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| Strong Force Team For Friday |
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| Wallaby wing Scott Staniforth starts for the Force |
| 7 August 2008, 10:13 am |
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| Australian Super 14 side, Western Force, has named a strong side for Friday's friendly against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park (kick-off 8pm). |
Led by former All Black coach John Mitchell, the touring Aussies are captained by flanker David Pocock, with their side boasting two Wallaby internationals and a wealth of Super 14 talent.
Mitchell has opted for a mix of youth and experience for the tour opener, highlighted in the halves where recently-turned 18 year old James O’Connor has been paired with 29-capped scrumhalf Chris O’Young.
O’Connor will wear the number 10 jersey and assume the chief playmaker role for the first time in Emirates Western Force colours, while his namesake, Pat, makes his long-awaited return at lock.
After a standout maiden Super 14 campaign in 2006, Pat O’Connor will don the ocean blue jersey for the first time since recovering from back-to-back knee reconstructions.
Mitchell has also named Australia A representatives Pek Cowan, Matt Hodgson and Scott Daruda, plus Australian Under 20s starsPocock, Sam Wykes and Dane Haylett-Petty in a strong looking 22.
Daruda has been named as one of three reserve backs, alongside new Emirates Western Force recruit Caleb Brown and recently-named Australian Schoolboys scrumhalf Justin Turner.
Australian Sevens star Brown signed a two-year deal with the club in June after three seasons with the Queensland Reds.
Mitchell said the aim of the tour is to assess different combinations and to provide an opportunity for younger squad members to experience high quality rugby.
“We’ve gone for a very good mix of youth and experience and it will be interesting to see how the different combinations work,” he said.
“We will certainly look to mix our squad around during the tour to provide the whole squad with some quality time on the field.”
“With that said we have named players in positions they are competing for ahead of our next Super 14 season. We aren’t just plugging gaps with different players, so it will be interesting to see which players emerge on this tour.
“It will be an extremely important experience, this tour, for so many of our squad and we are looking forward to kick off this Friday night.”
Tickets for the game are still available by calling 0871 226 60 60, with those booking before 5pm on Thursday enjoying big discounts.
Emirates Western Force v Newcastle Falcons:
1. Pek Cowan
2. Luke Holmes
3. AJ Whalley
4. Sam Wykes
5. Pat O’Connor
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock (c)
8. Tamaiti Horua
9. Chris O’Young
10. James O’Connor
11. Junior Pelesasa
12. Josh Tatupu
13. Haig Sare
14. Scott Staniforth
15. Dane Haylett-Petty
Reserves:
16. Tai McIsaac
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Valeni Tia Tia
19. Filipe Manu
20. Justin Turner
21. Scott Daruda
22. Caleb Brown |
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