Two 'new' backs for the Brumbies
Wed, 14 May 2008 09:00
Brumbies coach Laurie Fisher has made two changes to their starting XV for their final match of the Super 14 season, against the Western Force at Subiaco Oval in Perth on Friday.
Wing Francis Fainifo and scrumhalf Patrick Phibbs return to the starting line-up, after coming off the bench against the Bulls in Pretoria last week.
They replace Afusipa Taumoepeau and Joshua Holmes respectively, who both revert back to the replacement bench.
The Brumbies' forward pack remains in tact, with John Ulugia holding down the hooker's position - while George Smith, Mitchell Chapman and Stephen Hoiles will continue to make up the side's back row.
Head coach Laurie Fisher has opted for a traditional four-forwards-three-backs bench, with Saia Faingaa, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Julian Salvi and Matt Toomua joining Taumoepeau and Holmes among the replacements.
Outside centre Stirling Mortlock will eclipse Brett Robinson (43 caps) as the second most caps as Brumbies captain and will finish the season within five matches of George Gregan, who led the Brumbies on 49 occasions.
Brumbies: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Stephen Hoiles, 7 George Smith, 6 Mitchell Chapman, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 John Ulugia, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 Saia Faingaa, 17 Salesi Ma'afu, 18 Peter Kimlin, 19 Julian Salvi, 20 Joshua Holmes, 21 Matt Toomua, 22 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Date: Friday, May 16
Venue: Subiaco Oval, Perth
Kick-off: 19.05 (11.05 GMT
Referee: Paul Marks (Australia)/Nathan Pearce (Australia)
Touch judges: Ian Smith (Australia), Grant MacNeill (Australia)
TMO: Geoff Acton (Australia)
