Brumbies reshuffle the pack
Thu, 01 May 2008 10:55
The Brumbies have made three changes to their forward pack for their Super 14 Week 12 clash against the Stormers at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, on Saturday.
Versatile back row forward Stephen Hoiles returns to the starting line-up after two weeks on the bench - against the Sharks and Lions. Hoiles will run on at blindside flank, joining George Smith and Julian Salvi at the back of the scrum. Mitchell Chapman will start on the replacement bench.
The front row has also received two changes, with Salesi Ma'afu replacing Guy Shepherdson at tighthead prop for his fifth start of the season, while Saia Faingaa replaces John Ulugia at hooker in the only other change to the starting XV.
Ma'afu says he's looking forward to starting against the Stormers.
"This is an important match for us and I think every player enjoys starting in the big games," he said.
"I've been fairly happy with my form this season, but I'm still learning the game and these matches are important for a player's development.
"The Stormers have a very strong set piece and we've had a strong focus on our scrum and line-out during the week.
"Personally, I'm looking to continue taking my game forward and building on the good work Sheppy has done over the past few weeks."
The Brumbies' backline remains unchanged with captain and last week's man-of-the-match Stirling Mortlock leading the side from outside centre alongside midfield partner Tyrone Smith. Francis Fainifo and Adam Ashley-Cooper will occupy the wings with fullback Mark Gerrard making up the back three.
Coach Laurie Fisher has again opted for five forwards on the bench with Chapman, Ulugia and Shepherdson, joining Peter Kimlin and Ben Alexander. Afusipa Taumoepeau returns to the 22-man squad next to Josh Holmes as the replacement backs.
Fisher says finding optimal game time for players is integral during the final weeks of the Super 14.
"Across our three weeks away it's important to maintain a balance between keeping players fresh and giving others game time," he said.
"Salesi's been very solid for us off the bench over the past few matches and we saw this as a good opportunity to give him a start and use Shep off the bench during what is an important three weeks for us."
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 Julian Salvi, 7 George Smith, 6 Stephen Hoiles, 5 Mark Chisholm, 4 Alister Campbell, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Saia Faingaa, 1 Nic Henderson.
Replacements: 16 John Ulugia, 17 Guy Shepherdson, 18 Peter Kimlin, 19 Ben
Alexander, 20 Mitchell Chapman, 21 Josh Holmes, 22 Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Date: Saturday, May 3
Venue: Newlands Stadium, Cape Town
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Phillip Bosch (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
Assessor: Dennis Immelman (South Africa)
