Western Force head coach Tim Sampson has made just one change to his match-day 23 as he opts for stability in maintaining the club’s unbeaten start to the 2019 National Rugby Championship season. Powerful prop Tom Sherminant has been added to the reserves bench for the clash against Canberra Vikings at UWA Sports Park on Saturday with Dom Hardman unavailable through injury.
After enjoying a win at home last weekend, the Force is determined to make the most of a rare fortnight without having to traverse the country but are wary of a Vikings team that has plenty of experience and class, including a number of capped Wallabies.
The Vikings saw off the Force last year in Canberra, the 10-point winning margin the biggest in five meetings between the sides in the NRC competition. Every other game has been decided by a converted try or less, including the only time the sides have met in Perth back in 2015 where the visitors snatched a three-point win.
“After three rounds there isn’t much between the sides and in a match-up like this you just have to take your opportunities when they present,” Sampson said.
“Any way you look at this game, it points to a very tight contest. We’ve had a good week of preparation and hopefully we’re the ones nudging ahead at the 80th minute.”
Rotation of the front row stocks has seen Harrison Lloyd and Chris Heiberg added to the run-on side after starting on the bench in last week’s win over Melbourne, a move that reflects the confidence coaching staff have in every player to perform their role.
“We’re fortunate to have tremendous depth,” Sampson said.
“The starting 15, the eight that are on the bench, and even the boys that miss out on the match-day 23, we have confidence in all of them to execute when called upon.
“We’re very comfortable when we go to the bench during a game in any situation that those players are going to come on and have an impact.”
That was highlighted last week when Hardman sustained an injury early in the match and Heiberg was required to play out the bulk of the game.
“It’s not often you ask your tighthead to play 65 minutes, we were delighted with Chris’ output after coming back into the side after a bout of illness and a few little niggles, he performed exceptionally well and will start against a good Vikings pack,” said Sampson
The Canberra side proved they’re never out of a contest after clawing their way to a thrilling one-point win last weekend and are currently sitting in third place on the NRC ladder with two wins and a loss to start their campaign.
“There is experience and quality in the Vikings squad. At the back end of games when the result is in the balance the ability to call on cool heads to control the game and make the right decisions pays off. I think both sides have shown they’re able to do that so it will be very interesting if the game goes down to the wire.”
While only in the early stages of his rugby career, UWA speedster Leon Feke has shown outstanding composure. The 22-year-old was instrumental in setting up the final try last week that snuffed out any hope of a late Melbourne fightback and will again be one to watch when he hits the field on Saturday.
