Former Australian sevens skipper Pat McCutcheon will get another chance to start for NSW at open-side flanker after being named to replace Waratahs captain Phil Waugh for Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Western Force.
McCutcheon is one of two changes to the Waratahs forward pack with rested lock Kane Douglas returning to the second-row for Pat O’Connor.
Waugh has succumbed to a calf injury sustained in the 23-16 win over the Chiefs in Sydney last Friday night, allowing McCutcheon to get his second chance at No.7 after starting in last month’s 23-3 upset loss to the Cheetahs.
NSW coach Chris Hickey has brought former Test prop Al Baxter, who has overcome a thumb injury, back into his squad but the veteran tight-head will start off the bench at Perth’s nib Stadium.
Young flanker Chris Alcock has also been promoted to a bench which features five forwards and two backs.
Playmaker Berrick Barnes was once again not considered due to concussion concerns and Wallabies fullback Kurtley Beale will play at five-eighth.
“It’s always nice when you can name the same team week to week but unfortunately we’ve had our fair share of injuries over the past six weeks so it hasn’t been possible,” said Hickey.
“We’ve worked hard to build our depth and were confident everyone in the match day squad is ready to go.
“Kane Douglas will be fresh after a week off and Pat McCutcheon performed well when Phil (Waugh) was out a couple of weeks ago.
“It’s good to have Al Baxter back in the mix as well but we thought we’d stick with the same front row which performed so well against the Chiefs last week.”
Waratahs: Lachie Turner, Atieli Pakalani, Ryan Cross, Tom Carter, Drew Mitchell, Kurtley Beale, Luke Burgess; Wycliff Palu, Pat McCutcheon, Ben Mowen, Kane Douglas, Dean Mumm (capt), Sekope Kepu, Tatafu Polota-Nau, Benn Robinson. Res: Damien Fitzpatrick, Al Baxter, Sitaleki Timani, Dave Dennis, Chris Alcock, Brendan McKibbin, Daniel Halangahu.
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=============== warrenexpatinnz Submitted on 2011/04/07 at 4:12 pm The Force by 7, otherwise a draw as haven’t the Force drawn a game in the last two seasons? Will quickly go and answer my own question! =============== Gary Russell-Sharam Submitted on 2011/04/07 at 2:50 pm The Force may just get over the line with this match. The Tahs would be well advised to give Mckibbon a run at half back to see if they can get direct clean fast ball to the flyhalf instead of Burgess who has now commenced running at the flyhalf or the forward his is giving the ball to. Which in effect sells them the dump, the forwards in particular get the ball from a standing start with the defence right up on their nose because Burgess runs out and gives them the ball. Why on earth he doesn’t pass from the base of the ruck or scrum like a halfback is supposed to do is beyond me. He is far worse than Gregan used to be. It’s amazing, Burgess started off the season really well passing very well and then he has deterioration in subsequent matches I wonder what gets into their heads, I mean if you are going well and everyone is saying how good you are playing why change, why revert back to what you were doing last year when Genia overtook you. I think Burgess is a really good player but he just just doesn’t learn. At present I would put Sheehan from the Force ahead of him and all you people out there who will scream Phipps from the Rebels, just be patient don’t rush him he will be great after a couple of seasons at Super level. =============== Gary Submitted on 2011/04/07 at 10:08 am Baxter on the bench. Look for lots of collapsed scrums in the second half.