Pocock, Brown back for Force - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Pocock, Brown back for Force

By Justin Chadwick 31/03/2010 10:16:23 PM Comments (0)

The Western Force have regained some much-needed Wallabies firepower in the form of David Pocock and Richard Brown for Friday night's Super 14 clash with the high-flying Stormers in Perth.

Pocock will slot straight back into the starting line-up in his customary openside flanker role after overcoming the serious finger tendon injury sustained in round one.

Brown, who dislocated his shoulder in that loss to the Brumbies, has been named on the bench.

The return of the star duo will help ease the burden on fellow back-rower Matt Hodgson, who has been a standout for the Force this season despite the heavy load placed on him due to the club's hefty injury crisis.

"Obviously it hasn't been the season any of us had hoped for to date and I can't wait to get back and contribute," Pocock said.

"It has felt like a long time sitting on the sidelines and it was frustrating not being able to help the team.

"I've been doing a lot of work in the gym alongside Richard Brown and we're very keen to get back into the action and both of us are excited about being in the team.

"We've stepped up in the past few weeks, you can see that even from sitting on the sidelines, and as long as that intent is there on Friday night and we come out ready to play it will be a good game."

In other changes to the side that lost 28-15 to the Bulls last Saturday, Pek Cowan moves to loosehead prop after starting the season at hooker while Matt Dunning has been named on the bench after recovering from a bout of concussion.

Halfback Chris O'Young retains his spot in the run-on side after Brett Sheehan failed to shake off his hamstring complaint and rookie scrumhalf Justin Turner could make his debut after being named on the bench.

James O'Connor has been switched to fullback, Ryan Cross shifts to inside centre and Mitch Inman has been handed the No.13 jersey.

Scott Staniforth, whose short-term contract with the Force expired after last week's game, retains his position on the right wing after signing a new deal with the club that will see him play out the season in Perth.

The Force are yet to win a game this season but have shown renewed vigour in the past two weeks in tough matches against the Waratahs and Bulls.

The Stormers sit in second place on the ladder after posting five wins from six games but their trip to Perth will be their first outside of South Africa this season.

The Force were dealt a blow late on Wednesday when the SANZAR Appeals Committee upheld the two-match suspension handed down to winger Nick Cummins.

The 22-year-old was found guilty for his tipping tackle on Jacques-Louis Potgieter in last Saturday's 28-15 loss to the Bulls in Perth, with the Force's appeal proving fruitless.

Mark Bartholomeusz will play on the wing in the absence of Cummins.

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