Tue 9 Feb 2010
The Brumbies have named a full-strength line-up ahead of their Super 14 opening round match against the Force at Members Equity Stadium.
Former Western Force flyhalf Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom have been named in the squad after missing the Brumbies final pre-season match with their respective quad strain and hamstring irritation. Giteau has been bracketed in the flyhalf role along with Australian Under 20s playmaker Matt Toomua.
Outside back Pat McCabe has also recovered from his quad strain and will make his Super 14 debut on the Brumbies’ right wing on Friday night.
Prop Ben Alexander has been passed fit after making a quicker than anticipated recovery from a broken hand and will pack down alongside Stephen Moore and Guy Shepherdson while lock Justin Harrison will play his first Super Rugby match for the Brumbies since their semifinal loss to the Blues in 2003.
Head coach Andy Friend says while Elsom is a likely starter for Friday night’s match, Giteau would be given to the last minute to prove his fitness.
“Matt’s still touch and go at this stage,” he said. “You never want to leave a player like that out of the side and we’ll be giving him every opportunity to play against his old side.
“He’s comfortable with where he’s at at the moment and the medical staff has been pleased with how it’s been progressing. We’ll be giving him up until the last possible minute on Friday but we’re very mindful that you don’t want to be risking someone like that should they not be 100 percent ready to go.”
Mark Chisholm will join Harrison in the second row with Elsom, George Smith and captain Stephen Hoiles forming the Brumbies back row.
Scrumhalf Josh Valentine will make his first appearance against his former Super 14 appearance for his fourth province having previously represented the Reds, Waratahs and Western Force.
After a strong performance in the ‘12’ jersey against the Waratahs, flyhalf-cum-inside centre Christian Lealiifano will link in the midfield with Stirling Mortlock, who needs just four points to become the first player in Super Rugby history to surpass 1000 career points. McCabe, Francis Fainifo and Wallaby fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper form the Brumbies’ back three.
Afusipa Taumoepeau will travel to Perth as the side’s 23rd man.
Brumbies v Western Force
Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Friday February 12
Kickoff: 7.05pm local time (10.05pm AEDST)
Ben Alexander
Stephen Moore
Guy Shepherdson
Mark Chisholm
Justin Harrison
Rocky Elsom
George Smith
Stephen Hoiles (c)
Josh Valentine
Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua
Francis Fainifo
Christian Lealiifano
Stirling Mortlock
Pat McCabe
Adam Ashley-Cooper
Reserves
Huia Edmonds
Salesi Ma’afu
Ben Hand
Mitchell Chapman
Patrick Phibbs
Tyrone Smith
Alfi Mafi
Afusipa Taumoepeau