Elsom out as one of three changes to CA Brumbies

Rocky Elsom will miss the CA Brumbies' pre-season match against the Waratahs

The CA Brumbies have made three late changes to their starting line-up to play the Waratahs at Viking Park tomorrow (Thursday) night.

New recruit Rocky Elsom has been ruled out with a hamstring tendon irritation while wingers Andrew Smith and Pat McCabe have succumbed to quad strains.

The omissions see Mitch Chapman return to the starting XV at blindside flanker while Alfi Mafi and Francis Fainifo take up their places on their respective wings.

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

Head Coach Andy Friend says the decision was made to exercise caution with the Investec Bank Super 14 season just nine days away.

“Had it been during the season there’s a strong possibility each of them would have played,” he said. “However, one week out from the first [competition] game is not the time to be risking guys ahead of what is always a torrid and demanding season.

“It’s disappointing that they [Elsom, McCabe and Smith] won’t get a chance to have a last hit-out before the season but the decision was made with a view to seeing them fit to take on the Force next week.”

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. Mitch Chapman
7. George Smith
8. Stephen Hoiles (c)
9. Josh Valentine
10. Matt Toomua
11. Francis Fainifo
12. Christian Lealiifano
13. Stirling Mortlock
14. Alfi Mafi
15. Adam Ashley-Cooper 
 
Reserves
16. Huia Edmonds
17. John Ulugia
18. Justin Harrison
19. Henry Vanderglas
20. Patrick Phibbs
21. Tyrone Smith
22. Afusipa Taumoepeau
 

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. Tyler Stevens
12. Ed Stubbs
13. Tyrone Smith
14. Afusipa Taumoepeau
15. Jesse Mogg 
 
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. Nua Alone

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