Force Squad for Season Finale

[Darren]

Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has named his team for Friday night’s Investec Super 14 Week 14 clash with the Brumbies at Subiaco Oval.

The WA side will be pushing for its first victory over an Australian opponent this season and its first over the Brumbies in the final outing for the 2008 season.

Mitchell has made just two changes to his starting XV for the derby clash, with Chris O’Young to wear the number 9 jersey and Pek Cowan returning from a thumb injury to resume at loosehead prop.

O’Young will start at scrumhalf for the first time in three matches and takes the place of James Stannard, who returns to the reserves bench.

Cowan, who suffered a nasty compound dislocation to his thumb against the Chiefs a fortnight ago, returns to the position he had occupied for six straight matches before being sidelined for last week’s clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Veteran Emirates Western Force and former Brumbies lock David Pusey will line up for his 50th appearance in Super Rugby, while vice captain Matt Giteau will make his second appearance against his former team.

Mitchell said his side will approach the match with an attacking mentality.

“After struggling to get through the line against the Hurricanes last week, we’re looking to increase our attacking impetus this week and we’ll need to play well as a team,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell said both sides have plenty to play for despite being out of finals contention.

“You can be remembered for your season by finishing on a high note or finishing off with a loss,” he said.

“We’ve got the opportunity to go seven (wins) and six (losses) and you’d much rather have it looking that way over the other way.”

“We want to finish our season on a positive note and leave Subiaco Oval knowing that we have put in a complete performance.”

Overall head to head: Played 2, Brumbies 2, EWF 0.
Last met: 20 April 2007, Brumbies 14 def EWF 12, Canberra Stadium.
Emirates Western Force v Brumbies

Friday 16 May, 2008
Subiaco Oval, Perth

Kick off: 7.05pm (9.05pm AEST)

Emirates Western Force
1. Pek Cowan
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. David Pusey
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown

9. Chris O’Young
10. Matt Giteau (vc)
11. Haig Sare
12. James O’Connor
13. Josh Tatupu
14. Dane Haylett-Petty
15. Cameron Shepherd

16. Luke Holmes
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Sitaleki Timani
19. Sam Wykes
20. James Stannard
21. Scott Daruda
22. Junior Pelesasa

[jono]

still no AJ hey.
but this should be a good game.
hopefully we can finish with a win!

[brokendown gunfighter]

no McKay either
saw AJ play for Cott against Neddies last Saturday,didnt look 100% thats for sure

[Thequeerone]

Pek's back though - that was quick - he sounded way more serious than that when it happened.

[NTT]

whats up with boof?

[joblot]

whats up with boof?

Good question - where is he?

[chook]

I got a feeling the Force will lose to all the Aussie provinces. Thats a prize they will want to avoid at all costs. But still, I don't think they can manage another win as much as I would like to see one.

[jono]

Pek's back though - that was quick - he sounded way more serious than that when it happened.

the bone must have just come out of the joint.
no ligament damage.
so if this was the case, all he would have needed is some effort to get it back where t was meant to be and a few stiches.
theres only skin on the outside of the fingers anyway. so it doesnt take that long to heal if its kept clean.
wouldnt be surprised to see it strapped though.
well done on the recovery though pek!

[robyn <3]

looks good... but i want boof back!!! i reckon he was the best prop we had!

[Skiza]

Foxsports said that either Pek or Boof will be starting...so not sure what's going on.

Go get 'em boys, lets finish 7-6...and smash the Brumbies

[lozenga]

i want boof 2 play!
hes awsome!
and no aj? and mackay?

[Jehna]

Not sure Pek is going to be ok to play. Perhaps a little presumptuous so I guess we'll find out in the next few days

[jono]

yeah i was thinking that as well.

[BaldCunus]

maybe boof's contract negotiations aren't going to well?? as for mackay I think the writing is on the wall for his force future... Happy with squad though we gonna smash em!!! GO THE FORCE!!!!

[Stone Cold]

Nice work Pek...good quick recovery by the young fella...

I heard AJ was carrying an injury and is still struggling a bit