Brumbies teen running with the Bulls
Wed, 07 May 2008 09:20
Wing Afusipa Taumoepeau has been selected to make his run-on debut for the Brumbies against the Bulls in their Super 14 Week 13 match at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
The 18-year-old's promotion to the starting line-up is one of five changes with John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Mitchell Chapman and Joshua Holmes all returning to the starting XV.
Taumoepeau joined the Brumbies Academy this year having represented the St Joseph's First XV and Australian Schoolboys in 2007.
Taumoepeau, who made his Super 14 debut off the bench against the Reds at Canberra Stadium this year, says he excited about making his debut in the starting XV.
"I didn't think I'd play any Super 14 this year, so to be chosen in the starting side is beyond my expectations," he said. "I've really enjoyed playing at this level and I'm looking forward to playing the Bulls on Friday night.
"Growing up, I always looked up to guys like Stirling Mortlock and Mark Gerrard, so to have the opportunity to run on alongside them is a dream come true."
In the other change to the Brumbies' backline, Holmes replaces Patrick Phibbs at scrumhalf.
The Canberra-based side's forward pack has also received a number of changes with Chapman returning to blindside flank allowing Stephen Hoiles to return to his customary role of No.8.
Meanwhile, Ulugia replaces Saia Faingaa at hooker, and will pack down next to Shepherdson - who returns to the starting front row in place of Salesi Ma'afu.
Head Coach Laurie Fisher says Taumoepeau is an outstanding young prospect for the Brumbies.
"Sipa's shown what a tremendous player he is at the junior level and he's approached his senior football with a lot of maturity and enthusiasm," he said.
"He's risen to each challenge through our [pre-season] trial matches and off the bench during the season, and this is a great opportunity for him to continue his development as part of the run-on side against last year's Super 14 Champions."
Due to illness within the squad in the lead-up to Friday's match, the bench will not be resolved until the day of the game.
Brumbies: 15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Stirling Mortlock (captain), 12 Tyrone Smith, 11 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Joshua Holmes, 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: TBC
Date: Friday, May 9
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Vinny Munro (New Zealand), Craig Joubert (South Africa)
TMO: Johann Meuwesen (South Africa)
