The struggling Western Force have been boosted by the return of internationals Richard Brown and Cameron Shepherd to their starting line-up for Friday’s Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes.
The experienced pair’s return is a welcome relief for the Force, who have started the campaign with losses against the Brumbies and Reds.
Brown’s return to the blindside flanker position is particularly crucial with Wallabies teammate Ben McCalman unavailable with a shoulder complaint.
Meanwhile Shepherd, overlooked for the first game before picking up a leg strain, has been named at fullback.
Coach Richard Graham said Shepherd’s experience would be a significant help against the Wellington side, who lost to the Stormers before beating the Lions on their South African tour.
“Shep has had a couple of niggles and injuries throughout the latter stages of the pre-season. For us, his communication and his organisation is going to be important,” Graham said.
Graham said having Shepherd at No.15 would help James Stannard, who held onto his starting fly-half position despite speculation rookie Ben Seymour would take his spot.
“I want to settle at the moment with James. We need some continuity at number 10,” he said.
“In 2010 we’ve gone through six number 10s, in 2011 four number 10s. We need to develop some continuity so the side grows some confidence, especially at this early stage of the season.”
With Shepherd back for his first game of the season, Alfie Mafi drops to the bench while Rory Sidey has taken Winston Stanley’s inside centre spot.
Second-rower Sam Wykes is also back from a hamstring complaint but is restricted to a reserve role, with Toby Lynn and Nathan Sharpe holding on to the lock positions.
The match will carry extra significance for former Force captain Sharpe, who will become the first player in Super Rugby history to earn 150 caps.
Graham said he hoped Sharpe’s milestone would provide an extra source of inspiration.
“While Sharpey is not one to talk or want to highlight those milestones, he has been very important for the organisation over the last six years,” he said.
“I think the players are really aware of it. We talked about it at one of our team meetings just to recognise the fact.
“The players have got a lot of respect for Sharpey and I’m sure they’re motivated to do well.”
Western Force: Cameron Shepherd, Nick Cummins, Patrick Dellit, Rory Sidey, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Matt Hodgson, David Pocock (capt), Richard Brown, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma’afu, Nathan Charles, Kieran Longbottom. Res: Ben Whittaker, Pek Cowan, Sam Wykes, Angus Cottrell, Justin Turner, Ben Seymour, Alfie Mafi.