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The Emirates Western Force will take a significantly more settled side into their second tour match in New Zealand with only one change to the starting XV to tackle the Highlanders on Friday evening in Dunedin.
Speedy winger Alfie Mafi will be given his opportunity to impress from the opening whistle after being a substitute in the past six games. He replaces Nick Cummins in the 14 jersey.
With no injury concerns from the cub’s previous match against the Hurricanes and a solid week of training in the southern New Zealand city, Coach Richard Graham has been able to maintain consistency in his line-up ahead of an important clash.
“We’ve had another week together on tour and unlike last week where there was a number of late changes we’ve had time to prepare and settle on the squad,” Graham said.
“Bringing in Alfie is a chance to see what he can offer and see how he goes about playing under pressure from the start.
“Throughout this season we’ve seen a number of boys, like Paddy Dellit, take their opportunities and this is a chance for Alfie to do the same.”
Graham has stuck with his improvised halves set-up of James Stannard and Mark Swanepoel following excellent performances from the pair against the ‘Canes a week ago.
The forward pack also remains the same with young West Australian prop Kieran Longbottom continuing at loosehead where he made a sizeable impression last week in what has been a breakout season for the versatile front rower.
The Emirates Western Force has won their past three outings against the Highlanders, two of those wins coming on New Zealand soil.
This match will also mark the final Super Rugby game to be played at Carisbrook Stadium with the Highlanders moving to a new home from next season.
While finals are out of the equation for the Perth side, Graham said the three remaining matches of the 2011 campaign still held significant importance for the club.
“In every game our intent is to perform to the best of our ability and win. We still have the same ambitions as a group to achieve that,” said Graham.
“We are looking forward to taking on what has been a very competitive Otago side.”
2011 Super Rugby – Week 16
Highlanders v Emirates Western Force
Friday, 3 June 2011 at Carisbrook Stadium, Dunedin (New Zealand)
Kick-off: 3.35pm (AWST)
1. Kieran Longbottom
2. Nathan Charles
3. Tim Fairbrother
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe (Captain)
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Ben McCalman
9. Mark Swanepoel
10. James Stannard
11. David Smith
12. Rory Sidey
13. Patrick Dellit
14. Alfie Mafi
15. Cameron Shepherd
Reserves
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Matt Dunning
18. Tom Hockings
19. Richard Brown
20. Chris Cottee
21. Mitch Inman
22. Nick Cummins
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