Kieran Longbottom to Captain Force Against Samoa II

[Alex]

Richard Grahams twitter

"@kmanlongbottom (Kieran Longbottom) named @thewesternforce captain for game vs Samoa this weekend. Samoa announce Test strength side."

Longbottom is going from strength to strength. Good to see a local boy moving up.

[Darren]

Longbottom fronts Force AGAINST SAMOA

Emerging West Australian prop, Kieran Longbottom, will be the first locally developed player to captain the Emirates Western Force as the side lines up for their second tour match against a test strength Samoa on Saturday afternoon.

Longbottom had a breakout season for the club in 2011 and is a wonderful example of the opportunities being afforded talented local players in WA. The versatile front rower made his way through club ranks with Rockingham before progressing to the Bankwest RugbyWA Academy and ultimately success in Super Rugby.

The 25 year old takes over from Sam Wykes who was skipper in the opening tour game but sustained a heavy knock in the opening half of last week’s clash and will play a limited role off the bench this time around.

“Like Sam, Kieran deserves the opportunity to Captain the Emirates Western Force. His performances in Super Rugby and his application and dedication to becoming a better player and leader at the club has gained a lot of respect amongst his team mates,” Coach Richard Graham said.

“Being a local WA player, captaining the club will no doubt mean a lot to Kieran and I’m delighted that he has earned this opportunity.”

After a strong performance again an international standard Samoan side last Saturday, Graham has challenged his young squad to repeat their efforts in the final game of the tour.

The Samoan President’s XV will feature a majority of players who were responsible for the islander’s shock win against the Wallabies last month and will use the match as final preparations before embarking on the Rugby World Cup campaign.

Graham has made a number of changes to his run-on side with five trial players given a starting chance as they press their claims for a contract in 2012.

“I felt it was important to not only reward performance but also give further opportunity to players who are competing for contracts at the club next season,” Graham said.

“Samoa has picked a test strength side. We are paying them respect through our preparation and are looking forward to building on the performance from last weekend.

“The challenge for the group is to back up against a very strong opposition and up our performance from our last outing.”

Tour Match 2
Samoan President’s XV v Emirates Western Force
Samoan time: Saturday, 27 August 2011, kick-off 3.00pm
Perth time: Sunday, 28 August 2011, kick-off 10.00am

Name
1. Kieran Longbottom (Captain)
2. Ben Whittaker
3. Ruan Smith (Trial player)
4. Tom Hockings
5. Phoenix Battye
6. Angus Cottrell (Trial player)
7. Will Brock (Trial player)
8. Jay Havelu (Trial player)
9. James Stannard
10.Willie Ripia
11.Jordan Rapana
12.Rory Sidey
13.Patrick Dellit
14.Sam Wara (Trial player)
15.Nick Cummins

Reserves
16.Nathan Charles
17.Paul Alo-Emile
18.Cruze Ah-Nau
19.Sam Wykes
20.Tevita Metuisela
21.Ted Postal
22.Dominic Fuller (Trial player)
23.Tim Bennetts (Trial player)
24.Alfie Mafi

Tour Match 1 – Result
Samoan Chairman’s XV: 35
Emirates Western Force: 24 (Nick Cummins 1t, Sam Wara 1t, Willie Ripia 3p/1c, James Stannard 1p)

[BDAVEY]

where did all those players come from 6-7 never heard of...Ruan Smith???????

[travelling_gerry]

read back through the Force Samoa Threads.

[Dramoth]

Is this going to be shown anywhere in Perth?

I am back in Australia until the 30th before returning to the UK.

[jombi]

It's cute how you think Australian Rugby coverage is anywhere near Britain's.

Growden is close to Jones in the arsehole stakes though.

[Burgs]

Well done Kieran, well deserved honour to be the first of many more