Late Mitchell blow for Force
Fri, 16 May 2008 08:46
Western Force and Wallabies wing Drew Mitchell has been ruled out of Friday's Super 14 clash with the Brumbies, with an ankle injury.
Mitchell was injured in a collision with teammate David Pocock during the team's warm up before Thursday's final training session at Subiaco Oval in Perth.
An MRI scan overnight confirmed the 21-Test veteran suffered a high ankle sprain (Syndesmosis) injury and will be sidelined for an estimated four to six weeks.
The 24-year-old will be required to wear a supportive boot and is unable to take his place on the left wing for Friday's Week 14 derby clash.
Utility Haig Sare has been called into the starting lineup to replace the injured Wallaby, while Junior Pelesasa is a surprise addition to the reserves bench after missing the entire season following knee surgery late last year.
Pelesasa underwent a knee reconstruction in October last year after tearing the ACL in his left knee playing for the ET Perth Spirit in the now-defunct Australian Rugby Championship (ARC).
It was thought the 27-year-old would not return to the field this season, however his inclusion on the reserves bench for Friday's match comes after just one appearance for WA Club side Wanneroo last weekend.
Western Force - revised: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Dane Haylett-Petty, 13 Josh Tatupu, 12 James O'Connor, 11 Haig Sare, 10 Matt Giteau (vice-captain), 9 Chris O'Young, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Matt Hodgson, 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 David Pusey, 3 Troy Takiari, 2 Tai McIsaac, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Luke Holmes, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Sitaleki Timani, 19 Sam Wykes, 20 James Stannard, 21 Scott Daruda, 22 Junior Pelesasa.
Date: Friday, May 16
Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick-off: 19.05 (11.05 GMT)
Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)/Nathan Pearce
(Australia)
Touch judges: Ian Smith (Australia), Grant MacNeill (Australia)
TMO: Geoff Acton (Australia)
