Spring Tourists join the Force trial match squad

Western Force head coach John Mitchell has announced his squad for Saturday night’s trial match against the Crusaders at Olympic Park in Melbourne, and it includes those players recently returned from the Wallaby spring tour.

captain Nathan Sharpe is in the squad, as are fellow Wallaby tourists Brendan Cannon, David Fitter, Scott Fava, Matt Henjak, Digby Ioane and Cameron Shepherd.

Also in the line-up is three Test veteran Scott Staniforth, who recently returned to Australia after playing for European club, London Irish.

Following last Saturday’s impressive showing against the Central Cheetahs, the starting XV will again be dominated by less experienced players.

The squad includes 11 players that are uncapped at Super 12 level, including last week’s try scorers Tim Davidson and Haig Sare.

Mitchell said he was aware of what his experienced players had to offer so the focus would again be on giving the younger members of the squad an opportunity to perform.

He said the spring tourists returning to the squad would have their workloads carefully ramped up in preparation for the 2006 season.

The squad is: (in alphabetical order): Nathan Sharpe (c), Richard Brown, Brendan Cannon, Scott Daruda, Tim Davidson, Gavin DeBartolo, Luke Doherty, Scott Fava, David Fitter, Matt Henjak, Gareth Hardy, James Hilgendorf, Matt Hodgson, Luke Holmes, Digby Ioane, Brock James, Lachlan MacKay, Tajhon Mailata, Tai McIsaac, David Te Moana, Pat O'Connor, Chris O'Young, David Pusey, Haig Sare, Angus Scott, Cameron Shepherd, Scott Staniforth, John Welborn, Matt Windle.

*Junior Pelesasa and Josh Graham were not considered for selection because of injury but will tour.

Trial Match
Western Force vs Canterbury Crusaders
Saturday January 28
Kick-off: 7:30pm (AEDT).