Emirates Western Force Coach John Mitchell has named his team to play Guinness Premiership outfit Saracens on the development tour of England. After opening the five-week tour successfully against Newcastle (25-15) and Saracens Academy (36-17), Mitchell has held firm on his squad rotation policy for the team’s third match this Saturday morning (WST).

David Pocock will again captain the side, with experienced back rower Tamaiti Horua packing in at Number 8.

Horua’s tour campaign was plunged into doubt when he returned to Australia for family reasons last Friday, however the 115kg forward made his return to the UK yesterday and will make a belated first appearance on the tour against the side led by his former Brumbies mentor Eddie Jones.

A third unique centres pairing has been selected for the clash with Scott Daruda to start at inside centre alongside Josh Tatupu, while the WA side’s leading tryscorer on tour, Junior Pelesasa, shifts to the bench. Caleb Brown will start on the right wing, while Haig Sare returns to his customary left wing after scoring a double at outside centre in the 19-point win over Saracens Academy.

Mitchell has opted for the same front row combination of Pek Cowan, Luke Holmes and AJ Whalley, which started in the side’s opening tour victory over Newcastle. With Sam Wykes ruled out for the remainder of the tour program with a shoulder injury, Valeni Tia Tia and Pat O’Connor will have their chance to impress in the second row. O’Connor has overcome a slight groin strain and will finally see his return to action for the WA side after two injury-ravaged Super 14 seasons.

Mitchell said he has been happy with the team’s early tour form. “The players have adjusted well to the English conditions and have shown some very good signs in our two matches so far,” said Mitchell. “We’ve certainly fronted up for both matches with the right attitude and we’ll need to do that again on Friday night.”

Mitchell said he was delighted with the squad’s progress. “A few of our younger squad members have taken their chances so far and that’s really pleasing. Our senior players have provided some strong leadership too which has enabled us to play some good football,” he said. “One thing we are focusing on is making the most of our attacking opportunities and that’s something we hope to see improve as the tour wears on.”

Injured lock Wykes will depart the tour over the weekend along with winger James Dougall, who fractured his hand in the clash with Saracens Academy. Neither player will be replaced in the squad, reducing the tour squad to 26 for the remaining four matches. Scott Staniforth will remain in the UK with the squad for further treatment on his injured knee.

Emirates Western Force v Saracens
Friday 15 August, 2008
Old Albanians Sports Complex, St Albans, England.
Kick off: 7.30pm (2.30am Saturday 16 August WST)

Emirates Western Force

1. Pek Cowan
2. Luke Holmes
3. AJ Whalley
4. Valeni Tia Tia
5. Pat O’Connor
6. Matt Hodgson
7. David Pocock (c)
8. Tamaiti Horua
9. Chris O’Young
10. James O’Connor
11. Haig Sare
12. Scott Daruda
13. Josh Tatupu
14. Caleb Brown
15. Dane Haylett-Petty

Reserves

16. Tai McIsaac
17. Kieran Longbottom
18. Tom Murday
19. Filipe Manu
20. Justin Turner
21. Junior Pelesasa
22. Dion Berryman

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