Fava back for the Force clash with the Stormers
Vice captain Scott Fava returns to the Western Force line-up and deputy scrumhalf Chris O’Young will start for
the first time in Friday night’s clash against the Stormers.
Fava missed last week’s game against the Bulls after suffering a nasty head-knock in the Commonwealth
Games. But the powerful Number 8 has been given medical clearance to play and will resume his position at the
back of the scrum.
After coming off the bench for all six Tooheys New Super 14 games this year, Chris O’Young will makes his
run-on debut for the Western Force.
| Western Force Team |
| 1. | Gareth Hardy |
| 2. | Brendan Cannon |
| 3. | Angus Scott |
| 4. | John Welborn |
| 5. | Nathan Sharpe (c) |
| 6. | Luke Doherty |
| 7. | Richard Brown |
| 8. | Scott Fava |
| 9. | Chris O'Young |
| 10. | James Hilgendorf |
| 11. | Digby Ioane |
| 12. | Scott Staniforth |
| 13. | Josh Graham |
| 14. | Haig Sare |
| 15. | Cameron Shepherd |
| Reserve Bench |
| 16. | Tai McIsaac |
| 17. | David Fitter |
| 18. | David Pusey |
| 19. | Matt Hodgson |
| 20. | Matt Henjak |
| 21. | Scott Daruda |
| 22. | Gavin DeBartolo |
Also starting for the first time in the ocean blue is prop Angus Scott, who performed well during the 30
minutes he played against the Bulls last Saturday, while Brendan Cannon returns to the 15 after a bout of
gastroenteritis.
Exciting outside back, Gavin DeBartolo – who also made his Super 14 debut last week – remains in the 22,
while flyhalf Scott Daruda returns to the squad.
Western Force coach John Mitchell welcomed the return of Scott Fava and applauded the efforts of stand-in
Number 8 Richard Brown, who now switches to the openside flank ahead of Matt Hodgson.
“Richard Brown is deserving of selection based on his recent performances – he’ll bring more presence
against the likes of Schalk Burger,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell also praised the efforts of Matt Henjak, who moves to the bench for Chris O’Young.
“We always promised Chris a starting opportunity in our inaugural year and it’s important we honour that
promise,” he said.
“I am very happy with Matt’s progress. People need to appreciate that it’s his first full year of a
starting role at scrumhalf and, when he did play last year, it was inside the experienced Stephen Larkham. He
is still developing his game and his leadership.”
“Matt is an outstanding team member both on and off the field.”
Mitchell said the Stormers had an international midfield and a mobile pack – a team with plenty of
threats.
“They are a very mobile team, probably the most mobile of the South African sides, with a variety of
skills,” he said.
“They also have an impressive coaching unit in Kobus Van Der Merwe and former Springboks coach, Nick
Mallett.”
Rugby Super 14 - Round 8
Western Force vs Western Stormers
Subiaco Oval, Perth
Friday Night, March 31
Kick-Off: 7:10pm (local/WA time), 1:10pm (RSA)
Exclusively Live on Fox Sports from 7:00pm (WA time)
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