Force has fresh feel
February 04 2010
Western Force head coach John Mitchell has a named group of fresh faces in his side for Friday's warm up match against the Reds in Perth.
No less than nine players will make their first appearance for the franchise on home soil at the Forces new home, the Members Equity Stadium.
The 23-man group includes Matt Dunning, Tim Fairbrother, Nic Henderson, Mitch Inman, Brett Sheehan, Sam Harris, Ben McCalman and Mark Bartholomeusz, who all saw game time during the tri-series matches in Cape Town, while teenager Stefano Hunt has been named for his first appearance in the senior side - having impressed at the recent Suva Sevens.
Wallabies David Pocock, Richard Brown, James O'Connor, Cameron Shepherd, Pek Cowan, Henderson, Dunning, Bartholomeusz, Sheehan and skipper Nathan Sharpe are also set to make an appearance.
2009 Force Player of the Year, Matt Hodgson, who played for the Wallabies in a non-cap fixture against the Barbarians in 2009, will also take his place in the side.
Cowan, who missed the trip to South Africa, has recovered from a slight knee strain and will get match practice ahead of the season opener next week.
Marquee signing André Pretorius has been withheld from the game after feeling tightness in his leg during the week, while Haig Sare continues his recovery from an Achilles strain.
Mitchell said two matches in four days during the tri-series had given most of the squad game time.
"The boys had the chance to come together and learn quickly during the trials in South Africa, which was pleasing, we will need everyone in the squad in this competition," said Mitchell.
"We need to get the mix right each week and play to our strengths."
He added that Friday's trial was a vital hit-out going into game one.
"Trial scoreboards mean nothing at the end of the day. This match [against the Reds] we will be looking to be more accurate at some areas of our performance and then make adjustments for round one.
"ME Bank Stadium is our new home, and we need to bring our side of the bargain. It's our job to bring performance, and the right performance, that's our job starting next week against the Brumbies."
Western Force squad:
Forwards: Richard Brown, Pek Cowan, Matt Dunning, Nic Henderson, Matt Hodgson, Tim Fairbrother, Kieran Longbottom, Ben McCalman, David Pocock, Nathan Sharpe (captain), Richard Stanford, Ben Whittaker, Sam Wykes.
Backs: Mark Bartholomeusz, Sam Harris, Dane Haylett-Petty, Stefano Hunt, Mitch Inman, James O'Connor, Chris O'Young, Brett Sheehan, Cameron Shepherd, Josh Tatupu.
Date: Friday, February 5
Venue: Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.45 (21.45 Brisbane time; 11.45 GMT
Referee: Stuart Dickinson
Assistant referees: Julian Pritchard, local