Force Squad Named for Lions Clash - Boof is Back!

[Darren]

Western Force Head Coach John Mitchell has announced his team for Friday night’s Investec Super 14 Week 11 clash with the Lions at Subiaco Oval.

Prop Gareth Hardy returns to the side after a successful return with NSW club side Sydney University last weekend after a knee injury had sidelined him for five weeks.

Hardy's only previous appearance during the 2009 season was against the Cheetahs in Week Two of the competition.

Incumbent loosehead Pek Cowan, who started the last seven matches in the number 1 jersey, reverts to the reserves bench, where Mitchell has opted for five forwards and two backs over the traditional 4-3 split.

Reserve scrumhalf Chris O’Young has been omitted from the 22-man squad to afford two reserve props, while 19-year-old Academy hooker Ben Whittaker retains his place in the lineup after missing out on his Super 14 debut in the intense derby showdown last Saturday.

Number 8 Richard Brown has been named in the starting lineup, but will need to pass a fitness test ahead of Friday night’s clash after suffering a high ankle sprain in the 15-14 victory over the Waratahs in Sydney.

The Lions have performed well in the three meetings between the teams, recording a 25-24 win at Subiaco in 2007 and claiming a 34-all draw in 2006 when known as the Cats.

The WA side’s only victory came in 2008 in Johannesburg, when a second half penalty goal from Cameron Shepherd secured an 18-16 result.

Mitchell said that while finals are still a distinct possibility, the team will not be looking past Friday’s game.

"We have had three tight games against the Lions since inception, and we respect the style of football they play. They were very impressive on the counter-attack last week against the Reds," said Mitchell.

"The win over the Waratahs was very important for us, but you can’t dwell on the past. We will need to improve on that display to win on Friday."

Western Force v Lions
Friday 24 April, 2009
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick off: 7.05pm WST

Western Force
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Ben Castle
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown

9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Giteau
11. Cameron Shepherd
12. James O’Connor
13. Ryan Cross
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Drew Mitchell

16. Ben Whittaker
17. AJ Whalley
18. Pek Cowan
19. Tom Hockings
20. Tamaiti Horua
21. Josh Tatupu
22. Haig Sare

[The EnForcer]

Great looking squad!!!!!!!

[Swee_82]

Great to see Boof back- guess his return for Uni went well- Pek's been doing a great job all reason to be back on the bench.
Hope maybe things aren't as tight at the 65-70 minute mark as they were last week- Whittaker looked more than a little tense the last time they went for some warm ups about then.
Bad luck for Chriso but I guess Mitch figures it's gonna be a big match for the big lads.

[force addict]

um who is the bench scrummy?

[inactive]

gits and o'connor must be covering it?

[Burgs]

A good time to get Boof some playing time and freshen Pek up for SA, both have earnt it.

Starting to wonder what ChrissO has done wrong, playing minutes wise he has been dealt a shit of a season.

Liking the balance here though and we should do the business on an over confident Lions.

[Tazzmania]

And Spanner edges ever closer to that 100 super cap mark.

[James]

A good time to get Boof some playing time and freshen Pek up for SA, both have earnt it.

Starting to wonder what ChrissO has done wrong, playing minutes wise he has been dealt a shit of a season.

Liking the balance here though and we should do the business on an over confident Lions.

You'd definitely want Boof in against a very experienced Bulls scrum so its good they are getting him match fit against the Lions.

[robyn <3]

Boof! Finally! Man I love having extra forwards, but it's a shame Chris is missing out. Josh is playing some fantastic rugby though. I do wish we had another scrum half, I don't think it would be good having Giteau or O'Connor at 9 Would that mean Spanner moves into 12 and Haig came on if that was the case?

Overall, a kick-arse team! Let's make it 2 in a row boys

[Burgs]

Going on his previous matches this year and Pek's season so far, I'm not sure that Boof is still the senior Loosehead James?

[AndyS]

I was thinking much the same thing. Hope Boof does well though, as it would be nice to be able to confidently sub players...

[Stone Cold]

um who is the bench scrummy?

gits

---------- Post added at 16:34 ---------- Previous post was at 16:27 ----------

[QUOTE=robyn ;206719]I do wish we had another scrum half, I don't think it would be good having Giteau or O'Connor at 9 Would that mean Spanner moves into 12 and Haig came on if that was the case?
QUOTE]

You'd think that OConnor to 10, tatupu to 12 or 13 if it came to that...Sare only on to the wing if all else fails...

[prop53]

Return of the Boof

[slomo]

CO'Y misses out completely,....the committee must have it in for him....

[Thequeerone]

How many more does Spanner have to go to get to 100