Four Force changes to tackle Tahs in Sydney

[pieter blackie]

Captain Matt Hodgson will lead the Emirates Western Force against the Waratahs in one of four changes to the starting XV to play NSW on Sunday afternoon in Sydney.

Hodgson returns to the starting line-up alongside flanker Ben McCalman, with the Wallaby pair promoted to the run-on side after coming off the bench against the Cheetahs last weekend.

In the other change to starting pack, Heath Tessmann replaces hooker Nathan Charles, after Charles was ruled out for the remainder of the 2013 season through injury. Charles underwent a knee reconstruction on Thursday after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against the Cheetahs.

The Emirates Western Force backline has also received a reshuffle with Junior Rasolea set to make his Super Rugby starting debut after three appearances from the bench in the opening rounds of the competition. Rasolea’s inclusion on the left wing sees Alfie Mafi shift to fullback in place of Will Tupou. Mafi, who sits equal atop of the competition’s leading try-scorers, played 10 matches in the 15 jersey for the Western Australians in 2012.

The Force bench has undergone several changes with former Brumbies and Waratahs utility Sam Norton-Knight and ex-Hurricanes scrumhalf Chris Eaton set to make their Super Rugby debuts for the Emirates Western Force. Norton-Knight makes his first Super Rugby appearance since 2009 and his first since leaving NSW where he played 49 of his 58 Super Rugby matches. Eaton, who was recruited as injury cover for Brett Sheehan, previously played 27 Super Rugby matches across two seasons for the Hurricanes in 2011 and 2012.

Reserve hooker Ben Whittaker is also in line to earn his first cap of 2013 after returning from a foot injury while flyhalf Sam Christie and front-rower Kieran Longbottom have been named after representing the Force in their opening two fixtures against the Rebels and Kings.

Emirates Western Force Head Coach Michael Foley says his side will have a renewed focus on being disciplined in possession.

“I’ve been pleased with the development we’ve shown over the first five matches of this competition, particularly the character we've displayed as a side,” he said.

“We’ve moved forward in a number of areas, however, last weekend was a reminder that we need to remain focused on achieving the outcomes we want with the ball in hand.”


1. Pek Cowan
2. Heath Tessmann
3. Salesi Ma’afu
4. Toby Lynn
5. Hugh McMeniman
6. Ben McCalman
7. Matt Hodgson (c)
8. Richard Brown
9. Alby Mathewson
10. Sias Ebersohn
11. Junior Rasolea
12. Kyle Godwin
13. Winston Stanley
14. Patrick Dellit
15. Alfie Mafi

Reserves
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Sam Wykes
19. Chris Alcock
20. Chris Eaton
21. Sam Christie
22. Sam Norton-Knight

[Macattack]

What's the story with Angus Cottrell?

[GAFFA]

What's the story with Angus Cottrell?

My guess would be he is being rested. I thought he wouls be due one soon he is still.very young dont want to.burn him out.
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[Macattack]

I hope so. I've liked the way he has been playing and our intensity at the ruck has been a significant improvement so far this year (for the most part).

[palitu]

Yes it looks like with the back row players we have, that it is a rotational policy, keep them all fit and wanting to stay with the club. They all get game time, and can be impact players off the bench. It is amazing how good our back row stocks are!

We all thought we would lose something with Pocock gone, but apart from some spectacular pilfers, we haven't lost much at all, Alcock is just as good in attack and defense, just probably not as good at pilfers.

[Sheikh]

No Faulkner? Would have him ahead of More-food any time!
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[palitu]

Another resting i reckon, Long bottom hasnt played too many games this year.

[Alison]

What's the story with Angus Cottrell?

He stayed behind in Perth. Think Gaffa's probs right about him being rested.

[brokendown gunfighter]

how long are we resting Cummins?

[Alison]

how long are we resting Cummins?

I am a bit sus about what's happening with Cummins. First it was jet lag and not being fully fit after coming back after Xmas. Then last week Ben, the Force video guy, said to me rather vaguely that he's got a "niggle with his ankle". But then TIF's info was that he has a niggle with his knee. .????

[fulvio sammut]

Maybe he has a niggle about the amount he thinks he should be paid ...

[Alison]

Maybe....When is his current contract up?

[fulvio sammut]

2013 unless its been renewed.

[SNOB]

Please don't. I'm sure that's not HB.
I really hope I'm right but I'm sure the HB is an honest ard worker who will play his guts out for the Force.
When he's fit watch out.

[fulvio sammut]

SNOB, I know diddley squat.

But he's a Wallaby. If he's not injured why isn't he playing?

It's not as if the Force are travelling so well they can afford to lose another game by "resting" him.