Nathan Sharpe captains Force against Blues
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Nathan Sharpe, Super Rugby's most capped player ever. Photo by Getty Images.
The Emirates Western Force will feature a revamped back row as part of four changes to its starting XV to tackle the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night.
In the absence of David Pocock (groin) and Matt Hodgson (ankle), who were both ruled out following last weekend’s match against the Brumbies, Angus Cottrell returns to the side at openside flanker, while No.8 Lachlan McCaffery earns his promotion to the starting team from the bench. The pair will join blindside flanker Richard Brown in the back row.
Pocock’s omission opens the way for Nathan Sharpe to resume his captaincy of the side – a position he held for the Emirates Western Force’s first six seasons.
The other changes see ex-Blues centre Winston Stanley earn his call-up to face his former side, and Brett Sheehan return to start at scrumhalf in place of Josh Holmes.
Stanley, who played six matches for the Blues between 2009 and 2011, says he’s excited about the prospect of facing his former teammates.
“I’m really looking forward to this one – it’s a big challenge for the team and for me personally,” he said.
“There’s been a bit of banter with the Blues guys but I’m trying to keep it pretty low key. I’d rather go out there and let my performance do the talking. For me, coming back into the [Force] team, it’s about just getting out there and doing the things I know I do well and hope that helps get the result.”
The Emirates Western Force will feature a number of changes in their run-on reserves with former Fijian Warriors representative and 2011 PG Hampshire Medallist Anare Koliavu joining prop Ruan Smith and lock Ollie Atkins in the quest for their FxPro Super Rugby debuts.
Hooker Ben Whittaker has been called into the match day 22 replacing Elvis Taione, while Australian Under 20 flyhalf Kyle Godwin will make his first appearance in the Emirates Western Force squad since returning from the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa last month.
“This is a massive opportunity for the guys coming into the squad – not just for this week but possibly next week and moving forward beyond that,” Emirates Western Force Defence & Skills Coach Phil Blake said. “Each player that takes the field for us in the next fortnight needs to get something out of it – not just for the team but individually as well as part of their education for next year.
“Locky McCaffery earns his chance and he brought something different off the bench for us last week. From where he’s come from this season to where he is now, it’s been a great education and this is a good opportunity for him. The same goes for Gus, he’s a good young player and won’t let us down. He’s got a high work rate and lots of energy and that will be welcome on Saturday.
“As for Winston, there’s nothing better than coming back and playing against a team you’re familiar with and have mates with in the opposition. This will be a good test for him and I know he’s looking forward to it.”
The Western Force line-up as follows:
1. Pek Cowan
2. Nathan Charles
3. Salesi Manu
4. TobyLynn
5. Nathan Sharpe (c)
6. Richard Brown
7. Angus Cottrell
8. LachlanMcCaffery
9. Brett Sheehan
10. Ben Seymour
11. Napolioni Nalaga
12. Winston Stanley
13. Will Tupou
14. Nick Cummins
15. Alfie Mafi
16. Ben Whittaker
17. Ruan Smith
18. Ollie Atkins
19. Anare Koliavu
20. Josh Holmes
21. Kyle Godwin
22. Patrick Dellit
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