Sare forces his way back
Thursday 10 April 2008 08:18, UK
Western Force winger Haig Sare has come straight back into the squad for this weekend's clash against the Waratahs.
Winger makes immediate return after eight-week ban
Western Force winger Haig Sare has come straight back into the squad for this weekend's clash against the Waratahs, after completing his suspension for his part in the infamous fight with Matt Henjak. Sare was banned for eight weeks after the incident with Henjak back in February, which saw his jaw broken and the scrum-half sacked. Despite having played no rugby since, and only beginning contact training last week, Sare has been named in the 22, replacing youngster Dane Haylett-Petty from the squad that beat the Bulls. The other changes see former Waratahs prop Troy Takiari return to tighthead prop with AJ Whalley dropping back to the bench.Pressure
Takiari will make his third appearance of the season in the No.3 jersey, while inside back Lachlan MacKay makes his return via the bench after withdrawing from last week's clash with a groin strain. Coach John Mitchell said Australian interstate matches always brought added emotion and pressure. "It's an exciting phase of the competition for us, with three matches against Australian opponents in our last five games," said Mitchell. "Derby matches are the nearest thing to Test matches at Super 14 level. No matter how hard teams prepare and try to be specific and composed, emotions and pressure will always factor in the game." Mitchell expects the Waratahs to be full of confidence heading into the Subiaco Oval clash. "The Waratahs played very good attacking football against the Blues in Sydney last week and they have a good mix of youth and experience," he said. Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Scott Staniforth, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Chris O'Young; 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Fava, 5 Nathan Sharpe (c), 4 Tom Hockings, 3 Troy Takiari, 2 Tai McIsaac, 1 Pek Cowan.Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 AJ Whalley, 18 Sam Wykes, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 James Stannard, 21 Lachlan MacKay, 22 Haig Sare.
