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Western Force v Cheetahs, preview
April 27, 2007 - 9:29am
Story by: Sportal
Venue & time:
Subiaco Oval, Perth. Friday April 27, 21.45 AEST
Head to head:
Played 1: Force 1, Cheetahs o
Last time:
May 6, 2006 (Bloemfontein), Force 16 -14 Cheetahs
Walking wounded and team changes:
Cameron Shepherd's knee injury has forced a backline re-shuffle with Digby Ioane coming onto the right wing and Scott Staniforth switching to the left wing. James Hilgendorf returns at flyhalf pushing Matt Giteau out to inside centre with Junior Pelesasa going back to the bench. In the forwards, flankers Matt Hodgson and Richard Brown return to the starting line-up rotating with David Pocock and David Pusey.
The Cheetahs get back dynamic fullback Bevan Fortuin but still have a host of players missing mostly from the pack.
Form:
The Western Force turned around to heavy defeats at the hands of the Crusaders and Chiefs to give the Brumbies a real run for their money in last week's derby in Canberra before going down 14-12. They have rediscovered their impressive defence and now just need to find that spark in attack again.
Despite being a very competitive team, the Cheetahs have lost some heart on their Australasian tour after defeats by the Highlanders, Blues and Hurricanes destroyed and finals aspirations. They became the Reds second victim of the year last start and will be looking to get through this game and then get back home. However, with no pressure on them they will be able to throw the ball around without consequence and that makes them a dangerous proposition for the Force, who need to win at all costs.
Who's hot:
Brumbies No.8 Scott Fava had a big match against his former team last week while Nathan Sharpe was inspirational and a huge presence in the lineout as was Rudi Vedelago. Ryan Cross was very impressive defensively against the Brumbies, while Gareth Hardy proved his worth against an international front-row last week.
The Cheetahs had a generally poor game against the Reds last week but flanker Kabamba Floors put in a typical bullocking display while Juan Smith was, as always, as workhorse on the field.
Teams:
Western Force:
1. Gareth Hardy
2. Tai McIsaac
3. Troy Takiari
4. Rudi Vedelago
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Richard Brown
7. Matt Hodgson
8. Scott Fava
9. Matt Henjak
10. James Hilgendorf
11. Scott Staniforth
12. Matt Giteau
13. Ryan Cross
14. Digby Ioane
15. Drew Mitchell.
16. Luke Holmes
17. AJ Whalley
18. David Pusey
19. David Pocock
20. Chris O’Young
21. Junior Pelesasa
22. Haig Sare.
Cheetahs: (likely line-up)
1. Ollie le Roux,
2. Richardt Strauss,
3. Jannie du Plessis,
4. Rory Duncan,
5. Corniel van Zyl,
6. Duane Vermeulen,
7. Juan Smith (c),
8. Kabamba Floors,
9. Michael Claassens,
10. Herkie Kruger,
11. Tiger Mangweni,
12. Meyer Bosman,
13. Marius Joubert,
14. Eddie Fredericks,
15. Bevan Fortuin.
16. Hans van Dyk,
17. Wian du Preez,
18. Heinrich Brussouw,
19. Darron Noll,
20. Noel Oelschig,
21. Willem de Waal,
22. Philip Burger.
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