Shepherd out, Inman back for Force
NICK TAYLOR, The West Australian
May 5, 2011, 9:24 am
Full-back Cameron Shepherd will miss the Western Force's crucial Super Rugby clash against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday with a knee injury.
The loss of Shepherd, who has been carrying the knock for a few weeks, will be felt by the Force after he scored three tries in the last two games, including a double in the home loss to the Crusaders last week.
The Wallaby is replaced by Pat Dellit, whose switch from outside centre allows Rebels-bound Mitch Inman to make his first Super Rugby appearance since he dislocated his elbow in the Force's second game of the season.
Also back in the run-on side is Matt Hodgson, in for the rested Ben McCalman who is on the bench.
More to come …
http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...ack-for-force/
Fresh bodies start for Force
By RugbyWA Media
Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has made several changes to the run-on side which will tackle the Waratahs on Saturday night, recalling tough loose forward Matt Hodgson and hard running centre Mitch Inman.
Hodgson made a successful return from injury last weekend as a substitute and will start at six with Richard Brown named at No.8 and David Pocock on the other flank.
After starting every game and carrying a massive workload this season, Ben McCalman will make his impact from the bench and will be joined by lock Tom Hockings and prop Tim Fairbrother who have been included in the 22 man squad.
“With injuries to David Pocock and Matt Hodgson this season Ben has played every minute of every game and we now have an opportunity to bring some fresh legs into the forward pack,” Graham said.
“Ben will still definitely be involved from the bench.”
There has been one forced change with Cameron Shepherd ruled out with a niggling knee complaint. The in-form fullback is only expected to be sidelined for one match and in his absence Patrick Dellit will take the 15 jersey with Inman to slot straight back into outside centre.
Graham acknowledged the excellent job of the club’s conditioning and medical teams to have players fit and firing after early season injuries had curtailed the numbers available for selection.
“At this time of the year it is important to be able to select from a group as broad as possible and it is a credit to the staff and players that we are in a reasonable position to do so,” said Graham.
“We’re under no illusions that even though the Waratahs have a few injury concerns they are still one of the best sides in the competition and will treasure playing at home.
“We have remained focused on ourselves and it is important that we make a statement early on Saturday night,” Graham said.
2011 Super Rugby – Week 12
Waratahs v Emirates Western Force
Saturday, 7 May 2011 at Sydney Football Stadium
Kick-off: 5.40pm (AWST)
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Matt Dunning
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Brett Sheehan
10. Willie Ripia
11. David Smith
12. James O'Connor
13. Mitch Inman
14. Nick Cummins
15. Patrick Dellit
Reserves
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Tim Fairbrother
18. Tom Hockings
19. Ben McCalman
20. James Stannard
21. Rory Sidey
22. Alfie Mafi
http://www.westernforce.com.au/NewsE...4/Default.aspx