Unchanged Force to tackle Sharks
The Western Force have named an unchanged line-up to attack the Sharks in Durban on Saturday with the side eager to finish their South African tour with a win.
Force forwards coach Nick Stiles said the team had put the disappointment of the four point loss to the Cheetahs behind them and will concentrate on getting a good start on the Sharks.
“It’s been a focus for us over the last few weeks to start the game well against the South African sides because if you give them too much of a lead at the start of the game, it is difficult to close the gap,” said Stiles.
“It’s good to have the same 22 and have that continuity with our game plan and we’re starting to see some growth through our backs so we’ll definitely look to attack a lot more than last week.
“We’d love to see (Napolioni) Nalaga getting the ball a lot more than he is, but sometimes it’s a bit more difficult than what we’d like.
“Last week there were a few chances to get the ball to him early but a player or two inside just put up a different option, so hopefully we can get the ball to him more and bring him into the game.”
Matt Hodgson recovered from a concussion sustained in the dying minutes of the game against the Cheetahs and will retain his No.8 position alongside fellow Australian internationals David Pocock and Richard Brown.
“Hodgson has pulled up really well. He has been step-loaded back into his training and each day he’s done more and more and he’ll train fully today and be a definite starter.
While the side looks to make a greater impact in the attack Stiles said they were prepared for a strong showing from the Shark’s forward pack.
“Their scrum is very strong; I think it’s the strongest South African scrum so upfront they’re very physical,” Stiles added.
“They’re very abrasive with their tackling and the work they do at the breakdown so it’s a really good challenge for us with their physicality.”
Western Force: 15 Alfie Mafi, 14 Samu Wara, 13 Nick Cummins, 12 Winston Stanley, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 David Harvey, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Matt Hodgson, 7 David Pocock (captain), 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Toby Lynn, 3 Salesi Ma’afu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Elvis Taione, 17 Salesi Manu, 18 Phoenix Battye, 19 Lachlan McCaffrey, 20 Josh Holmes, 21 Ben Seymour, 22 Rory Sidey.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Joey Salmans (South Africa), Cobus Wessels (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
