Shepherd out of season opener

Updated February 22, 2012 17:56:40

Western Force full-back Cameron Shepherd has been ruled out of Friday night's Super Rugby match with the Brumbies in Canberra through injury.

Shepherd featured in last week's trial loss to Queensland, but was restricted to light duties this week after picking up a slight strain in his leg.

His spot in the run-on side has been taken by Alfie Mafi, with former half-back James Stannard named at five-eighth following the preseason departure of Willie Ripia.

Former skipper Nathan Sharpe has recovered from his calf complaint and will partner Toby Lynn in the second row, with regular lock Sam Wykes (hamstring) ruled out.

Marquee winger and Fijian international Napolioni Nalaga will make his Force debut, as will Lynn, prop Salesi Ma'afu and outside centre Winston Stanley.

Hooker Elvis Taione, lock Phoenix Battye, back rower Angus Cottrell, five-eighth Ben Seymour and outside back Sam Wara will also make their debuts if they are required off the bench.

Western Force squad: Alfie Mafi, Nick Cummins, Winston Stanley, Rory Sidey, Napolioni Nalaga, James Stannard, Brett Sheehan, Ben McCalman, David Pocock (captain), Matt Hodgson, Nathan Sharpe, Toby Lynn, Salesi Ma'au, Nathan Charles, Pek Cowan

Reserves: Elvis Taione, Kieran Longbottom, Phoenix Battye, Angus Cottrell, Justin Turner, Ben Seymour, Sam Wara

AAP

Tags: super-14, rugby-union, sport, perth-6000

First posted February 22, 2012 17:56:40

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Mortlock in doubt for Rebels opener

Updated February 24, 2012 17:02:30

Rebels captain Stirling Mortlock has until Wednesday to prove his injured calf is up to taking on New South Wales in Melbourne's Super Rugby season opener.

The first-round bye has given the former Test skipper extra time to recover from his troublesome injury but Rebels coach Damien Hill concedes that Mortlock was no certainty to play at AAMI Park next Friday night.

In better news, star signing Wallabies full-back Kurtley Beale, who missed their final trial with a hamstring injury, is on track to play.

"Kurtley ran well this morning so so far things are going to plan," Hill said.

"Stirling's calf injury is dragging on a little bit so we'll wait and see how that pulls up, he's probably 50/50 at this stage."

While Mortlock injured his calf just before their opening trial at the start of the month, starting hooker Ged Robinson is also in doubt with a calf injury, which forced him off the field early in their loss to the Crusaders last weekend.

Hill says he wants to have the line-up settled at least by Wednesday.

Beale has had hamstring issues since last year's World Cup and Hill says it is a fine balance between pushing his fitness and his recovery.

The 23-year-old Beale has spoken of his desire to take on his old team, the Waratahs, but Hill says that will not come into consideration.

"It's more important that the injury's right," Hill said.

"We'd be silly to rush him and to put him at risk of further or worse injury.

"He's had a history of these injuries before but I've got full faith in our medical guys.

"We won't rush him if that's the decision we have to make but so far everything's looking good."

The entire Rebels squad intended to get together to watch the Waratahs host the Super Rugby champions Queensland on Saturday night.

Hill says he expects the Reds to again be "great".

"They look strong again, Ewen (McKenzie) did a great job last year and will do another very good job this year so they'll be thereabouts," he said.

"They'll be brimming with confidence at the moment so they should be ranked number one in Australia."

AAP

Tags: super-rugby, rugby-union, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted February 24, 2012 16:39:51

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