At least five players will make their Western Force debuts in Friday night’s Super 14 clash with the Brumbies in Perth.
One-Test Wallaby Mark Bartholomeusz will take up the five-eighth role following the season-ending injury to Andre Pretorius, while scrumhalf Brett Sheehan, inside centre Sam Harris and props Matt Dunning and Nic Henderson will also don Force colours for the first time in Super 14 competition after being named in the starting XV.
Wallabies centre Ryan Cross has been named in the run-on side despite struggling to overcome an abdominal injury in recent weeks.
Young gun James O’Connor will play at fullback while prop Pek Cowan will start at hooker after his impressive display there in the Force’s trial win over Queensland last week.
Wingers Haig Sare (Achilles tendon) and Nick Cummins (foot) couldn’t be considered due to injury.
Matt Hodgson, David Pocock and Richard Brown will form a formidable back row while Sam Wykes will partner Nathan Sharpe at lock.
Star Wallabies flyhalf Matt Giteau has been named by the Brumbies but is no certainty to play due to a lingering quad complaint.
Force: James O’Connor, Dane Haylett-Petty, Ryan Cross, Sam Harris, Cameron Shepherd, Mark Bartholomeusz, Brett Sheehan, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Sam Wykes, Matt Dunning, Pek Cowan, Nic Henderson. Reserves: Ben Whittaker, Tim Fairbrother, Richard Stanford, Ben McCalman, Chris O’Young, Mitchell Inman, Josh Tatupu.
Brumbies: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Stirling Mortlock, Christian Lealiifano, Francis Fainifo, Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua, Josh Valentine, Stephen Hoiles (capt), George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Justin Harrison, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Maafu, Ben Hand, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Alfi Mafi, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
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