Wallabies back for CA Brumbies to tackle Tahs

Rocky Elsom has been named to play the Waratahs in Thursday's trial.

The CA Brumbies have named a near full-strength starting XV to take on the Waratahs in their final pre-season match at Viking Park on Thursday night.

The ACT side’s forward pack has benefited from the return all but two of their Wallaby Spring Tourists with hooker Stephen Moore, lock Mark Chisholm and flanker George Smith all returning to the fold. New recruit and Wallaby captain Rocky Elsom has also been named on the blindside flank to make his first appearance since joining the CA Brumbies.

Matt Giteau (quad) and Ben Alexander (hand) were the only two players not considered due to injury.

The backline has also received a revamp from the one that went down to the Hurricanes 26-5 in New Zealand on Friday, with pivot Matt Toomua joining scrumhalf Josh Valentine in the halves and Christian Lealiifano shifting to inside centre to form a new-look midfield with Stirling Mortlock.

Returning Wallabies fullback Adam Ashley-Cooper will head the CA Brumbies outside backs with Andrew Smith and Pat McCabe each recovering from quadriceps injuries to take up their positions on the wings.

Head Coach Andy Friend says Thursday’s match is an important one with the start of the Investec Bank Super 14 just 11 days away.

“Friday’s trial [against the Hurricanes] was a good starting point for us and obviously we’ll look to build on that for Thursday night,” he said. “We’re still in the pre-season, there will be some glitches but this is the time to identify them and address them before the competition starts in earnest against the Force on February 12.

“In saying that, it’s great to be able to include another five Wallabies in our side. They’re some of the best players in their respective positions and it’s important for them to get some game time under their belt before we head to Perth.

“The Tahs will again be a benchmark side of the competition this season. They’ve had two good hit-outs [against the Reds and Fiji Warriors] during their pre-season and they’ll give us a fairly good indication of where we stand leading into the season.”

Tickets for Thursday night’s match are still available from Brumbies Rugby headquarters and the Vikings Group of Clubs, with grandstand tickets only available from the Vikings Club Erindale.

Meanwhile, the Brumby Runners have named an extended 26-man squad to take on the 2009 Shute Shield champions, Sydney University.

The curtain-raiser will feature eight CA Brumbies and 18 members of the Brumbies Academy representing the Runners.

CA Brumbies v Waratahs
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010         
Kick-off: 7.30pm

1. Salesi Ma’afu
2. Stephen Moore
3. Guy Shepherdson
4. Ben Hand
5. Mark Chisholm
6. Rocky Elsom
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Pat McCabe
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Andrew Smith
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper 
 
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. John Ulugia
18. Justin Harrison
19. Mitch Chapman
20. Henry Vanderglas
21. Patrick Phibbs
22. Tyrone Smith
23. Francis Fainifo
 

Brumby Runners v Sydney University
Viking Park, Canberra
Thursday, 3 February 2010
Kick-off: 6.00pm

1. John Ulgia
2. Anthony Hegarty
3. Steven Noriega
4. Justin Harrison
5. Sitaleki Timani
6. Colby Faingaa
7. Michael Hooper
8. Ita Vaea
9. Patrick Phibbs
10. Robbie Coleman
11. Alfi Mafi
12. Ed Stubbs
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Afusipa Taumoepeau
15. Francis Fainifo

Reserves
16. Nathan Charles
17. Chris Barbaro
18. Tim Metcher
19. Hugh Pyle
20. Liam Winton
21. Jesse Parahi
22. Anthony Dawes
23. Rod Esekia
24. Kurt Mulcahy
25. Tyler Stevens
26. Jesse Mogg 
 
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