Cameron Shepherd back in Tri-Nations picture after heeding Wallabies SOS
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WESTERN Force poster boy Cameron Shepherd is back in the Tri-Nations Test picture following a dramatic call from Wallaby coach Robbie Deans for the try-scoring ace to fly to Sydney on Friday.
Shepherd, whose sparkling career has been frustrated by injury in recent seasons, found himself packing his bags after the SOS call from Deans, who wants to have a look at the nine-Test star who broke his leg playing for the Wallabies in June 2008.
Shepherd missed teammate Matt Hodgson making Western Force history, becoming the first player to win back-to-back Player of the Year awards.
Hodgson had a huge season for the Force and stood out when the side was depleted by injuries and suffered early defeats to the Brumbies, Chiefs, Hurricanes and Bulls.
Hodgson edged out captain Nathan Sharpe, who similarly led from the front, and star flank David Pocock, one of the best fetchers in world rugby.
Though the Melbourne Rebels have been determinedly chasing Shepherd's signature, Western Force chief executive Vern Reid is confident the No. 11 will soon sign for the Perth club.
Shepherd, originally from Sydney, enjoys living in Perth and Reid said they were tying up loose ends before putting pen to paper.
Shepherd had returned to Perth from Sydney on Wednesday, then Deans phoned on Friday and said he wanted to have a look at him yesterday.
"We took the decision that it was in Cam's best interests if it meant getting into the Tri-Nations," Reid said.
"He hopped on the plane at lunchtime, even though that meant arriving in Sydney at around midnight and not being in particularly great shape.
"Cam didn't request to go, but we said forget about being MC with Matt. It's more important getting back in the Wallaby squad."
Shepherd will be lining up against Stefano Hunt, the talented 18-year-old flyhalf-cum-centre who cut his Super rugby teeth with the Force this season and is playing for Souths.
Reid has hosed down fears of too many chiefs and not enough Indians coaching the Western Force, causing confusion next season.
Coach John Mitchell, currently coaching the Lions in South Africa, will ride into the sunset at the end of next season when his current assistant, Richard Graham, takes the reins on a three-year contract.
Reid said the two men had an excellent relationship and he foresaw no problems during the transition.
During that period Reid will take charge of contracting players.
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