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James O'Connor will start at fullback against the Barbarians
Emirates Western Force head Coach Richard Graham has yet to decide on his best XV and sees his sides’ upcoming trials, in which the entire squad will be put through their paces, as the ideal stage in which players can stake their claim for a starting berth in round one on Feb, 20.
Graham has been delighted with the dedication and effort exerted across the board in pre-season and is particularly happy with the progress made as the trial match phase of their preparations begins. The club will field two sides in each of their trial dates which start against the Australian Barbarians and Brumby Runners on Saturday and then the Waratahs and Junior Waratahs next Thursday in Nowra.
“We’ve got two sides at the moment (for the trials),” said Graham.
“They’re based on what the boys have done in preseason. I’ve been really happy with a number of efforts and as a consequence some of the boys have been rewarded.
“I think there’s probably four or five positions still open (in the Super Rugby 22) at this stage. The trials will certainly give us an indication of where we’re at as a group but also individuals.”
One of the most intriguing question marks hovering over the start of the season is where fleet footed star James O’Connor will play. Following a superb international season for the Wallabies on the wing, Graham has yet to decide where the dynamic youngster will line-up during the Super Rugby campaign with his versatility allowing him to play across a number of positions.
“At this stage he’s going to start at 15 on the weekend,” said Graham.
“You may see him move during the game. It will just be dependent on how we’re going as a side and how well we’re settled.”
Rather than an early indication of where O’Connor will be set of the season, Graham said team selections for the trials are based on preseason performances from across the group, especially in the hotly contested outside backs where the Emirates Western Force has a number of classy options.
“I’ve given Alfie Mafi an opportunity to start in the top side on the weekend on the wing. As a consequence I’ve just made a few changes,” Graham said.
“We’re blessed with talent (at outside back) but if you have a look at last year you’ll see that that (having plenty of players available) can change really quickly. It’s really important that we keep those boys fit.
“While the trials are a significant part of our preparations we’ve worked for 16 weeks in the pre-season so far and have taken a commonsense approach that if anyone isn’t 100% fit going into these trials then we won’t be risking them.”
While game continuity between players will be important aspects to be gained from these upcoming matches, Graham is mindful that results at this time of the year aren’t always a precursor to the season proper.
“Last year I probably would have said (the results) are really important but we defeated the Reds by about 30 points last year in the pre-season and then they had a fantastic season,” Graham said.
“The reality of it is it doesn’t mean a great deal. Most teams would probably prefer to go into the season having won but it’s not the be all and end all.”
Super Rugby Trial
EMIRATES WESTERN FORCE v AUSTRALIAN BARBARIANS
Saturday 5 February 2011 at TG Millner Field
4:00pm – Brumby Runners v Emirates Western Force ‘A’
5:30pm – Australian Barbarians v Emirates Western Force
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3.Tim Fairbrother
4. Sam Wykes
5. Phoenix Battye
6. Richard Brown
7. Matt Hodgson (Captain)
8. Ben McCalman
9. James Stannard
10. Willie Ripia
11. Alfie Mafi
12. Gene Fairbanks
13. Mitch Inman
14. David Smith
15. James O’Connor
*Please note that reserves will be taken from the remainder of the squad, most of whom will have played in the ‘A’ match against the Brumby Runners.
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Originally Posted by James
