CA Brumbies name side for final home match

John Ulugia

The CA Brumbies have made two changes to their starting line-up for their final home match of 2008 against the Lions on Friday night.
                                         
Captain Stirling Mortlock returns to his customary position at outside centre after missing the CA Brumbies’ emphatic 27-21 win over the Sharks due to a head knock suffered the previous week against the Blues. 
 
Mortlock’s reinstatement pushes Adam Ashley-Cooper to the wing after scoring two tries against the Sharks. Winger Peter Playford has been ruled out through injury while Francis Fainifo holds down his position on the left wing.

Hooker John Ulugia has been elevated to the starting front row in the only change to the CA Brumbies’ forward pack.

The 21 year old says he’s pleased to be included in the run-on side.

“It’s always great to get into the starting side,” he said. “The side has been going well in the last few weeks and it’s important that we continue playing well.

“The Lions have a strong forward pack so we need to make sure our set piece is strong and we’re recycling our own ball.”

No.8 Julian Salvi retains his position at the back of the scrum while Stephen Hoiles will start on the forward-weighted bench after scans cleared him of a cheek injury sustained against the Sharks. Hoiles joins Saia Faingaa in the CA Brumbies reserves, alongside Peter Kimlin, Ben Alexander and Josh Holmes who each made a significant impact off the bench against the Sharks.
                                                                                                              
CA Brumbies Head Coach Laurie Fisher says his side will be looking for strong performance in their final regular season match at Canberra Stadium for 2008.

“It has been pleasing to see the attitude and self belief that the side has approached the last two matches with,” he said. “There have been a lot of pleasing aspects from our last two performances and it’s very important that we continue to build on that confidence and take our game forward over the final four rounds of the competition.

“At 113 kilograms, Luge [Ulugia] will give some size and stability to our set piece. He’s still developing a lot of the technical aspects of the position, but he’s very strong and he gets around the field well for someone of his size.

“We need to continue to get consistency in our set piece and use that as a platform to attack from against a very enthusiastic Lions outfit.”

Friday night’s match will kick off at 7.40pm.
 

CA Brumbies v Lions
Canberra Stadium, Canberra
Friday, 25 April 2008