Richard Graham announces Western Force's squad – Super Rugby update
David Pocock has been replaced by Matt Hodgson as Western Force’s open side flank for the upcoming clash against Blues in Perth in the Super Rugby campaign. Western Force will yet again play with a backline consisting of all Wallabies. Mean while, Ben McCalman,
Hodgson and Richard Brown will be playing musical chairs for the loose head position.
In the absence of injured David Pocock, Matt Hodgson will be playing either at left or right side of the scrum with the number seven jersey on. McCalman has been appointed number eight after being moved from the tight five, while Brown will be taking up
the blind side flanker duty. McCalman has been giving performances at number eight last year in November and is expected to produce same results for the club.
Richard Graham the head coach seems content with the current lineup. He said, “We take assurance in that we can bring Ben back from the second row into the back row and are able to uphold proven excellence personnel in that area.”
Force’s forwards are the same except one new face alongside Nathan Sharpe the skipper. Sharpe will be accompanied by Sam Wykes in the second row. Wykes is a young lock, who has been very impressive against Sharks and has got himself a spot confirmed in the
starting lineup. If Sam Wykes is successful in replicating his game play from the last week’s performance then he might find himself in the similar position more often in the coming matches.
Graham said, “I thought Sam was exceptional last week. There definitely has been a lot of optimistic feedback about his performance and I think he evidently verified why we were so keen to resign him for an additional two years.”
Just like the front row, the back line also remains the same and the midfield pairing of James O’Connor and Brett Sheehan remains intact and effective. Nic Cummins the evasive and energetic midfielder will be playing as an outside centre, after the elbow
injury of Mitch Inman forced Graham to make midfield changes.
Graham believes the adaptability of Nick Cummins and is satisfied with the change. He said, “Nick is skillful enough to take on the tasks of moving in from the wing, he has played plenty rugby at 13 to be a really nice substitute and we are content with
the way we're lining up in that area of the ground.”
A good news for Western Force fans is the inclusion of Alfie Mafi as a wing in the starting lineup. This is going to be the first start for Mafi as he takes on his desired position. Supporters will be expecting the same pace and skill from Mafi that they
have been craving for so far. Mafi had give a few amazing performances and some electrifying runs in the pre season games.
Graham has made more changes within the field players and juggled with a few positions. This development might a change in strategy or a pressurizing factor for the opponents, who will be totally unprepared for this totally different approach from Western
Force. Graham is also thinking of juggling between the positions of Gene Fairanks and O’Connor.
Justifying his swapping technique, he told, “We'll use Gene at first receiver at times while James will rotate through to fullback, we've got the flexibility so we want to make use of that.”
Western Force squad:
15 Cameron Shepherd,
14 Alfie Mafi,
13 Nick Cummins,
12 Gene Fairbanks,
11 David Smith,
10 James O'Connor,
9 Brett Sheehan,
8 Ben McCalman,
7 Matt Hodgson,
6 Richard Brown,
5 Nathan Sharpe (captain),
4 Sam Wykes,
3 Tim Fairbrother,
2 Ben Whittaker,
1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements:
16 Nathan Charles,
17 Matt Dunning,
18 Tevita Metuisela,
19 Jono Jenkins,
20 James Stannard,
21 Matt Brandon,
22 Pat Dellit.
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