Lance Free
Arch Winning (36)
JO'C injured + Cowan, Whittaker, McCalman, Sheehan and Cummins in the starting side.
Emirates Western Force v Crusaders
Friday, 23 April 2010 at ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.45pm AWST
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Emirates Western Force Squad
1.Pek Cowan
2.Ben Whittaker
3.Tim Fairbrother
4.Ben McCalman
5.Nathan Sharpe (c)
6.Matt Hodgson
7.David Pocock
8.Richard Brown
9.Brett Sheehan
10.David Hill
11.Cameron Shepherd
12.Ryan Cross
13.Mitch Inman
14.Nick Cummins
15.Mark Bartholomeusz
Reserves
16.Nathan Charles (FR)
17.Matt Dunning (FR)
18. Tom Hockings
19. Sam Wykes
20.Justin Turner
21.Sam Harris
22.Dane Haylett-Petty
Some quotes from their press release:
Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has reshaped his run-on side for a clash against the top of the table Crusaders at ME Bank Stadium on Friday night with Wallaby experienced front rower Pek Cowan and scrumhalf Brett Sheehan returning, however the home side will be without the services of young back James O’Connor who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
O’Connor picked up the knock in last Saturday’s loss to the Blues in Auckland and is expected to return within a fortnight. He has been replaced at fullback by experienced utility Mark Bartholomeusz, while Ben Whittaker, Ben McCalman and Nick Cummins are the other changes to the starting XV.
“James has a shoulder injury and it’s about a week (recovery time) but we may manage it for two weeks to give him the right opportunity of repairing it,” Mitchell said.
“He has a long season ahead (with Wallabies duties) and it is important that we manage him properly.”
McCalman, in his first season of Super Rugby, has made a significant impact predominantly as a flanker however he has been given an opportunity to play at lock from the reserves bench in the past few weeks and against the Crusaders will partner Captain Nathan Sharpe from the opening whistle.
“His physical style, agility and carry are critical factors,” Mitchell said of McCalman.
“I think he has been huge for us this season especially considering the injuries we’ve had in the back row. He has received an enormous amount of minutes in his first year of Super 14 and has coped mentally and physically really well and progressed his lineout work.
“We’re more than confident that he can handle the second row and bring some huge advantages for us in the area where the game needs to be physical.”
Emirates Western Force v Crusaders
Friday, 23 April 2010 at ME Bank Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 7.45pm AWST
Referee: Jonathan Kaplan
Emirates Western Force Squad
1.Pek Cowan
2.Ben Whittaker
3.Tim Fairbrother
4.Ben McCalman
5.Nathan Sharpe (c)
6.Matt Hodgson
7.David Pocock
8.Richard Brown
9.Brett Sheehan
10.David Hill
11.Cameron Shepherd
12.Ryan Cross
13.Mitch Inman
14.Nick Cummins
15.Mark Bartholomeusz
Reserves
16.Nathan Charles (FR)
17.Matt Dunning (FR)
18. Tom Hockings
19. Sam Wykes
20.Justin Turner
21.Sam Harris
22.Dane Haylett-Petty
Some quotes from their press release:
Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has reshaped his run-on side for a clash against the top of the table Crusaders at ME Bank Stadium on Friday night with Wallaby experienced front rower Pek Cowan and scrumhalf Brett Sheehan returning, however the home side will be without the services of young back James O’Connor who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
O’Connor picked up the knock in last Saturday’s loss to the Blues in Auckland and is expected to return within a fortnight. He has been replaced at fullback by experienced utility Mark Bartholomeusz, while Ben Whittaker, Ben McCalman and Nick Cummins are the other changes to the starting XV.
“James has a shoulder injury and it’s about a week (recovery time) but we may manage it for two weeks to give him the right opportunity of repairing it,” Mitchell said.
“He has a long season ahead (with Wallabies duties) and it is important that we manage him properly.”
McCalman, in his first season of Super Rugby, has made a significant impact predominantly as a flanker however he has been given an opportunity to play at lock from the reserves bench in the past few weeks and against the Crusaders will partner Captain Nathan Sharpe from the opening whistle.
“His physical style, agility and carry are critical factors,” Mitchell said of McCalman.
“I think he has been huge for us this season especially considering the injuries we’ve had in the back row. He has received an enormous amount of minutes in his first year of Super 14 and has coped mentally and physically really well and progressed his lineout work.
“We’re more than confident that he can handle the second row and bring some huge advantages for us in the area where the game needs to be physical.”
