Force recall Graham, fitness test for Ioane
Exciting Western Force winger Digby Ioane will be given until game day to prove his fitness for the clash
against the Chiefs at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.
The powerful runner injured his ankle early in the first half of last week’s match against the Hurricanes
but played out the game.
With uncertainty as to his availability, Australian Under 19 and Under 21 representative, Tajhon Mailata,
has been called into the squad.
| Western Force Team |
| 1. | Gareth Hardy |
| 2. | Brendan Cannon |
| 3. | David Fitter |
| 4. | David Pusey |
| 5. | Nathan Sharpe (c) |
| 6. | Luke Doherty |
| 7. | Richard Brown |
| 8. | Scott Fava |
| 9. | Matt Henjak |
| 10. | Brock James |
| 11. | Digby Ioane |
| 12. | Scott Daruda |
| 13. | Scott Staniforth |
| 14. | Cameron Shepherd |
| 15. | James Hilgendorf |
| Reserve Bench |
| 16. | Tai McIsaac |
| 17. | David Te Moana |
| 18. | John Welborn |
| 19. | Matt Hodgson |
| 20. | Chris O'Young |
| 21. | Haig Sare |
| 22. | Tajhon Mailata |
| 23. | Josh Graham |
| (one to be omitted) |
Also returning to the 22 is centre Josh Graham, who passed a concussion test yesterday after being
knocked-out in the team’s Tooheys New Super 14 debut against the Brumbies.
Graham will also see a specialist before being given the all-clear.
Former Queensland flanker Richard Brown comes into the starting 15 ahead of Matt Hodgson as part of a
rotation policy, and Scott Daruda returns to the run-on side at inside centre, replacing the injured Junior
Pelesasa.
The Western Force has been plagued by injury, with four backs and a forward unavailable for selection after
just two rounds.
Lock Rudi Vedelago is recovering from wrist surgery and is expected to be out of action for another six
weeks, while Zander Peden and Ben Ward are battling back injuries.
Lachlan MacKay (knee ligaments) and Pelesasa (broken ankle) were sidelined whilst wearing the
Number 12.
Western Force head coach John Mitchell said it was unusual for injuries to hit one position, and he
welcomed the return of Graham.
“He’s actually come in ahead of schedule having passed the appropriate medical test but it’s been a
challenge for us, not being able to put out the same back-line on consecutive weekends,” he said.
Mitchell said this week’s opposition was the best Chiefs team he’d seen on paper in a decade, describing
Mils Muliaina as the best fullback in world rugby, ably supported by Sosene Anesi and Sitiveni Sivivatu.
“Their back-row is also formidable, all of them All Blacks,” he said.
“And their halfback Byron Kelleher is a strong individual. There wouldn’t be too many halfbacks as strong
as Byron, so we’re in for a pretty physical contest.”
“I’m seeking an improvement on our two previous outings.”
Rugby Super 14 - Round 3
Western Force vs Waikato Chiefs
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Friday February 24
Kick-Off: 7:05pm (local/WA time), Sat - 12:05am (NZ)
Exclusively Live on Fox Sports from 7:00pm (WA time)
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