By Adrian Warren
February 10th 2010 @ 2:23am
Related coverage
Test pack for Brumbies, but Giteau could be missing
The Brumbies will throw a Test-strength pack at the Western Force in their opening Super 14 rugby clash on Friday, but five-eighth Matt Giteau remains in doubt.
Andy Friend announced a full-strength team containing 12 Test representatives, including the entire pack, with wingers Francis Fainifo and Pat McCabe and centre Christian Lealiifano the only players yet to earn Wallaby status.
Giteau, who has moved across from the Force, is still battling to overcome the quad injury which prevented him playing any trials.
“We will look at him tomorrow at training. If it looks like he’s no chance, then we will probably make a call then, but if he’s still a chance we will probably give him another day,” Friend told reporters on Tuesday.
“We certainly won’t push him, if he’s not right, we’re not going to force him to get out there.”
Young five-eighth Matt Toomua was bracketed with Giteau.
If Giteau is fit, Toomua will drop out of the 22, with Giteau and inside centre Christian Lealiifano giving the Brumbies dual playmakers.
New halfback Josh Valentine will complete the set of representing all four Australian Super franchises when he turns out against his previous employer.
Wallabies captain and blindside flanker Rocky Elsom has been named to make his Brumbies debut after missing the trials with a hamstring niggle.
Australian under 19 representative McCabe, who has recovered from a quad strain, will make his Super debut.
In the forwards, former Wallabies lock Justin Harrison will play his first Super match for the Brumbies since 2003.
Friend said it had been tough to exclude lock Ben Hand, but the Brumbies needed their best lineout forward and controller to play following problems in that area in their final trial against the Waratahs.
“The bloke who has got the most experience of fixing the lineout is Justin Harrison,” Friend said.
He was wary of the Force, who he labelled a bogey team following victories in their last two Super clashes over the Brumbies.
Wallabies prop Ben Alexander was rushed into the team despite not playing in the trials due to a broken hand.
Alexander, who will switch back from his Test position of tighthead to loosehead, wasn’t concerned about the lack of match fitness for Elsom, Giteau and himself.
“Those guys (Elsom and Giteau) are tremendously naturally fit, they are still topping the fitness testing, even though they haven’t been playing,” Alexander told reporters.
“Off-field fitness-wise running and stuff, I am setting personal bests, so I’m happy with that.”
While the Brumbies scrum struggled against the Waratahs in their final trial, Alexander said the technical errors were easily fixed and he wasn’t at all worried.
Friend and Alexander both felt the Brumbies could set up their season by winning at least two of their first three games on the road against the Force, Bulls and Stormers.
“If we win two or three of those games it really puts us in a good spot with only a couple of trips to New Zealand for the rest of the year,” Alexander said.
Brumbies: Adam Ashley-Cooper, Pat McCabe, Stirling Mortlock, Christian Lealiifano, Francis Fainifo, Matt Giteau/Matt Toomua, Josh Valentine, Stephen Hoiles (capt), George Smith, Rocky Elsom, Justin Harrison, Mark Chisholm, Guy Shepherdson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander. Res: Huia Edmonds, Salesi Maafu, Ben Hand, Mitchell Chapman, Patrick Phibbs, Tyrone Smith, Alfi Mafi, Afusipa Taumoepeau.
Going to the Waratahs v Brumbies blockbuster at ANZ Stadium, Saturday 24 April? If you're keen to meet up with other Roarers, register you interest and we'll keep you informed on the place to meet. Register now.
Get Australia's best Rugby opinion emailed daily.
Like this content? Buzz it up!
Free Email updates:
Our daily emails are only sent if there is content for the sport or that author. You can subscribe to multiple daily emails; or get the daily Roar email with all our content in it. We value privacy. More...
(7)
matt said | February 10th 2010 @ 5:55am | Report comment
Test strength pack, who would have thought…..
Go_the_Wannabe's said | February 10th 2010 @ 10:25am | Report comment
I smell a Force upset……..again. Lack of match practice for some of the Brumby big guns means they may be a bit rusty.
It’s the Force’s first official game at the new ground, they wont want to let the fans down.
The blue mist from 20,000 screaming fans will descend on the ground.
Force to win by 5.
ballboy said | February 10th 2010 @ 10:54am | Report comment
I hope you’re wrong Wannabe. The Brumbies need to win at the very least one of their away games, most likely two. Out of Bulls, Stormer and Force you’d think the one they will be banking on is the Force. I don’t think match fitness is going to be a problem but cohesiveness could play a factor. Hasn’t been the best preparation not playing their big guns much in the trials. For mine, their Wallabies should have been back training with the squad two weeks earlier than what they were.
Fingers crossed for a win.
Harry said | February 10th 2010 @ 11:00am | Report comment
Pity Alexander’s playing at loosehead. Still he coped OK at tighthead on the Autumn tour so maybe he is one of these rare players that can between loosehead and tighthead and be effective in both positions.
As to the Brumbies pack, while they might all have test caps, only Elsom and Alexander are currently indisputed first choice players. Should e a good game.
CraigB said | February 10th 2010 @ 8:03pm | Report comment
Brumbies by 12 with the backrow to have a field day
Rin said | February 11th 2010 @ 5:10pm | Report comment
Gits is officially out of the game, all of a sudden the backline doesnt look very flash to me. Adam Ashley-Cooper – their best backline player, Pat McCabe – Who?, Stirling Mortlock – not even half of the Stirling we used to know hurry up and go to Japan already, Christian Lealiifano – good but needs more time, bit of a defensive liability from what ive seen, Francis Fainifo – mmm quick but not sure about him, often looks lazy on the field, Matt Toomua – good but also inexperienced.
Go_the_Wannabe's said | February 11th 2010 @ 5:21pm | Report comment
Get your money on the Force while the odds are still good……..