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Wallabies enforcer Richard Brown has been a frustrated spectator for the past month but the bullocking No.8 says he is now injury free and ready to help the Western Force revive their faltering Super 14 finals hopes.
Brown has been out of action since injuring the AC joint in his left shoulder during the Force's round three win over the Brumbies in Canberra.
The 24-year-old, who has notched five caps for the Wallabies, admitted he was still troubled by pain in the shoulder but declared himself a certain starter for next week's must-win showdown with the Queensland Reds in Perth.
"It was a little worse than they thought it was," Brown said after training on Friday.
"I was trying to get back for the last game but just couldn't make it, it's a little bit of pain there but nothing that will hold me back.
"It was a grade two AC, where one ligament was ruptured and others were strained.
"But over time it will tighten back up and will be fine.
"I'll have to manage it.
"It will be a bit sore but I'll ice it down after training sessions and I'll be able to deal with it."
The Force, who have a bye this weekend, face an uphill battle to make the top four after notching just two wins and a draw from their opening six games.
But the week off came at a perfect time for the West Australians who could have been without star backs Matt Giteau (knee), Drew Mitchell (ankle/knee) and Cameron Shepherd (gastro) had they been scheduled to play this week.
Brown felt the team was playing good rugby and would soon string wins together.
"It is close, it's just putting your finger on the little things, like being polished," Brown said.
"You watch some teams and they look polished, that's what we are aiming for."
Brown said they had used the bye week to address some issues at the breakdown, an area that cost the Force dearly in last week's 22-10 home loss to the Sharks.
Two of the Sharks' three tries came as a direct result of turnovers at the breakdown but Brown's inclusion for next week's clash with the Reds will bolster the Force's ball-winning ability.
"It was an unfortunate game (against the Sharks), two blink-of-the-eye tries and the game blows out," Brown said.
"We've been working on our ball placement at rucks ... keeping control of it and not letting it bounce around.
"We are trying to get guys more aware of their surroundings."
http://news.rugbyheaven.com.au:80/br...0327-9dxc.html
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Originally Posted by force addict
Was the wait worth it - Ya betta baby 
Fantastic news mate. Let's show those crazy queenslands next weekend that you are a WA boy now and have absolutely no ideas of going back away from us!
Courtesy of quality South African commentry
