Former Wallaby lock John Welborn has been recalled to the Emirates Western Force line-up for what will be his 60th game of Super Rugby when the West Australian team takes on the Central Cheetahs in Kimberley on Saturday.
Also back in the starting line-up is tighthead prop David Fitter, who comes in for the injured Gareth Hardy (bruised ribs). Fitter’s inclusion will see Angus Scott switch to loosehead prop.
Also unavailable for selection was 18 year old openside flanker, David Pocock, who is yet to overcome an ankle injury suffered in the U19 World Cup final.
The 35 year old Welborn, who played 50 Super 12 games for Waratahs, replaces Pat O’Connor in the starting 15.
Emirates Western Force head coach John Mitchell said he’d selected a forward pack that would confront the Cheetahs tight five, and a bench which would provide mobility as the game progressed.
Mitchell said the Cheetahs were a quality side, which had beaten the Hurricanes and taken the Blues and the Chiefs to the wire.
“They are the current Currie Cup champions and come from a proud rugby region. The smaller, more enclosed venue at Kimberley will make for a hostile environment, I’m sure,” he said.
The squad is:
1. Angus Scott 2. Tai McIsaac 3. David Fitter 4. John Welborn 5. Nathan Sharpe (c) 6. David Pusey 7. Matt Hodgson 8. Scott Fava 9. Matt Henjak 10. Brock James 11. Digby Ioane 12. Scott Staniforth 13. Josh Graham 14. Haig Sare 15. Cameron Shepherd 16. Luke Holmes 17. David Te Moana 18. Pat O’Connor 19. Luke Doherty 20. Chris O’Young 21. Lachlan MacKay 22. Junior Pelesasa
