Force name youngsters for Chiefs clash - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Force name youngsters for Chiefs clash

01/05/2008 11:25:26 AM Comments (0)

Western Force will look to the future when they take on the Chiefs in Perth on Saturday, with youngsters James O'Connor, James Stannard and Sam Wykes all named in the starting line-up.

Still only a 17-year-old, O'Connor's selection is the biggest call by Force coach John Mitchell, with the highly rated youngster named at inside centre immediately outside the fit-again Matt Giteau.

Wykes replaces Tom Hockings in the second row and Stannard starts at scrum half in place of Chris O'Young, with Scott Staniforth moving to the wing to replace the injured Haig Sare.

Staniforth is however troubled with a knee injury, and could be replaced by Nick Cummins.

Some new and some forgotten faces will also make their way onto the Force bench, with David Pusey in from the cold and West Australian products Kieran Longbottom and Dane Haytlett-Petty also in line for some game time.

Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, Ryan Cross, James O'Connor, Drew Mitchell, Matt Giteau, James Stannard, Richard Brown, David Pocock, Scott Fava, Nathan Sharpe (capt), Sam Wykes, Troy Takiari, Tai McIsaac, Pek Cowan. Reserves: Luke Holmes, Kieran Longbottom, David Pusey, Matt Hodgson, Chris O'Young, Scott Daruda, Dane Haylett-Petty.

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