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Dave Hughes From The West Australian had this to add yesterday
http://www.thewest.com.au/default.as...ontentID=18286
The impending battle to be Western Force full-back is also likely to be a contest for the Wallabies’ No. 15 jersey.
Force incumbent Cameron Shepherd faces a selection challenge from recruit Drew Mitchell and he who prevails will not only start at the back in Super 14 but, as a result of a Chris Latham knee injury, for the Wallabies as well in Tests against Wales and Fiji, the Tri-Nations series and possibly the World Cup.
Latham ruptured ligaments in his right knee and, while hopeful of returning to contact training by June, is no sure thing for the cup, which kicks off in France in September.
If Wallabies coach John Connolly has a logical succession plan, Shepherd has first dibs on Latham’s place. He served as the Australia A fullback last year and, when picked on the wing, emphasised his finishing ability with two tries in the November Test against Wales in Cardiff.
He is safe under the high ball, has a good kick and his attacking prowess yielded seven Super-14 tries in 2006. He would also be a handy back-up to Stirling Mortlock as place kicker.
Mitchell made his name on the wing, scoring some spectacular tries for the Wallabies, but moved from the Queensland Reds to Perth eyeing the full-back spot.
For the moment he is biding his time and waiting for a chance to show coach John Mitchell his wares.
“To be honest, I’m really not leaning either way,” Mitchell said of the positional battle. “We play quite a wide, expansive game here at the Force and the guys out wide are getting some good ball in space so if that’s the case, there’s not too much difference.”
Mitchell has the early advantage in that he is fully fit and ready for the pre-season games, whereas Shepherd has a slight back injury.
The Force’s preparation for 2007 moves up a gear with Saturday’s intrasquad match at Perry Lakes.
Force captain Nathan Sharpe who, like Latham is on a restricted training program, expects the pair to mix and match roles during the season. “One can start at full-back and one on the wing, and they’ll rotate during the game,” he said. “Obviously the two here can fill Latham’s boots and they’ll be putting up their hands.”
With Mat Rogers having ruled himself out of rugby union at an inopportune time, NSW pair Sam Norton-Knight and Peter Hewat will try to impress during the Super 14 season, which starts on February 2.
The bolter could be Reds rugby league convert Clinton Schifcofske, acclaimed as one of the best full-back in the NRL last year.
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