Brumbies

Giteau and Elsom start for Brumbies

Tuesday, February 09 The Brumbies have named a full-strength line-up ahead of their Super 14 opening round match against the Force at Members Equity Stadium.

Former Western Force flyhalf Matt Giteau and Rocky Elsom have been named in the squad after missing the CA Brumbies final pre-season match with their respective quad strain and hamstring irritation. Giteau has been bracketed in the flyhalf role along with Australian Under 20’s playmaker Matt Toomua.

Outside back Pat McCabe has also recovered from his quad strain and will make his Super 14 debut on the CA Brumbies’ right wing on Friday night.

Prop Ben Alexander has been passed fit after making a quicker than anticipated recovery from a broken hand and will pack down alongside Stephen Moore and Guy Shepherdson while lock Justin Harrison will play his first Super Rugby match for the CA Brumbies since their semi-final loss to the Blues in 2003.

Head Coach Andy Friend says while Elsom is a likely starter for Friday night’s match, Giteau would be given to 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 has 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.”

Mark Chisholm will join Harrison in the second row with Elsom, George Smith and captain Stephen Hoiles forming the CA Brumbies back row.

Scrumhalf Josh Valentine will make his first appearance against his former Investec Bank Super 14 appearance for his fourth province 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 link in the midfield with Stirling Mortlock, who needs just four points to become the first player in Super Rugby history to surpass 1,000 career points. McCabe, Francis Fainifo and Wallaby fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper form the CA Brumbies’ back three.

Afusipa Taumoepeau will travel to Perth as the side’s 23rd man.

	Team vs Western Force 12 Feb 10 13:05 Members Equity Stadium Perth, Australia
1  Ben Alexander 2  Stephen Moore 3  Guy Shepherdson 4  Mark Chisholm 5  Justin Harrison 6  Mitchell Chapman 7  George Smith 8  Stephen Hoiles 9  Josh Valentine 10  Matt Toomua 11  Francis Fainifo 12  Christian Lealiifano 13  Stirling Mortlock 14  Pat McCabe 15  Adam Ashley-Cooper 16  Huia Edmonds 17  Salesi Ma'afu 18  Ben Hand 19  Henry Vanderglas 20  Patrick Phibbs 21  Tyrone Smith 22  Alfie Mafi
Captain - Stephen Hoiles Giteau failed late fitness test - Toomua to start at flyhalf. Elsom, Valentine and Harrison all start after moves Pat McCabe to make debut on right wing Elsom another late withdrawal - replaced by Chapman.

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Brumbies | More by Gareth Rosslee

• > Same XV for Brumbies
• > Brumbies unchanged
• > Brumbies drop Harrison
• > Elsom and Giteau in for Brumbies
• > Giteau ruled out of S14 opener

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