Richard Graham lists Western Force’s 24-man squad for upcoming encounter against Samoa – Rugby News
Perth based Australian Super Rugby franchise, Emirates Western Force, has announced their 24-man squad for the upcoming away encounter against Samoa. Manu Samoa will host the Western Force on Saturday, August 20, as part of their 2011 Rugby World Cup preparations.
Western Force head coach, Richard Graham, has announced his extended squad, in a statement released on their website on Friday, August 19. Graham has termed the side as a good blend of youth and experienced players.
The squad includes six players, who are yet to make their Super Rugby debut. Furthermore, the Force will be without the services of a number of their keys players, as some players are recovering from injuries, while others are currently on national duty
for the Wallabies.
The trio of Nathan Sharpe, Ben McCalman and David Pocock are away with the national team. Brett Sheehan, Richard Brown, Cameron Shepherd and Gene Fairbanks are recovering from injuries.
Graham added, "I wanted to find the balance between playing our top side and exposing some potential new recruits to as much pressure as I could.”
Besides the six rookies, Graham’s match day 24 includes seven players who are currently on trial for the Force. He added, “We have agreed to play an extended bench meaning everyone will get game time this weekend.”
Graham has expressed his confidence that his side can deliver a performance to pay back the Samoan’s after they handed over a surprising defeat to the Wallabies at the start of their current international season.
Graham further added, “It provides us with a good opportunity to see who will step up as players and emerge as leaders without the comfort of our Wallaby contingent.”
Force’s second row forward, Sam Wykes, has been appointed as the captain for Saturday’s encounter. Wykes takes over the slot from Nathan Sharpe, who will not be playing in the game.
Western Force squad for their Saturday’s encounter against Samoa includes:
Starting XV: 15. Nick Cummins, 14. Sam Wara, 13. Sam Wara, 12. Rory Sidey, 11. Alfie Mafi, 10, Willie Ripia, 9. James Stannard, 8. Will Brock, 7. Tevita Metuisela, 6. Angus Cottrell, 5. Phoenix Battye, 4. Sam Wykes, 3. Paul Alo-Emile, 2.
Nathan Charles, 1. Kieran Longbottom.
Replacements: 16. Ben Whittaker, 17. Ruan Smith, 18. Cruze Ah-Nau, 19. Tom Hockings, 20. Jay Havelu, 21. Ted Postal, 22. Dominic Fuller, 23. Patrick Dellit, 24. Jordan Rapana.
Tags: