Despite the absence of star flanker David Pocock for Saturday’s home Super Rugby match against the Blues, Western Force coach Richard Graham managed to name an all-Wallabies backrow.
With an anticipated six-week recovery from a knee injury, Matt Hodgson will don the No.7 jersey in Pocock’s place, while Richard Brown takes on the blindside flanker role and Ben McCalman transitions from the second-row to No.8.
Young lock Sam Wykes will step into McCalman’s position alongside captain Nathan Sharpe in the second-row.
Pocock sustained a knee ligament injury during last Saturday’s 39-12 defeat against the Sharks in Perth and has since been involved in a contentious Twitter exchange with Sharks prop Jannie du Plessis.
During the game, Pocock was yanked backward by du Plessis, who grabbed him by the head after the Force flanker contested the ball with Bismarck, du Plessis’ brother and hooker.
Pocock reportedly quoted du Plessis as stating: “Next time, I’ll break your (expletive) neck.”
By Wednesday, the contentious exchange seemed to have been resolved, with Pocock removing his comments aimed at du Plessis.
He also suggested a reconciliation: “I spoke with Jannie du Plessis last night; we had a good conversation, no hard feelings, all sorted. Good luck to the Sharks vs. the Rebels.”
Graham expressed confidence in delivering a compelling performance against the Blues.
“We are encouraged that we can transition Ben from the second row into the backrow while maintaining proven quality in that area,” he noted.
“I thought Sam was exceptional last week… There has indeed been an abundance of positive feedback regarding his performance, clearly demonstrating why we were eager to re-sign him for another two years.”
In the backline, Nick Cummins will start at outside centre to cover for Mitch Inman (elbow injury), with Alfie Mafi hitting the wing after appearing off the bench on two occasions.
This reshuffling places additional responsibility on the Force’s playmakers, five-eighth James O’Connor and inside centre Gene Fairbanks, though coach Graham is assured in their capability to manage it.
“We’ll utilize Gene at first receiver at various times while James rotates through to fullback; we possess the flexibility to take advantage of that,” he stated.
“They’ve both assumed diverse roles throughout the year, and our aim this week is to formalize those roles more.
“(The Blues) indeed field a formidable squad… They, philosophically, engage in a highly aggressive style of play, evident in the opening weeks.
“We need to remain aware of their runners and be robust in our one-on-one defense.”
