Six CA Brumbies chosen for Tri Nations campaign

Peter Kimlin in action against Italy

Six CA Brumbies have been selected in the 30-man Wallabies squad named today to contest the Bundaberg Rum Tri Nations Series.

Stirling Mortlock will again captain the side and has been joined in the squad by Ben Alexander, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Peter Kimlin, Stephen Moore and George Smith, with new recruit Rocky Elsom also selected. Matt Giteau has also been named in the squad.

The return of NSW Waratahs No 8 Wycliff Palu and the selection of the 21-year-old Queensland Reds halfback Will Genia highlight the

This pair takes the places of Lote Tuqiri and Josh Valentine respectively from the squad which completed the first phase of the international season.

The selectors have opted for a 17-13 split between forwards and backs within the group.

The selection of Genia, who joins the Western Force loose forward Matt Hodgson as an uncapped member of the squad, had been flagged after the Investec Super 14.

His selection at that point was only prevented by the injury he sustained during a two-try performance playing against the Brumbies in Brisbane.

“Had Will been available for our first squad, we would have selected him,” Deans says.

“His absence gave Josh Valentine an opportunity to be involved, and gain experience within our group which is important in terms of broadening our halfback depth but, now that Will is ready to get started, it is an appropriate time to bring him in.”

Hodgson is expected to be available for selection for the Tri Nations opener although Elsom, who is resting a bruised bone around his knee, may not be able to be considered until Australia’s trip to South Africa at the end of the month.

“He’s making progress but we won’t look at getting Rocky started again until he is ready,” Deans says.

Deans says the decision to enter the tournament with nine players capable of featuring among the loose forwards, which includes utility forwards Dean Mumm and Peter Kimlin, reflected both an awareness of the traditionally high rate of attrition in this area, but also the uncertainty over the pre-tournament preparation for Hodgson and Elsom in particular.

This year sees the 14th edition of the annual three-nation tournament, which the All Blacks won last year.

The Qantas Wallabies Squad for the 2009 Bundaberg Rum Tri-Nations is:

2009 Bundaberg Rum Tri-Nations Series

* all kick offs are in local times (NZ – 2 hours, AEST, SA +8 hours, AEST)