Super 14
Shepherd injury continues Force misery
Scrum.com
February 15, 2010
Western Force's Cameron Shepherd runs in for a try, Western Force v Lions, Super 14, Subiaco Oval, Perth, Australia, April 24, 2009
Cameron Shepherd could be out of action for six weeks © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Stephen Donald | Cameron Shepherd
Tournaments/Tours: Super 14

Western Force's injury nightmare has continued with the news that wing Cameron Shepherd will be out of action for six weeks after picking up a thigh strain.

Shepherd suffered the injury while kicking during the warm-up ahead of their opening Super 14 defeat to the Brumbies at ME Stadium. The Perth franchise have already seen marquee signing Andre Pretorius ruled out for the season and also lost backup fly-half Mark Bartholomeusz for their opener due to a nerve irritation in his neck.

The former Ulster and Saracens back is expected to be fit for their next home game against the Chiefs, on February 27, while the medical staff will also be monitoring the shoulder injury picked up by No.8 Richard Brown.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs have also been forced to bolster their squad for the second leg of their South African tour, with lock Romana Graham in line for a Super 14 bow following an injury to Kevin O'Neill. The Chiefs face the Lions in Johannesburg on February 20 after opening their account with a 19-18 victory over the Sharks in Durban at the weekend.

Stephen Donald kicked the winning points in the dying seconds and was unfazed after the Durban crowd pelted the field with missiles following the referee's decision to award a penalty.

"It's the first time things have gone a little bit pear-shaped for me so far as kicking and the crowd starting to lose the plot," Donald said. "It [the jug] got close but I had a pretty big tee boy today in Sione Lauaki so I felt pretty safe.

"I don't know what their problem was. I think it was supposed to hit the referee more than me. I didn't kick well early so it was good to come back and put a couple of key ones over for the boys. We haven't tasted success in round one for about six years so we're very proud."

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