Force have a Sharpe edge again
Lock Nathan Sharpe will return to the starting line-up as captain for his final match with the Western Force against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.
The 34-year-old, who will complete his rugby career with the Wallabies during the inaugural Rugby Championship later this year, was forced out of last weekend's match against the Blues in Auckland just hours before kick-off with a back injury. He will resume his place in the second row for a record 162nd Super Rugby cap.
"My back's fine, I got through today's [Thursday] session and I should be right for the game," Sharpe said.
"I've been focusing more on getting my injury right this week and so I haven't thought too much about it being my last game. Tomorrow will be my last training session and then into my final game with the Force on Saturday – it's something that's exciting but bittersweet at the same time.
"As far as Saturday goes, you don't get a tougher challenge in Super Rugby than playing the Crusaders in Christchurch and it'd be fantastic to come over and put together a great performance against them."
Sharpe's inclusion is one of four new faces in the starting XV with Tetera Faulkner earning his first run-on start against last year's competition runners-up, having previously received caps off the bench against the Rebels (in 2011) and Blues last weekend.
The Force will unleash a new midfield combination with Rory Sidey replacing the injured Winston Stanley (dislocated shoulder) at inside centre and Pat Dellit promoted off the bench in favour of Will Tupou.
Western Force defence & skills coach Phil Blake says his side will be looking for a positive end to the Super Rugby season, not least of all to provide a fitting farewell to the club's inaugural captain.
"We're looking for individuals to embrace the challenge before them on Saturday and if we can do that as individuals, then collectively we'll get the result that we want," Blake said.
"It's great to have Sharpie back for his last game; he brings a lot of composure and experience and we'll look to that on Saturday night. It's been terrific to see him back training and it'll be great to see him back on the field on Saturday."
The Western Force bench has also been revamped with Pek Cowan, Will Tupou and last weekend’s debutante Ollie Atkins, who started in place of Sharpe against the Blues, all reverting back to the reserves list.
Western Force: 15 Alfie Mafi, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Patrick Dellit, 12 Rory Sidey, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 Ben Seymour, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Lachlan McCaffery, 7 Angus Cottrell, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Salesi Manu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Tetera Faulkner.
Replacements: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Ruan Smith, 18 Pek Cowan, 19 Ollie Atkins, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Kyle Godwin, 22 Will Tupou.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Glen Jackson (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Keith Brown (New Zealand), in Kane McBride (New Zealand)
TMO: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
