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Thread: Seven Western Force players named in Tri-Nations squad

  1. #1
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    Seven Western Force players named in Tri-Nations squad

    SEVEN Western Force players have been picked for the Wallabies' Tri-Nations squad ahead of the series opener against the All Blacks on July 18.
    Force captain Nathan Sharpe and fellow forwards Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Matt Hodgson and David Pocock, join backs Ryan Cross and James O'Connor.

    NSW Waratahs No 8 Wycliff Palu returns to the squad and Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia, 21 joins Hodgson as the only other uncapped player.

    They take the places of Lote Tuqiri and Josh Valentine.

    Hodgson returns from a shoulder injury sustained in his Wallabies debut against the Barbarians last month and is expected to be available for selection for the Tri-Nations opener against the All Blacks in Auckland on July 18.

    The Wallaby selectors have opted for a 17-13 split between forwards and backs.

    Coach Robbie Deans said: "If you look at the competition from an historical perspective, and more particularly look at the pointers from our experience last year, it is in the forward pack where our resources are most likely to come under stress.

    "With that in mind, and given the nature of playing resources that we have available to us at the moment in terms of players who we feel are capable at this level, we felt that a 17-13 split was the most appropriate mix for this tournament."

    Genia's selection had been flagged but was delayed after he tore a finger tendon during a two-try performance against the Brumbies in Brisbane.

    "Had Will been available for our first squad, we would have selected him," Deans said.

    "His absence gave Josh Valentine an opportunity to be involved and gain experience within our group which is important in terms of broadening our halfback depth but, now that Will is ready to get started, it is an appropriate time to bring him in.

    "We were impressed by what we saw of his work with the Reds, and believe that he is only going to get better with time and opportunity to develop his game within our framework."

    Palu has not played for Australia since last year's Spring tour win over France in Paris when he was forced to return home for a shoulder operation and subsequently suffered two broken bones in his left hand.

    "Cliff is in the same position as Will, in that he would have been selected in our initial squad had he been available," Deans said.

    "Now that he's good to go, we're pleased to have him back."

    Deans said going into the tournament with nine players capable of playing in the back row, including utility forwards Dean Mumm and Peter Kimlin, reflected the high rate of attrition in the area.

    It also reflected the uncertainty over the pre-tournament preparation for Hodgson and Rocky Elsom.


    http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/stor...005401,00.html

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    Legend Contributor Thequeerone's Avatar
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    So just as Valentine leaves the he gets dropped hmmm

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    Immortal Contributor jono's Avatar
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    Serves him right
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