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SIX CHANGES TO THE STARTING XV FOR CHEETAHS
Forwards Matt Hodgson and Richard Brown and backs Digby Ioane and James Hilgendorf will return to the Emirates Western Force starting XV for Friday night’s game against the Cheetahs at Subiaco Oval.
Hodgson rotates with fellow openside flanker David Pocock, who moves onto the bench, while Richard Brown will start at blindside flanker switching with David Pusey, who will also cover lock.
Ioane comes back into the run-on side at right wing, while Scott Staniforth moves to the left wing replacing the injured Cameron Shepherd.
Hilgendorf also returns to the starting team, at flyhalf, with Matt Giteau shuffling one position to inside centre and Junior Pelesasa moving to the bench.
Versatile back Haig Sare comes back into the 22 for the first time since the round 10 game against the Crusaders.
Emirates Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell said he was expecting a very physical encounter with the South Africans.
He said despite recent losses, the Cheetahs had been unlucky and would be dangerous particularly for the last game of a long tour.
“They’ve played some outstanding rugby on this tour and haven’t been rewarded,” Mitchell said. “It should be an exciting contest because both sides like to shift the ball.”
“They will also be buoyed by the return from suspension of Springbok fullback Bevin Fortuin, and their captain Juan Smith is ever-present.”
Mitchell said he was pleased with the Force’s defensive effort against the Brumbies but the team was still annoyed at having lost the game after getting in a position to win it.
He said the loss meant Force had to perform this Friday to keep its slim finals chances alive.
“We have no choice. We have to win to stay in the race and to do that, we have to play positive football,” he said.
“And I know for a fact that the boys have missed playing at home and are looking forward to getting back in front of that sea of blue.”
The squad:
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Richard Brown
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Scott Staniforth
12. Matt Giteau
13. Ryan Cross
14. Digby Ioane
15. Drew Mitchell
16. Luke Holmes
17. AJ Whalley
18. David Pusey
19. David Pocock
20. Chris O’Young
21. Junior Pelesasa
22. Haig Sare
Six Changes To The Starting XV For Cheetahs