Force Squad Named to Take on Manu Samoa
Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has opted for a blend of emerging Super Rugby players, youthful exuberance and a number of new faces in his run-on side to tackle Samoa this Saturday.
In an extended 24 man squad Sam Wykes will lead the club for the first time in his 41 game career, while fellow lock Tom Hockings, who’ll play off the bench, speedy back Nick Cummins and flyhalf Willie Ripia, both in the starting XV, are the only other players on the tour to have notched more than 30 Super Rugby caps.
With Nathan Sharpe, David Pocock and Ben McCalman preparing with the Wallabies and injuries restricting the availability of experienced campaigners Brett Sheehan, Richard Brown, Gene Fairbanks and Cameron Shepherd, the Emirates Western Force have taken a youthful team to Samoa.
Six players in the starting side have yet to experience Super Rugby, while a total of seven of the 24 man squad are trial players pressing their claim for a place in the Emirates Western Force programme.
“I wanted to find the balance between playing our top side and exposing some potential new recruits to as much pressure as I could,” said Graham on his selections.
“I feel we have a good balance.
“We have agreed to play an extended bench meaning everyone will get game time this weekend.”
The Samoan’s inflicted plenty of pain on the Wallabies last month and Graham said he expected them to provide a tough challenge, particularly on home turf, as they round out preparations ahead of a tilt at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
While down on experience, the enthusiasm levels are high in the West Aussie camp with everyone looking forward to testing themselves against a genuine international opponent.
“It provides us with a good opportunity to see who will step up as players and emerge as leaders without the comfort of our Wallaby contingent,” Graham said.
“Samoa is a very good side as recently demonstrated with their win over the Wallabies. They are just three weeks away from the World Cup and will be well prepared and keen to build on a strong foundation.”
Tour Match 1
Samoa v Emirates Western Force
Samoan time: Saturday, 20 August 2011, kick-off 3.00pm
Perth time: Sunday, 21 August 2011, kick-off 10.00am
1. Kieran Longbottom
2. Nathan Charles
3. Paul Alo-Emile
4. Sam Wykes (C)
5. Phoenix Battye
6. Angus Cottrell (Trial player)
7. Tevita Metuisela
8. Will Brock (Trial player)
9. James Stannard
10. Willie Ripia
11. Alfie Mafi
12. Rory Sidey
13. Tim Bennetts (Trial player)
14. Sam Wara (Trial player)
15. Nick Cummins
RESERVES
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Ruan Smith (Trial player)
18. Cruze Ah-Nau
19. Tom Hockings
20. Jay Havelu (Trial player)
21. Ted Postal
22. Dominic Fuller (Trial player)
23. Patrick Dellit
24. Jordan Rapana
