Brown and Shepherd return for the Force

For Friday’s Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes, the struggling Western Force received a much-needed boost with the return of internationals Richard Brown and Cameron Shepherd to their starting line-up.

This experienced duo’s comeback gives the Force a welcome lift, particularly after beginning the season with defeats to the Brumbies and Reds.

The significance of Brown returning to the blindside flanker position is heightened by Wallabies teammate Ben McCalman being out due to a shoulder issue.

On the other hand, Shepherd, who missed the first game and subsequently sustained a leg injury, has been selected to play fullback.

Coach Richard Graham expressed that Shepherd’s presence would be invaluable against the Wellington squad, which recently faced a loss to the Stormers but later triumphed over the Lions during their tour of South Africa.

“Shep has dealt with several minor injuries and niggles in the latter part of the pre-season. His communication and organization are crucial for us,” Graham stated.

The coach added that having Shepherd at No.15 would benefit James Stannard, who retains his starting fly-half position despite rookie Ben Seymour’s rumored progression.

“I want to stabilize our selection with James for now. We require some consistency at number 10,” he explained.

“In 2010, we cycled through six different number 10s, and in 2011 we had four. It’s vital to establish continuity so that the team builds confidence, especially at this early point in the season.”

With Shepherd returning for his season debut, Alfie Mafi has been moved to the bench, while Rory Sidey is set to fill Winston Stanley’s inside centre role.

Second-rower Sam Wykes also makes his return from a hamstring injury but will start as a substitute, as Toby Lynn and Nathan Sharpe continue in the lock positions.

For former Force captain Sharpe, this match holds additional significance as he edges closer to becoming the first player in Super Rugby history to reach 150 caps.

Graham conveyed his hope that Sharpe’s achievement would inspire the team.

“While Sharpe is not the type to spotlight personal milestones and accolades, he has played a pivotal role within the organization over the past six years,” Graham noted.

“The players are certainly aware of this milestone. We discussed it in a recent team meeting to acknowledge its importance.”

“There’s a profound respect for Sharpe among the players, and I believe it will drive them to perform 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.

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