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FORCE SETTLED FOR REDS CLASH
Emirates Western Force Coach Richard Graham has retained the services of James Stannard at flyhalf for a big clash against the Reds on Saturday night in Perth while experienced halfback Brett Sheehan and star utility James O’Connor are key inclusions into the side.
Stannard was a revelation at 10 in the club’s recent tour of New Zealand and will team up with Sheehan in the halves this week with youngster Mark Swanepoel reverting to the bench.
“James (Stannard) has played well and has a unique ability to carry the ball in two hands and challenge the defensive line,” Graham said.
“I thought Mark (Swanepoel) performed very well in our two games overseas but I like Sheehan’s aggressiveness in defence and I think he has a lot of respect within the group,” Graham said.
O’Connor has been named at fullback however he is also expected to spend some time at inside centre throughout the game.
Sheehan and O’Connor, who have recovered from injury, are the only two additions into the match-day 22 from the side that defeated the Highlanders last Friday night. The remainder of the moves have occurred from within the touring squad.
“I haven’t made a huge amount of changes, O’Connor and Sheehan will come back into the side but it’s about rewarding performance,” said Graham.
“In terms of selection I’ve tried to keep it as stable as I possibly can.”
After showing excellent form in Dunedin Rory Sidey retains his place at 12 with Patrick Dellit his midfield partner at outside centre. The speedy Nick Cummins starts in the 14 jersey and adds to a mouth-watering outside back combination of fellow winger David Smith and O’Connor.
In the forwards Matt Dunning will start in the front row while Richard Brown has been selected at No.8.
In six previous meetings between the Emirates Western Force and the Reds it has been the home side who has taken the points on each occasion.
The West Australian’s were pipped at the post by the Queenslanders in the opening round after leading for the majority of the match at Suncorp Stadium, and while redemption will provide some of the motivation, there are bigger goals in mind for Graham and his emerging squad.
“I think the important thing for us again, and it has been a focus over the last few weeks, is to worry about ourselves, we have a lot that we want to play for,” Graham said.
“We are determined to finish the season well and I think as a group we’re getting better with each game.”
2011 Super Rugby – Week 17
Emirates Western Force v Queensland Reds
Saturday, 11 June 2011 at nib Stadium Perth
Kick-off: 8.05pm (AWST)
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com.au
1. Kieran Longbottom
2. Nathan Charles
3. Matt Dunning
4. Sam Wykes
5. Nathan Sharpe
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock
8. Richard Brown
9. Brett Sheehan
10. James Stannard
11. David Smith
12. Rory Sidey
13. Patrick Dellit
14. Nick Cummins
15. James O’Connor
Reserves
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Tim Fairbrother
18. Tom Hockings
19. Ben McCalman
20. Mark Swanepoel
21. Mitch Inman
22. Alfie Mafi
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Originally Posted by Sheikh
