Drew's move reaps early dividend
By Bret Harris
February 01, 2007

DREW Mitchell has taken the first step towards achieving his ambition of playing full back for Australia after beating Cameron Shepherd for Western Force's hotly contested No.15 jersey.

One of the reasons Mitchell left Queensland to join Force was to play in his preferred full back position.

But Shepherd, who has been chosen on the left wing, also had justifiable expectations of playing full back after performing well in the role last season following his switch from the flank.

With Australia full back Chris Latham sidelined until at least June with ruptured knee ligaments, the race is on for the vacant No.15 gold jersey, and the starting spot with Force will give Mitchell the inside running.

"The appeal of playing in my preferred position was in the back of my mind when I joined the Force, but I also knew my good mate Cameron Shepherd played 15 and played it well," Mitchell said.

"If I was chosen on the wing, I wouldn't have been disappointed.

"The way the back three plays these days, you pretty much disregard the number on your back.

"Cameron and I have a good understanding of each other's game so I am sure there will be times where we will be both slotting in at either position."

Mitchell, who was overlooked by Australia selectors last year before earning a recall for the tour of Europe in November, said he was trying not to think too far ahead about national team prospects.

"There's always a chance you could play full back for the Wallabies if you are playing in the back three in the Super 14," Mitchell said.

"It hasn't really crossed my mind. I got caught out last year, thinking ahead, and my consistency dropped and I wasn't involved with the Wallabies in the domestic season."

After the recruitment of Mitchell, Australia inside back Matt Giteau and rugby league convert Ryan Cross, Force coach John Mitchell was faced with his first real selection headaches.

There was strong speculation Giteau would play five-eighth, but he has been chosen at his regular Test position at inside centre with James Hilgendorf retaining the No.10 jersey.

Many observers in Australian rugby would like to see Giteau at either halfback or five-eighth to ensure he gets his hands on the ball, but he should receive plenty of opportunities in the Force's expansive game plan. The selection of Giteau in the midfield alongside Cross has forced Scott Staniforth back to the right wing.

Staniforth played very strongly at inside centre for Force after moving there midway through last season and is the incumbent Australia No.12, having played in the position for the Wallabies against Scotland last November.

Specialist wing Digby Ioane, who toured Europe with the Wallabies in 2005, missed out on the 22-man squad, with Haig Sare securing the outside back reserve spot because of his good trial form and greater versatility.

Richard Brown won the fiercely contested openside flanker position ahead of the promising David Pocock, while Matt Hodgson failed to make the 22.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders will be without New Zealand five-eighth Nick Evans (knee) and full back Glen Horton, which will severely affect their chances.

Callum Bruce will take over the playmaking duties, while Craig Clare will start at full back.