Graham’s tough call on final Force line-up

NICK TAYLOR SYDNEY, The West Australian
February 9, 2011, 6:48 am

Richard Graham has one trial and a week of training left to decide the make-up of his first Western Force Super Rugby line-up.

And he revealed he has a couple of tough decisions to make before rolling out the first Super side he has coached.

Crucially, he will be looking at the form of his two senior scrum-halves, former Wallaby Brett Sheehan and Australian Sevens star James Stannard, as the side goes into its second trial game against the Waratahs in Nowra tomorrow.

The other spot still undecided is hooker, where Nathan Charles and Ben Whittaker will have a last chance to stake their claim.

Many predict youngster James O'Connor is likely to start at inside centre in the opening round against the Reds in Brisbane on February 20.

But only Graham knows the answer and not only is he keeping his options open but was quick to highlight the form of Gene Fairbanks, who started at No.12 in the 40-24 first trial win over the Australian Barbarians.

"Gene Fairbanks trialled well. His form was excellent," Graham said. "He showed his intent from the first minute of the game, he was abrasive in defence and communicated to the forwards.

"I think you'll see James in a number of positions throughout the season. I'm certainly not going to commit to him playing anywhere in particular.

"There's no doubt through this trial period he'll continue to play at No.15. James is certainly developing, his awareness of space and distribution has improved. He certainly offers us versatility."

The other big decision is how to fit four Wallaby loose forwards - David Pocock, Ben McCalman, Matt Hodgson and Richard Brown - into three spots.

Graham did say McCalman would find himself in the second row at some time during the season but will be hoping the return of captain Nathan Sharpe from a hernia operation means that move will be made later rather than sooner.

"I'm hoping for round one against the Reds," Sharpe said.

"Things are progressing well. I've run this week, I'm happy about that. Next week will be a better indication of where I'm at."

Graham will wait on late fitness tests on a couple of players before announcing his side today.

WARATAHS *

Kurtley Beale, Lachie Turner, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Berrick Barnes, Luke Burgess, Wycliff Palu, Phil Waugh (capt), Ben Mowen, Dean Mumm, Kane Douglas, Al Baxter, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Sekope Kepu.

Force team to be named today *

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/spo...force-line-up/

This trial represents the quantum leap in Australian rugby. The new depth we have is sensational and will put us in good stead for RWC 2011. The doomsayers w@nked-lyrical about the lack of depth in Australia to have 4 super teams let alone 5. Well the Force who are top heavy in wallabies are playing a trial against virtually an all wallaby waratahs outfit.

I'm excited

Bring on 2011