W Force v Crusaders: Teams
David Pocock will make a timely return for Force's home clash with the Crusaders, for whom Richie McCaw starts at No.8.
Last Updated: 28/04/11 11:38am
Australia international David Pocock will make a timely return for Western Force's home clash with the Crusaders in Perth.
However the much-anticipated clash at number seven between the Wally openside and Richie McCaw is not to be as the All Black captain runs at eight.
Pocock's return adds steel to the Force's pack as his inclusion creates an all-Wallaby back-row alongside Ben McCalman and Richard Brown.
Behind them there is also a boost with David Smith passed fit to start on the left wing while Nick Cummins will run from the right. Pat Dellit is set to continue at outside centre with James O'Connor.
All Blacks skipper McCaw, who missed last weekend's match against the Highlanders with a bruised foot, will lead the Crusaders against the Force providing he gets through Thursday's training run.
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New Zealand's captain will start at number, replacing Joe Wheeler, who has been bracketed on the bench with Reuben Thorne.
In the front row, Corey Flynn and Ben Franks come in at hooker and prop for Quentin MacDonald and Owen Franks respectively.
Luke Romano, who played almost 60 minutes when coming on for the injured Brad Thorn last weekend, starts at lock alongside Chris Jack.
Sonny Bill Williams starts at centre ahead of Adam Whitelock, and Sean Maitland comes back to the right wing, replacing Tom Marshall.
Willi Heinz comes on to the reserves bench as halfback cover.
Not considered due to injury were Andy Ellis (thumb), Brad Thorn (calf), Dan Carter (hamstring) and Sam Whitelock (ankle).
Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Nick Cummins, 13 Patrick Dellit, 12 James O'Connor, 11 David Smith, 10 Willie Ripia, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe (capt), 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Matt Dunning, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Ben Whittaker, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Matt Hodgson, 19 Tevita Metuisela, 20 James Stannard, 21 Rory Sidey, 22 Alfie Mafi.
Crusaders: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Sean Maitland, 13 Robbie Fruean, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Matt Berquist, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Richie McCaw (capt), 7 Matt Todd, 6 George Whitelock, 5 Chris Jack, 4 Luke Romano, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Corey Flynn, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Quentin MacDonald, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Joe Wheeler / Reuben Thorne, 19 Jonathan Poff, 20 Willi Heinz, 21 Tom Marshall, 22 Adam Whitelock.
