Elsom fit, Giteau bracketed
Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:46
How to become No.1: Brumbies flyhalf Matt Giteau
The Brumbies have named a full-strength line-up to play against the Western Force in their Super 14 opening round match at Members Equity Stadium in Perth on Friday.
Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom and playmaker Matt Giteau have been selected after missing the Brumbies final pre-season trial match.
But while Elsom is expected to recover from his hamstring irritation in time to play, Matt Toomua has been bracketed alongside Giteau at flyhalf as the former Force playmaker races against time to recover from his quad strain.
Brumbies head coach Andy Friend said that while Elsom is a likely starter for Friday night's match, Giteau would be given until 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 have 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 per cent ready to go."
Right wing Pat McCabe has recovered from his quad strain and will make his Super 14 debut on the right wing.
Loose-head prop Ben Alexander has been passed fit after making a quicker than anticipated recovery from a broken hand and will pack down alongside hooker Stephen Moore and tight-head Guy Shepherdson.
Lock Justin Harrison will play his first Super game for the Brumbies since their semi-final loss to the Blues in 2003.
A Wallaby with 34 test caps, the 35-year old Harrison returns to the Brumbies after moving from there to the Waratahs, then Ulster and then Bath. He completed his eight month suspension for actions "prejudicial to the interests of the Game" on January 13.
Mark Chisholm will join Harrison in the second row with Elsom, George Smith and captain Stephen Hoiles forming a formidable back row.
Scrumhalf Josh Valentine will make his first appearance for the Brumbies, 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 play inside Stirling Mortlock, who needs just four points to become the first player in Super Rugby history to surpass 1,000 career points.
Afusipa Taumoepeau will travel to Perth as the side's 23rd man.
A centre or wing, Taumoepeau was the youngest player ever to debut for the Brumbies. He still qualifies for Australia U20 this year, but is about to embark on his third Super 14 season, having played five games for the Brumbies in each of 2008 and 2009. A former Australian Schools, Sevens and U20 representative, he has elusive attacking skills and is regarded as a particularly bright prospect.
Brumbies: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Pat McCabe, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Christian Lealiifano, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Matt Giteau (Matt Toomua), 9 Josh Valentine, 8 Stephen Hoiles (captain), 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Justin Harrison, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Ben Alexander.
Replacements: 16 Huia Edmonds, 17 Salesi Maafu, 18 Ben Hand, 19 Mitchell Chapman, 20 Patrick Phibbs, 21 Tyrone Smith, 22 Alfi Mafi, (23 Afusipa Taumoepeau).
Date: Friday, February 12
Venue: Members Equity Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 19.05 (11.05 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Nathan Pearce (Australia), Julian Pritchard (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)
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