SUFC squad announced: SUFC v Samoa

The Sydney University Rugby Union squad has been announced for Friday night’s block buster trial game against Samoa.

The game will be Sydney University’s second match against an international touring team in the Club’s 149 year history. The game against Samoa will take place at the historic Sydney Football Stadium at 5:30pm on Friday 17th February 2012, and act as the curtain raiser to the HSBC Waratahs trial game against Tonga, kicking off at 7:30pm.

“There is no denying our squad is young, but these players are thirsty for knowledge,” said University Head Coach Todd Louden.

“The development I have seen over the last couple of months tells me that we have some very gifted young players coming through our ranks, and there will definitely be some Super Rugby players come out of this group in the not too distant future.”

“We will have two 15-man squads on Friday night, and I am hoping that each player will get a minimum of 40 minutes of game time,” said Louden.

“There are 7 new faces in this squad; Dylan Evans, Liam Winton, David Fong, Stephano Hunt, Pieter Van Der Merwe, Edward Burrett and Mark O’Dare and this game will be their first in the blue and gold hoops.”

Dylan Evans comes to the Club from Newcastle and is a very strong prop and is looking to develop at Uni in the coming year. Dylan has a very funny demeanour and is the character of the squad.

Liam Winton has had a very strong off season and has trained extensively with the NSW Waratahs. He put this hard work to the test last weekend when he played in the Waratahs trail against Samoa.

David Fong is a “little power monster” who is a hard worker and is extremely dynamic around the ruck.

Stephano Hunt played his first Super Rugby game at age 19. He is a very versatile player who plays several positions. He is a great utility player who will develop throughout the 2012 season.

Pieter Van Der Merwe is another strong prop to join the Club in 2012. He is originally from South Africa and has been playing in Otago for the last 3 years. He will develop throughout the season.

Edward Burrett is raw and pure talent. If he puts in the work and sets his mind to it, he will be Super Rugby bound in the near future.

Mark O’Dare is an extremely athletic outside back. He has a thirst for knowledge and it eagerly learning as much as he can.

“It is great to welcome back Anthony Pohlen and Kurt Larsen who both were injured throughout 2011. These players know what is expected of them to play for this Club and they bring so much energy to the training sessions, they are both really keen just to get back on the field,” said Louden.

“It is also great to see James McMahon back in the side. Macca proved himself as a quality 1st Grader in 2011 and unfortunately broke his leg in round 15 against West Harbour. He will have a huge season this year.”

“The other returning players to keep an eye out for are Byron Hodge and James Swan. Byron threw everything into 2011 and cemented his starting position in the Colts 1 side. He will look to dominate again this year and develop layers in his game. James Swan has dropped 7kgs in off season, and will be an influential player throughout the Club in 2012.

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