No Mortlock as Brumbies change
Thu, 17 Apr 2008 10:22
The Brumbies have made one change to their starting line-up to play the Sharks in a crucial Super 14 Week 10 match at Canberra Stadium on Saturday.
Captain Stirling Mortlock has been ruled out after suffering an accidental knee to the head during the side's 16-11 win over the Blues last week.
Adam Ashley-Cooper shifts to outside centre, while Francis Fainifo has been promoted from the bench onto the left wing.
Ashley-Cooper, who was among the Brumbies' best against the Blues, will play in his third position in as many weeks - having started at fullback against the Chiefs and on the wing at Eden Park last weekend.
The 23-year-old says he's looking forward to running on in his preferred position in the Brumbies midfield.
"It's disappointing to lose Stirlo [Mortlock]," he said.
"In saying that, we've played without him through the first half of the competition, so this isn't a new obstacle for us.
"We realise what a challenge we're in for on Saturday. The Sharks have quality players across the field from one through to 22 and if we don't turn up to play then they will make us pay."
The Brumbies' bench has also received a boost with the inclusion of Stephen Hoiles, who returns from a cheek injury suffered against the Chiefs a fortnight ago. Hoiles joins an extended reserves list with prop Ben Alexander and centre Sanualio Afeaki included on the eight-man bench.
The Brumbies' forward pack will remain the same, with Julian Salvi retaining the No.8 jumper, while last week's Man of the Match Mark Chisholm and Alister Campbell will pack down at lock.
Brumbies: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Peter Playford, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Francis Fainifo, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Patrick Phibbs, 8 Julian Salvi, 7 George Smith (captain), 6 Mitchell Chapman, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Guy Shepherdson, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements (from): John Ulugia, Salesi Ma'afu, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Hoiles, Joshua Holmes, Matt Toomua, Sanualio Afeaki, Ben Alexander.
Date: Saturday, 19 April
Venue: Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Kick-off: 19.40 (09.40 GMT)
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand), Grant MacNeill (Australia)
Television match official: George Ayoub (Australia)
Assessor: Brendan McCormick (Australia)
