Mitchell shows his hand
May 13 2008
Western Force Coach John Mitchell has made just two changes to his starting XV for Friday's Super 14 clash with the Brumbies at Subiaco Oval.
The Western Australia side will be pushing for their first victory over an Australian opponent this season and a first over the Brumbies in the final outing for the 2008 season.
Mitchell has opted for Chris O'Young to wear the number nine jersey for the derby clash with Pek Cowan returning from a thumb injury to resume at loosehead prop.
O'Young will start at scrum-half for the first time in three matches and takes the place of James Stannard, who returns to the reserves bench.
Cowan, who suffered a nasty compound dislocation to his thumb against the Chiefs a fortnight ago, returns to the position he had occupied for six straight matches before being sidelined for last week's clash with the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Veteran Western Force and former Brumbies lock David Pusey will line up for his 50th appearance in Super Rugby, while vice captain Matt Giteau will make his second appearance against his former team.
Mitchell said his side will approach the match with an attacking mentality.
"After struggling to get through the line against the Hurricanes last week, we're looking to increase our attacking impetus this week and we'll need to play well as a team," said Mitchell.
Mitchell said both sides have plenty to play for despite being out of finals contention.
"You can be remembered for your season by finishing on a high note or finishing off with a loss," he said.
"We've got the opportunity to go seven (wins) and six (losses) and you'd much rather have it looking that way over the other way.
"We want to finish our season on a positive note and leave Subiaco Oval knowing that we have put in a complete performance."
Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Josh Tatupu, 12 James O'Connor, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Chris O'Young, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 David Pusey, 4 Nathan Sharpe (c), 3 Tory Takiari, 2 Tai McIsaac, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Sam Wykes, 20 James Stannard, 21 Scott Daruda, 22 Haig Sare.
Date: Friday, May 16
Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick-off: 19:05 (09:05 GMT)
Match officials: tbc