28-MAN EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR PRE-SEASON OPENER

[Thequeerone]

28-MAN EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR PRE-SEASON OPENER

Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has named a 28-man squad for tomorrow’s opening trial match against six-time Super Rugby champions the Crusaders in Melbourne.

World Cup Wallabies Matt Giteau, Drew Mitchell and Cameron Shepherd are among 13 backs named for the match, while skipper Nathan Sharpe anchors a 15-man forwards contingent.

Sharpe said the team’s opening trial would provide an opportunity for players to build towards the start of the season proper.

“It’s a great opportunity to play rugby again and to start focusing on the things we need to do on the field and build some match fitness and confidence leading into our South Africa tour,” said Sharpe.

The Olympic Park clash continues the tradition of pre-season meetings between the Emirates Western Force and the Crusaders, with the two teams having met in the Victorian capital in each of the past two seasons.

Sharpe said the match will serve as an important build up to his team’s Investec Super 14 season opener against last year’s finalists the Sharks in Durban on February 15.

“We only have two full hit outs before the season kicks off, being tomorrow’s match and a trial match against the Reds at Members Equity next Thursday night, so we’re really looking to gain as much as we can from the next two weeks before we take off for South Africa,” he said.

The 28-man squad features a number of new faces, among them local Perth product Dane Haylett-Petty earning his first run in a Western Force jersey alongside 17 year-old Nudgee College recruit James O’Connor.

Emirates Western Force v Crusaders

Saturday 2 February, 2008

Olympic Park, Melbourne

Kick off: 7.30pm AEDST



Emirates Western Force Squad



Backs

Kane Allen, Ryan Cross, Nick Cummins, Scott Daruda, Matt Giteau (vc), Dane Haylett-Petty, Matt Henjak, Drew Mitchell, James O’Connor, Haig Sare, Cameron Shepherd, James Stannard, Josh Tatupu.



Forwards

Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Scott Fardy, Gareth Hardy, Tom Hockings, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Tai McIsaac, Thomas Murday, David Pocock, Nathan Sharpe (c), Troy Takiari, Sitaleki Timani, AJ Whalley, Sam Wykes.

[goony]

how did kane allen get in the squad?? he isnt even in the academy!?! strange...

[frontrow]

I loved it when Gits was taking the p*ss out of Sharpie last night on the news, bloody hillarious....

[NeoGirl]

Looks like you beat coach, TQ1.

[Seldom]

how did kane allen get in the squad?? he isnt even in the academy!?! strange...

I think he was in the NTS squad.

[Jehna]

Mm Allen is an odd choice. Loving that Dane Haylett-Petty is in though. I'm hoping for big things from that boy. Pretty sweet line up all round and i like that we're not putting forward a crap team just because its pre season

[frontrow]

Starting off with all guns blazing will give us a better representation of where we are at, going into our third season....Mitch has the right idea, and barring injuries, will produce an accurate picture of any modifications necessary prior to the first match...

[Thequeerone]

first half score line is the one to watch - the second half will be trying the new lads out - expect heaps of dropped ball etc.. - would love to be there

[GIGS20]

I think this lineup say that Mitch doesn't need to experiment anywhere much, He's settled on his plans and has match hardening in mind...That's cool, we'll see just how competitive we are. It does depend of course on who Deansey puts up for the game, but they seem to be pretty respectful of each other as coaches, so we won't get the thirds squad trotted out....That being said, Robbie might have some questions which need answering, if he needs to trial some young guys, he won't hesitate to use this match for it. I don't expect him to capitulate too easily though, this is his first opportunity to match his best players against anyone who has had a look at the ELVs, I expect both teams to push hard for at least the first half!

[hopep]

how did kane allen get in the squad?? he isnt even in the academy!?! strange...

Goony, not so strange if you saw his performance when he was playing with the Perth Spirit. Evidence that a regional competition draws out new talent. He may not be the best player in Perth, but he got a shot and was ovbiously noticed. Let us hope that a few more players from Perth clubs will get a look in over the coming years.

[prop003]

good luck to the boys tonight lets hope we can turn around that fifty point drubbing from last time aye looks like a good strong squad