to the substitutes as reward for their efforts with the Emirates Western A, including last week’s win against the Rebel Rising in Melbourne.
“It’s disappointing to lose Justin for two months however his absence creates an opportunity for another local youngster in Kyle to get his chance to break into Super Rugby,” Graham said.
“While injury creates disruption, in particular to building combinations, the fact that we’ve had these players in our programme training and learning throughout the pre-season, and with the Emirates Western Force A more recently, has allowed them to develop a really clear understanding of how we want to go about our performances.
“I’m confident in their ability to make a strong contribution on Saturday night.”
The round six match will be the second meeting between the sides this season following the Reds 15 point win in week two at Suncorp Stadium. The final margin belied the competitive nature of the clash with each side scoring two tries and only late penalty goals saw the result swing in favour of the home side.
2012 FxPro Super Rugby – Week 6
Emirates Western Force v Queensland Reds
Saturday, 31 March 2012 at nib Stadium
Kick-off: 6.40pm (AWST)
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Toby Lynn
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Richard Brown
7. David Pocock
8. Matt Hodgson
9. Brett Sheehan
10. James Stannard
11. Alfie Mafi
12. Winston Stanley
13. Nick Cummins
14. Samu Wara
15. David Harvey
Reserves
16. Elvis Taione
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Phoenix Battye
19. Ben McCalman
20. Ben Seymour
21. Rory Sidey
22. Kyle Godwin
Reply With Quote
I joked about it at the start of the week and it looks like he has actually done it.
Originally Posted by Buddha Handy
